Xieng Khan Lee is a dedicated and passionate dentist, the proud owner of Quality Dental Care located in Brooklyn Park, MN. Born into a family of immigrants and raised in a refugee camp, Lee moved to the USA in the late 1980s, embodying resilience and determination. Graduating with a DDS from Creighton University in 2010, Lee opened his dental office in July 2012, aiming to provide high-quality dental services with a focus on underprivileged patients. He is known for his commitment to excellence, patient care, and community service. Outside of his professional life, Lee is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. His volunteer work, particularly with a women’s environmental organization on sustainable farming in Minnesota, highlights his dedication to community engagement and environmental sustainability. Lee’s journey from a refugee camp to a successful dental practice owner is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the drive to make a positive impact on his community.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with some quiet time for planning and reflection before heading to Quality Dental Care, my dental office in Brooklyn Park, MN. I review the day’s appointments, set priorities, and ensure my team is ready and informed about the day’s schedule. To make it productive, I focus on delivering quality care to my patients, managing time efficiently, and fostering a positive work environment. I also reserve time for continued learning and staying updated on the latest in dental care.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by brainstorming with my team, planning meticulously, and executing with passion. Whether it’s a new dental procedure, community service, or office improvement, I believe in collaboration, ongoing education, and leveraging technology to realize our visions.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by the trend towards integrating more advanced technology in dental practice, such as 3D printing for dental restorations and digital scanning. These technologies not only improve patient outcomes but also streamline operations in the dental office.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me be productive is setting and reviewing weekly goals. This habit keeps me focused on my priorities and allows me to adjust as needed to stay on track.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. I’d also emphasize the importance of perseverance, especially coming from a refugee camp to achieving professional success in the United States.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that taking time off work to volunteer and engage in community service, even during busy periods, is crucial for personal growth and professional development. Many see it as a luxury or time away from work, but I see it as an investment in oneself and the community.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend that everyone dedicate time to volunteer within their community. It’s a meaningful way to give back, connect with different people, and gain new perspectives that can enrich your personal and professional life.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a short walk outdoors if possible. Connecting with nature helps me clear my mind, refresh, and regain focus on what needs to be done.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships with my patients and community has been instrumental. I focus on providing exceptional care and engaging with community projects, which has helped build trust and a positive reputation for my dental office.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
A failure I encountered was underestimating the complexity of managing a dental office in the early days. I overcame this by seeking mentorship, investing in management training, and learning from each mistake. The key lesson was the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile dental clinic serving rural and underserved communities. It would provide essential dental services to people who have limited access to care, helping improve their quality of life and health outcomes.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
A dental practice management software helps me stay productive. It streamlines appointment scheduling, patient records management, and billing, allowing me to focus more on patient care.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a gardening kit for my home. Gardening is a hobby that helps me relax and reconnect with nature, providing a perfect balance to my professional life.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve gained a lot of value from “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown. It’s taught me about the power of vulnerability and courage in leadership, which has significantly influenced how I manage my team and interact with patients.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed the series “Ted Lasso.” Its positivity, humor, and messages about leadership and teamwork were uplifting and provided a wonderful escape, as well as some valuable life lessons.
Key Takeaways
- Resilience and Community Focus
- Lifelong Learning and Innovation
- Balance and Personal Growth