GDAMEMBERPROFILE This column highlights GDA members talking about their path to dentistry and the value they find in GDA membership. This month we hear from Dr. Ken Cheng. Ken Cheng, DDS, MS, FAGD is a general dentist who earned his dental degree from Columbia University in New York, NY and his engineering degree from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Cheng worked as a biomedical engineer for several years prior attending dental school, working in the greater San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston areas in the medical devices and big pharma industries. He made the transition to dentistry and has loved the journey ever since. Dr. Cheng is married to his wonderful wife, Dr. Chen Chen, who is also a general dentist. He is an active member of ADA and its local constituents. Dr. Cheng also serves on the executive board of Georgia AGD. He is also an active member of the local monthly Spear Study Club and is completing the 5-year MasterTrack program through Georgia AGD. Dr. Cheng is currently in private practice and owns and runs several general dental practices with his wife in the northern Atlanta area. What or who inspired you to become a dentist? Much like engineers who are driven by a passion for solving complex problems and improving systems, I was inspired to become a dentist by the challenge of understanding the intricate mechanics of the human mouth. The precision required in both diagnosing and treating dental issues, combined with the satisfaction of enhancing someone’s wellbeing, drew me to this field. It’s a blend of technical skill and creative problemsolving that mirrors the engineering mindset I admired. What surprised you in your first years of private practice? I was surprised by how much of the job involves managing the business side of things—everything from scheduling and billing to patient communications. It was a lot more than just focusing on clinical work. Balancing patient care with running a practice proved to be a significant learning curve! Has there been something through the years that became a game changer for you and your patients (technology, tools, resources, etc.)? The introduction of a digital workflow including intra-oral scanners and CBCT has been a game changer for me. These technologies allow for more precise diagnostics, customized treatment plans, and faster turnaround times, significantly enhancing patient care and outcomes. From Engineering to Dentistry: Dr. Cheng’s Journey DR. KEN CHENG DDS, MS, FAGD 50 | Sept 2024
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