Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Pham.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kim. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I had always HATED going to the dentist! Whether it was constantly having new cavities filled or braces tightened every month (for three whole years!), it seemed like gloved hands were always in my mouth. Yes, I was eventually rewarded with a healthy and functional smile, but as I grew to learn, not everyone gets that privilege. My experiences inspired me to pursue dentistry as a career. After earning my Bachelor of Science degree from UT Austin, I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the UT School of Dentistry in the Texas Medical Center here in Houston.
After working at several different dental offices for a few years, I decided that opening my own private practice would allow me to provide dental care in a manner that would be more beneficial to the local community. I partnered up with a classmate from dental school who also shared the same generous philosophy of patient care, and we settled on a location just southeast of the city center where we could practice in a more family-friendly setting and become a part of the local community. Both of us truly understood the importance of dental care for growing children and adults, and so Autumn Family Dentistry was founded with just one main focus: to provide quality dentistry for the entire family in a warm and inviting environment.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting any new business is never a smooth road, and if anyone tells you it is, then they’re probably lying! There are the usual struggles that come with starting any new enterprise from scratch, such selecting a location, envisioning and designing the workspace, hiring reputable contractors to build everything, branding and marketing, finding team members that share your philosophy and vision and, of course, finding ways to finance a very expensive and risky venture!
However, the biggest obstacles definitely come from within. You really are your own worst enemy when it comes to self-doubt and lack of self-confidence. Perfectionism can really work against you, as there is hardly ever a perfect location or a perfect time to start up, and waiting for that perfect opportunity can mean waiting forever.
Another important point is that dental school does a wonderful job of teaching students how to diagnose and treat conditions of the oral cavity but, like many other academic institutions, it does very little to prepare them for the “real world” and running a business. This makes it very scary for new graduates, but we are continuing to learn and improve every day. We’ve been fortunate enough to have met some great mentors with helpful experiences to share, and we’re also very grateful for all the support from friends and family.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Autumn Family Dentistry is located just off of I-45 South in League City, TX and proudly cares for the dental needs of the surrounding area. What sets the practice apart is that it is 100% locally-owned and operated by myself and my partner as, essentially, a “mom-and-pop shop.” This allows us to have a lot more freedom in how we practice, freedom not usually found in big “corporate” or “company-owned” style dental offices. There are no quotas, no middle-management to pay off, and we use local labs and American-made dental materials. The relationship is direct between the dental professionals and our patients, who receive personalized care rather than the “cattle drive” style treatment often seen in large dental clinic chains.
Many people sadly have this misconception that high-quality dentistry is unaffordable, which is simply not true with our office. Our priority is ensuring that our patients receive the treatment they need, even if it means we have to provide generous financial assistance and payments plans. Medicaid and PPO insurances are accepted, however, you do NOT need to have any insurance or be in-network to come see us!
Services include general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry. Patients of all ages are welcome. The office is equipped with the latest technology, including intra-oral cameras that allow you to see exactly what the doctor sees, TV’s on the ceiling to watch and keep your mind occupied while receiving dental treatment, and fully-digital x-rays that minimize radiation exposure. We are very proud of our new facility, as it is designed with patient comfort and customer service in mind, and we really look forward to sharing it with the community!
What were you like growing up?
Even as a child, I’ve always felt a sense of restlessness in me. I was a typical overachiever who actually enjoyed learning, reading, and academics. I kept myself busy with school, church activities, and was also a competitive swimmer and classical pianist. Thanks to my parents, who were Vietnam War refugees, I learned to multitask and hustle at a very young age. I was that type of crazy kid to take on college courses while still in high school, so I entered college as a junior and graduated early to get a head start on my career. To be independent and self-reliant has always been very important to me, even growing up, and I’m excited to see what the future brings in my professional life and in my personal life, as well.
Pricing:
- Complimentary consultation (including x-rays)
- In-office teeth whitening $249
- Invisalign $4800
- Traditional braces $0 down/$99 month
- Discounts for military, first responders, and teachers
Contact Info:
- Address: 2508 Gulf Fwy S
Suite 108
League City, TX 77573 - Website: www.AutumnFamilyDentistry.com
- Phone: (281)678-8344
- Email: autumnfamilydentistry@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AutumnFamilyDentistry
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/autumn-family-dentistry-league-city
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
