WHY SHE WAS NOMINATED:

Dr. Cho moved from her home country,South Korea, to the Bay Area for college and dental school. At age 27, she bought a 30-year-old practice in the heart of San Francisco, and has built it via technology and art in her dentistry, focusing all the while on patient care and comfort. She is involved with the Christian Medical Dental Association, and volunteers for various nonprofit organizations in San Francisco.

MOST MEMORABLE PATIENT:

“In 2012, I was on a mission trip in the Philippines. I met a 7-year-old orphan, who made it across town and stood in line by herself to get several teeth extracted. I was amazed not only at her courage to get dental treatment by herself, but also her calmness and maturity as we went through the procedure. Afterward, her smile left me with an unforgettable impression of the Philippines.”

SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW:

“Growing up, I had extremely bad experiences at the dental office. Ironically, I overcame that fear by becoming a dentist. Today, I try to be aware of  whatever I can do so patients can have a wonderful experience and feel good at our office.”