From Smiles to Skyscrapers: A Journey with Dr. Chris Lim
Join us for an inspiring episode of Dentistry for Kidz as we sit down with Dr. Chris Lim, a remarkable individual whose journey from Cambodia to becoming a dentist and later transitioning into real estate is nothing short of extraordinary.
Dr. Lim takes us back to his childhood in Cambodia, where his love for art began to bloom. Growing up in the vibrant city of Long Beach, California, he discovered his passion for dentistry and embarked on a journey that would lead him to UC Riverside and later to Tufts Dental School.
Opening a dental office in Las Vegas marked a significant milestone in Dr. Lim's career. Through his practice, he not only helped children maintain healthy smiles but also fostered a sense of community in a new city.
Transitioning from dentistry to real estate might seem like a leap, but for Dr. Lim, it was a natural progression. Drawing on his experiences as a dentist, he found ways to apply his skills to the world of real estate, eventually focusing on developing office condos.
In his retirement, Dr. Lim continues to find joy and fulfillment in real estate, helping others find their perfect office space and contributing to the growth of his community.
Tune in to discover Dr. Lim's insights on pursuing your passions, navigating career transitions, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. Whether you dream of becoming a dentist or exploring other avenues, Dr. Lim's story is sure to inspire you to reach for the stars.
Don't miss this captivating episode of Dentistry for Kidz, where smiles and skyscrapers intersect in the journey of Dr. Chris Lim.
About the Guest:
Dr. Lim's story begins in 1984 when, at the tender age of 8, he left Cambodia, finding refuge from a troubled homeland. His journey of resilience and hope took him to a refugee camp in Thailand, where he stayed until 1989 before making his way to the United States, a move that would set the stage for a bright future he could have only imagined.
Settling in California, Dr. Lim's academic journey was marked by dedication and hard work, culminating in his graduation from high school in 1994. His thirst for knowledge and passion for science led him to the University of California, Irvine, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1999, laying the groundwork for his career in dentistry.
The pursuit of his dream took him across the country to Philadelphia, where he attended Temple Dental, earning his degree in 2003. With his expertise in hand, Dr. Lim moved to Las Vegas, where he spent two years honing his skills as an associate before taking the leap to start his own practice, Hillside Dental, in 2005. His dedication to his practice and his patients was evident in the quality care and community trust he built over the years until he sold the practice in 2022.
Today, Dr. Lim enjoys a semi-retired life, yet his passion for dentistry continues. He dedicates every Wednesday morning to working at a practice in Henderson, focusing on what he loves most—extractions, bone grafts, root canals, and implants. His journey from a young refugee to a successful dentist is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of passion.
About the Hosts:
Angelina Huang, Founder
Angelia is a nationally top ranked junior golfer at her junior high year. Angelina is also ranked number one academically among seven hundred students at Clark High School, Nevada. Angelina hopes to play college golf and pursue a career in the medical field or dentistry. Her passion is Neuroscience and Statistics. Angelina has been travelling around the country competing against the best junior golfers in the world since age of seven. She is also the Amazon published author, “I Want to Play College Golf”. Since Year 2021, Angelina and Cameron have donated over $17,000 their book proceeds back to the community for the underserved family and patients who are in need of cancer treatment. Aside from daily golf practices and school, she enjoys listening to music and watching chilling crime shows.
Cameron Huang, Founder
Cameron is also a nationally top ranked junior golfer at her sophomore year. Cameron is ranked top 5% academically among eight hundred students at Clark High School, Nevada. Cameron also hopes to play college golf and pursue a career as an orthodontist in the future. Cameron is the coauthor of “I Want to Play College Golf” with Angelina, and they have donated over $17,000 their book proceeds back to the community for the underserved family and patients who are in need of cancer treatment. When Cameron isn't on the green or studying, she's enjoying her free time watching K-drama and studying makeup and skincare with her friends.
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Transcript
Welcome to the Dentistry for Kidz podcast. We are Angelina and Cameron and we love candy. Do you all love candy? We've learned how to enjoy all the candy we want without getting cavities or getting in trouble with our dentist wants to learn our magic. Join us discover how to enjoy sweets and have nice bright, clean, shiny white teeth. Let's go
Cameron Huang:Welcome to the Dentristry for Kidz podcast the go to for insights, stories and expert advice on all things Dental Care. Today, we're thrilled to have a very special guest, Dr. Chris Lim, whose remarkable journey from Cambodia to becoming a respected figure in the field of dentistry, as nothing short of inspiring. Welcome today.
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: Thank you for having me.
Cameron Huang:Um, so our first question for you today is, can you tell us a little about your journey from being a kid in Cambodia to becoming a dentist in the United States?
