Dental school evolves from life’s journey
For The Oklahoman
Grace Jun’s life journey saw her break through English barriers to eventually become a metro-area dentist who believes deeply in giving back.
But at one point in her life, this kind of a life path didn’t appear to be her likely outcome.
Her family immigrated to the United States from South Korea in the 1980s. Originally, they lived in Wisconsin. She started school during a time when educators weren’t very sensitive to students with English as a second language, she said.
“I sat in class for hours not understanding what was being said,” she recalled. “It was a very boring and lonely time for me.”
Eventually, her family moved to Lawton, and Grace’s English improved.
“By fourth grade, I was so happy,” she said. “I had made all C’s.”
Her academic prowess only improved as she went to the University of Oklahoma and, later, the University of Central Oklahoma on ballet dance scholarships.
Yet, majoring in only dance wasn’t the career path she sought. Her husband, Phil Jun, left his career field as an engineer and went to dental school. He pursued dentistry at the University of Oklahoma.
During this time, Grace looked after the couple’s children, Samuel and Phoebe.
After his training was completed, Grace at age 33 went to dental school, eventually completing her training in 2013.
In 2017,with her husband and Dr. Jaycee Van Horn,shehelped set up MIO Dental Careers, a dental school to train students to become dental assistants.
There, they teach students about the various kinds of instruments and how to handle them and provide them to dentists. There is also an overall view given on the dental profession.
The school not only prepares students for a career, but in the process provides a second chance in life for those who might have experienced difficulties or challenges.
One of those is former student Caroline Christian, now an assistant at Grace Dentistry on N May.
“Dr. Grace is a woman of second chances. She saw beyond the stigmas of my past and gave me faith in myself that I thought was forever gone,” Christian said.
“Sometimes it amazes me how much faith she has in my abilities. I will forever be grateful to her and the opportunities she has given me and the tools she has instilled in me.”
Jun’s first graduating class of the 13-week school had 18 students. She helped most of them find employment and even knew which students had the best personalities for particular dentists.
She also continues to take part in faith-based mission trips, in places such as Mexico, Peru or Jamaica, where dentists give of their time to make sure others in the world have access to proper care.
That can include hundreds of extractions and 70 cavities filled daily.
For now, Grace Jun’s plans are to continue to grow and operate her practice and run the dental school. She particularly has empathy for single moms.
“It’s hard,” she said. “I had a partner, and being a mom was hard.”
She has advice for all women wanting to improve their lives.
“I always tell them it’s never too late, never.”