Jung Yu-ran, 42, a dentist with 18 years of experience and author of Healing Even Cavities of the Heart (Orgol), views her clinic as more than a treatment facility. “In dentistry, you witness transformations—not just in teeth, but in people,” she said. “Watching these changes is a joy.”
Her clinic welcomes a wide range of patients, from children who express adult-like reflections—“I’ve put down many worries these days”—to adolescents hesitant about care, middle-aged individuals overcoming dental trauma, and patients struggling with financial barriers to treatment.
One memorable case involved a grandmother who believed she could not afford dental care. Jung explained that government medical aid would cover her treatment, but the patient, unsure, left 30,000 Korean won at the clinic. “It showed me how hard it is for some people to access accurate information,” Jung said.
Jung compiled these experiences into her book, which also provides dental care tips. Reflecting on her growth, she noted that early in her career she hesitated to instruct patients on brushing, fearing they might be offended. Today, as a respected “Doctor,” she embraces her role in guiding patient health.
Her writing frequently mentions “guilt” and “apology,” reflecting the struggles of mothers bringing anxious children to the dentist. As a mother herself, raising her two-and-a-half-year-old son Kang Min-i, Jung understands these emotions. She said, “I know guilt is my emotion, not my child’s, and I can control it. I hope mothers visiting our clinic can also let go of their worries, making parenting less burdensome.”
Jung’s approach positions her dentist clinic as a space of both medical care and emotional support, where patients—and the doctor—experience personal growth.