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: It wasn't anything, you know, planned. Like my parents might, especially my dad even wanted to leave Cambodia. Because he wanted a better life. You know what I mean? And, and because of that, he he brought the whole family along the way that were left in 1984. And we went to a refugee camp in Thailand. And we stayed there for like five years. Life was pretty tough. But we made it, you know, and we came to the US in 1989. And I was like, I think, tough for me and my siblings as English. We spoke some, but it wasn't that like, great. So we like we had to work harder in school. I did, you know. So I went through two years of Middle School in East Coast, Providence, Rhode Island. And I from there, we moved to California, Long Beach in 1980. I think 1990 I believe. And I started high school. So I skipped seventh and eighth grade. But the East Coast school system, they were more forgiving. So they kind of let me stay in a lower grade because of my educational level my English and stuff. But when I moved to California, they just made me go to high school, basically, to grade 7/7 and eighth. So I was like really stressed out. But you know, I did it. I went to high school, the first half year, I was in what they call ESL, you know, you know about your phone, right? English as a second language. So I did that for half a year, then I guess I was too smart, I'll get to good. The teachers, that counselor, they kind of got together and said, Hey, this kid doesn't belong here. So they moved me to like regular classes with all you know, like, American kids, I guess, because I was, you know, in the classes with a bunch of minorities as well, that just came over. But I got moved into regular classes with like American born kids, things like that. It was tough again, another step. But I did it. And there you go. I graduated with decent grade. And, yeah, that's, that's it. That's my high school story. Go ahead. That was yeah, that was a lot.
Cameron Huang:And I know that your career has taken some interesting turns, like from art, to dentistry to real estate. Could you walk us through the journey of how you discovered your passions and are like how you navigated through your transitions?
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: Okay, biggest thing I was I was always pretty good with art when I was young, you know, drawing and sketching and stuff like that. So, there's one time when I wasn't in when I started college, and I got accepted to UC Irvine. I thought maybe I want to become an art major. But then, you know, to make a decision it's such a big gamble, you know, starving artists kind of thing. So then I said well, probably not to see because route to go. So then I decided become some kind of medical doctor and I chose dentistry because I think I, you know, I should do well, I guess, booking my good my hands. So I did that, you know, maybe through college got accepted to you Temple University in 1999. Probably just like, maybe a year or two behind your dad, then I graduate in 2003 as a dentist, but then all along, it's like, I've been feeling that. Like, maybe I'm not in the wrong career, but there's something you know, it's like, it just keeps haunting me. And, you know, I tried to abandon drawing and painting spot multiple times throughout my college and high school and dental school. I said, you know, this is not going to get me anywhere. But somehow faith always bring me back to painting. Like, I ended up meeting other artists, and I'm getting better and better. And while I'm practicing dentistry, I'm always dreaming about like, oh, man, what's the next piece? I'm going to paint? You know what I mean? Yeah. So then I, you know, I guess everyone has a different journey in life, how do you want to take the path? So for me, I mean, maybe 15 or 20 years ago, years ago, I was very, very motivated about, like, having multiple offices and, and just, you know, become even more successful as a as a dentist, in terms of in terms of financially. I just, I just lost that. Like, I think 10 or 10 years ago, it just, it wasn't me. But then I said, Well, I have one life to live. Either I can be a dentist all my life. You know, to me, being a dentist, it's great. Like, it's a good career, you know, like, me and my dad were both so proud of being a dentist, you know, it's tough to be a dentist, you know, I mean, a lot of schooling. But I don't think I can be happy. If I, you know, die, like my life, leave this planet, and just been a dentist only that this is just my story, you know? Yeah. Well, why not? Why not leave it behind, and just have more time to paint. But right now I'm sitting, talking to you. I mean, I should buy our studio, if you can see, oh, really. So here is the art studio, that, you know, I just finished building this big art studio maybe about four or four months ago. So I got to live my dream here. Basically, I can upgrade. And this is isn't about the money. You know, I haven't sold an original painting yet. But I'm going to sell one very soon. The piece I just showed you, a classmate of mine, or a putt, she said she's going to get you're going to buy it. So she's been asking me to finish it. So selling a piece of art. It just like, I don't know, I can't explain it. Or more happier selling a piece of art than doing a big case in a dental office. Does that make sense to you, like talking about this, you know, if I can do like a full mouth reconstruction of the practice, although the money is so much like 1020 times more, but I just come home. And that's that's in you know, so one life to live, and I just got to do it. And, you know, it isn't about the money for me with the art career. Not at all. So, and I'm comfortable that I've been kind of buying properties along the way. I'm not rich, but I'm very comfortable. So if I can just be smart and spend money, or I think I'll be just fine. So there is my answers to you. Because very
Cameron Huang:proud of you. Your art was beautiful.
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: Thank you so much. Appreciate it.
Cameron Huang:And just a quick question. So I know that opening a dental office in Vegas was a big jump. And it was very different from living in Long Beach. And were there any challenges you faced establishing your practice in a new city?
