Beyond the beaches and buzz of Southern California, a different kind of transformation unfolds at the California Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center. Here, Dr. David Park isn’t just performing oral surgery; he’s restoring smiles, one procedure at a time. With a focus on improving functionality and quality of life, Dr. Park combines surgical expertise with a profound empathy for those he treats. Each treatment is guided by a deep understanding of the human spirit, recognizing that true healing goes far beyond the physical, ultimately resulting in an aesthetic transformation as well.
Join us as we converse with Dr. Park, a Huntington Beach board-certified oral surgeon who finds deeper meaning in his work, connecting with patients on a personal level to inspire hope and resilience.
Interviewer:
What inspired you to pursue a career in oral surgery, and how has your purpose evolved over time?
Dr. Park:
My journey into oral surgery wasn’t planned at first. While in dental school, I attended a presentation by a surgeon who had reconstructed a patient’s face after a traumatic gunshot injury. It was a life-changing moment for me—I was on the edge of my seat, completely captivated by the transformation he achieved. That single presentation sparked my passion for reconstructing and restoring not just aesthetics, but also function and quality of life for patients.
My path has been guided by a greater purpose. I’ve always felt that the opportunities, skills, and experiences I’ve been given are not just random but meant for something significant. As a surgeon, I don’t see my work as just a job—it’s a calling. Every day, I wake up knowing that my role is to help people regain not just their appearance, but their confidence and ability to live fully. Whether it’s trauma cases, complex reconstructions, or simply offering a patient hope after a failed procedure, my goal is always to provide healing on multiple levels.
Over the years, my perspective has deepened, especially through my nonprofit work. Traveling to underserved communities and witnessing the lengths people go to for medical care has reinforced my belief in service and gratitude. At the core of it all, my philosophy is simple: I have been given certain gifts and responsibilities, and my purpose is to use them to make a difference—one patient at a time.
Interviewer:
How do you consider the whole person—their emotional and psychological needs—when developing treatment plans?
Dr. Park:
One of the biggest challenges in medicine—especially in surgery—is recognizing that you’re not just treating a case; you’re treating a person. Every patient comes in with their own emotions, fears, and personal history, and as a doctor, you have to learn how to meet them where they are.
I tell the doctors I train that being a good surgeon isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about understanding people. Some patients want to know every little detail about their procedure, while others don’t want to hear anything—they just want to trust that I’ll take care of them. The way I communicate with each patient has to reflect their individual needs, so they feel heard, understood, and empowered in their treatment.
I also work with a lot of trauma patients, particularly those who have had failed procedures elsewhere. They often come in frustrated, hopeless, and unsure of who to trust. My job isn’t just to restore their function—it’s to restore their confidence in the process. I do this by making sure they feel my competence and my compassion from the very first conversation.
Interviewer:
If you could summarize your philosophy into a few key principles, what would they be? How do these principles guide your interactions with patients and your approach to treatment?
Dr. Park:
My philosophy is rooted in three key principles: purpose, responsibility, and continuous growth.
- Purpose: I believe that everything in my life—my skills, my training, and the opportunities I’ve been given—has led me to this work. Being a surgeon isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. I remind myself daily that my role is to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, whether that’s through restoring function, improving aesthetics, or simply giving someone hope when they feel like they have none.
- Responsibility: I take my role as a surgeon very seriously. Patients place their trust in me, often in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That trust isn’t something I take lightly. I believe it’s my responsibility to not only provide the best possible treatment but also to ensure that my patients feel supported, informed, and valued throughout their journey.
- Continuous Growth: No matter how much experience I have, I always strive to improve—both technically and personally. Medicine is constantly evolving, and so are the needs of my patients. I encourage the doctors I train to focus not just on refining their surgical skills, but also on strengthening their ability to connect with patients. The ability to truly listen, to empathize, and to communicate clearly is just as important as surgical precision.
These principles shape everything I do. When I see a patient, I don’t just see a medical case—I see a person with emotions, fears, and expectations. My goal is always to honor their trust, provide the best possible care, and ensure that when they walk out of my office, they feel confident that they are in good hands.
Interviewer:
Can you recall a patient encounter that deeply moved you and helped shape how you approach your work?
Dr. Park:
One case that has stayed with me is a trauma patient who traveled from the East Coast to see me after a severe skiing accident. She had multiple facial fractures, and while she received some initial treatment at an emergency room, she didn’t get the full reconstruction she needed. Despite being in immense pain, she boarded a plane with shattered bones and teeth, flying across the country in search of a solution.
When she arrived, I could see the fear, frustration, and exhaustion in both her and her family. They had lost trust in the process after her initial treatment didn’t go as expected, and they were desperately looking for someone who could not only restore her function and appearance but also give them hope.
Her case required multiple surgeries over time, and every step of the way, I focused on not just the physical aspect of her healing, but the emotional one as well. Her family’s gratitude was overwhelming. They reminded me why I do what I do—that it’s not just about fixing bones and tissues, but about helping people reclaim their lives. That patient, and many others like her, continue to shape my approach to medicine, reinforcing my belief that every procedure is more than just a surgery—it’s an opportunity to make a profound difference in someone’s life.
“Dr. Park is someone you want in your corner. I remember entering his office for the first time with so much uncertainty and fear, but Dr. Park and his team made it their number one priority to ensure I felt safe, comforted, and informed, treating me as if I was a part of their family. Prior to every surgery, he would first provide me with all of my options, go over each step in detail, then formulate our game plan.
At every office visit, Dr. Park and his team gave me their undivided attention and I truly felt that they had my best interest at heart…Not only is Dr. Park an excellent surgeon, but he is, more importantly, an amazing person.” – A. Hathaway
Interviewer:
Can you share a bit about your experiences with non-profit work and how it has impacted your perspective as a surgeon?
Dr. Park:
My experiences with non-profit work have been some of the most meaningful moments of my career. Early on, I had the opportunity to travel to underserved communities in Nicaragua, Mexico, and Peru to provide surgical care for children and adults who otherwise had no access to treatment. One of my mentors, Dr. Jeff Dean, introduced me to this work, and I saw firsthand the incredible need for specialized care in these regions.
One experience that deeply impacted me was seeing families walk or travel by bus for days just for the chance to be seen by a doctor. Some even slept on hospital lawns overnight, waiting in line for treatment. These weren’t just routine procedures—many of these patients had lived with severe conditions for years, unable to get help. Seeing the relief and gratitude on their faces after receiving care reminded me of the true power of medicine.
Beyond the technical skills and surgical challenges, these trips reset my perspective on what it means to be a doctor. In daily practice, it’s easy to get caught up in the routine—appointments, paperwork, administrative challenges—but these experiences remind me why I started this journey in the first place. They reinforce the idea that being a surgeon is not just about performing procedures; it’s about making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives.
Interviewer:
What key takeaways do you hope Ailm Atelier readers will gain from your story of personal and professional growth?
Dr. Park:
If there’s one thing I hope readers take away from my journey, it’s that true fulfillment comes from purpose, not just success. Many people assume that being a doctor or a surgeon is about prestige or financial stability, but the reality is that the most rewarding part of my career has been the ability to make a real impact in people’s lives.
Another key takeaway is that growth is continuous. No matter how skilled or experienced you become, there is always more to learn—not just in your craft but in how you connect with and support the people you serve. The best doctors are those who remain students of their profession and their patients.
Finally, whether it’s through non-profit work or simply being fully present with each patient, making a difference should be the ultimate goal. At the end of the day, a good life is not defined by what you have but by what you have given to the world.
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