Dr. Lee was born in South Korea and moved to the United States at the age of ten. He spent his younger years in Tennessee and came to Michigan to study dentistry through the University of Detroit Mercy’s accelerated seven-year dental program.
“I was drawn to dentistry because it combines hands-on clinical work with problem-solving and long-term patient relationships,” Dr. Lee said. “I value being able to help people improve their oral health in a practical and tangible way by focusing on long-term function, comfort, and esthetics. Dentistry allows me to work with precision, focus on details, and make a meaningful difference in patients’ daily comfort and confidence.”
He find it satisfying to take a problem and work through it step by step in order to achieve a clear and functional result. Dentistry allows Dr. Lee to combine attention to detail with hands-on work, and he enjoys seeing the immediate impact that treatment can have on a patient’s quality of life. Helping patients understand their care and leave feeling better than when they arrived is what makes the work rewarding for him.
Dr. Lee’s Treatment Philosophy
“I take a patient-centered approach to dentistry that prioritizes preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible. My goal is to recommend treatments that are evidence-based, appropriate, and tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
“I place a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention, as these often allow patients to maintain healthier teeth and gums with less invasive care over time. I value clear communication and trust in the doctor-patient relationship, ensuring patients understand their options and feel comfortable with their treatment decisions.
“Function, comfort, and long-term oral health are always my primary focus, while aesthetics are addressed in a way that supports these goals.”
A Case Study
“During my clinical training in dental school, I had the opportunity to care for a patient who had been living with significant physical limitations following a serious accident from years ago. Because this patient’s daily oral hygiene was extremely difficult, they presented with complex dental needs that required careful, staged treatment over time.
I focused on providing restorative care to stabilize their oral health while also emphasizing the importance of prevention and daily home care in a way that was realistic and achievable for them. Throughout the process, I was reminded how important patience, clear communication, and empathy are in dentistry.
Seeing this patient become more comfortable and confident as treatment progressed reinforced for me that dentistry is not just about fixing teeth, but about improving function, comfort, and overall well-being. That experience continues to shape the way I approach patient care today.”
Education
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
Memberships
American Dental Association (ADA)
Personal Life
Dr. Lee’s parents live in Indiana. He enjoys the Portage area and its sense of community and finds the people here very welcoming.
When he isn’t working, he enjoys lifting weights, running, watching movies, and reading.