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: Well, this practice I had no what 20 I think about 21 years only practice I got you know, so I can't really compare how a practice in California, you know, to this one, but I you know, I have friends that have practices and I think most of them they are doing pretty good, but definitely the much lower a lot more competitions in California. So that's that's the reason why I think I made it this decision to move out here. And in practice, yeah. So I hope that will answer your question. Yeah.
Cameron Huang:And since you're someone who's experienced many different industries, and you've lived through diverse cultures, is there any advice you would give to individuals who are still navigating their career transitions or seeking to explore their passions?
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: You know, I think, if I, if I try to tell the young kids to kind of understand what, what, what I'm going through at the moment, I think they're, you know, for me to tell them, because, like, I think already made this far, or it made it here. So I think it's just my advice for all like, even my, my daughters, you know, I have three girls just about, you're about the same age as you guys, with your sister. But I've been telling them, Hey, listen, you go to school, need to do what you got to do, right? To get the career that you want to do. Make sure you you can provide yourself, like for your family. But for me, I think I don't know how your data is. But I, I've been telling my kids to not push too hard. Like, in terms of career, as long as you guys can do just Okay, and do pretty decent. Just maybe just slow down a little bit, it takes time to enjoy the life along the way. But if you can do both, like super successful, and then you're not stressing out, and you still enjoy life along the way, then why not. But I know sometimes that's very difficult to do. You know, so, like, I'm going to be 48 soon. And me going through life, like I've been through the refugee camp, through middle school, and in US High School, living Cambodia, I kind of take all that into, you know, considered like, consideration how I make decisions, like in my own career, like, I want to take my life, but the next half of my life, you know, I've been through Ra, like, we didn't have much, you know, to eat in the camp. And also pretty happy. I was I was eight years old. At the age of 13. Life is pretty simple. So I had that experience. And also right now, I have this experience of kind of, you know, pretty good, right? I mean, as life as a dentist on properties and stuff. So I see both ways. But then sometimes I compare both, then I say, You know what, it kind of doesn't, it doesn't really matter too much about how much more you got, you have like in terms of wealth, you know. So that's why i i tell my my kids to say, hey, I want you to make sure you choose like, less, less time to travel more than you, you know, owning 20 dental practices, become like a big CEO of a company or whatever, and you're stressed out and forget about a lot of things. So that's, that's me, maybe the oddest part of me is talking now. You don't say. But I think that's that's what my advice is to tell. Everything isn't about a career, but you need a career in order to live a decent life. And once you haven't just just slowed, slowed things down a bit. That's,
Cameron Huang:that was very insightful. I like that.
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: I listen. It's almost sometimes I feel like if I've taught my kids this, they might be thinking like Pam daddy is, is too, like, too easy or too, you know? Yeah. But I seen it all like, you know, from Pamela. And also like, you know, 15 years ago from running a practice, you know what I mean? And up in the emergency room, from the stress of the patients, and then an end of the day, 15 years later, you know, I look back I said, Oh my God, I know, even if I gotta slow down a little bit, it wouldn't make any difference. You know what I mean? So, that's it. That's, that's my that's my, yeah, I'm looking like,
Cameron Huang:okay, um, so, we are wrapping up towards the end of the interview. So I'm just going to ask some very different questions from whatever we were just talking about. Okay, so let's say it's a child's first time going to a dentist. We were wondering do you have any, any tips for them to You know what they're getting into a
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: child going to the dentist? Yes. Like how old child, like
Cameron Huang:eight years old, they're just going in for the first time.
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: Okay? I see quite a bit of case. Babies just say, hey, it's, it's, it's a great place to be dentist, friends, you know, we did have to keep your teeth nice and shiny. Yet get those baby teeth nice and clean up and a place for you to to pass these you know, I don't know meet the tooth fairy or something. And the staffs gonna be great. They want to take care of your smile. They want to teach you how to you know, floss and brush. So you don't have the black little dots on the teeth. I think that's yeah, that's what I would tell them
Cameron Huang:and then to keep their oral health up to par what foods like do you not recommend or do you recommend for them to be snacking off?
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: I would not tell them to snack at night. You know, after the after the first brush really bad. Just water and stay away from really sticky. You know snack with sugar. Drinks, drink plenty of water. Yep. Stay away from the sugar. Okay, sticky. That's yeah. So Okay.
Cameron Huang:Last Last question. This is all about personal preference. What? What's your favorite toothpaste?
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: I think maybe? I don't know. Maybe crest? Yeah. Is that would you like to?
Cameron Huang:I use crest? Yes. Okay.
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: I like.
Cameron Huang:Well, thank you so much for joining us today. That's all I have for you.
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: You're welcome for having me. I really appreciate it. Well, good luck.
Cameron Huang:Thank you. Have a nice night.
Cameron Huang:Dr. Chris Lim: You too. Bye. Bye.
Angelina Huang:Thank you for listening to the Dentistry for Kidz podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, please share it with a family member or friend. Be sure to like and subscribe to our channel to help us complete our mission to see bright smiles from all around the world. Thank you
