Keep on Growing
Dr. Dean Doan
Dr. Doan’s path to becoming a pediatric dentist wasn’t exactly conventional. In fact, dentistry wasn’t even his first choice. But through a series of career shifts, a little self-discovery, and the right professional support, he found his place—and his purpose—at Kids Dental Brands (KDB).
Growing up, Dr. Doan was surrounded by high expectations. His mother was a dentist, and like many children of medical professionals, he felt an unspoken pressure to pursue a prestigious career in medicine, law, or dentistry. When it came time to choose a path, he settled on dental school at Western University in Arizona, ignoring an uncertain feeling about his career choice.
Even after earning his degree in 2015, Dr. Doan’s future in dentistry remained uncertain. His first job involved a wide range of general dentistry procedures—including complex prosthodontics and endodontics—but he quickly realized that general dentistry wasn’t for him. He knew he needed a change but wasn’t sure where to turn next.
Finding the Right Fit at KDB
At a crossroads, Dr. Doan reached out to a close friend, Dr. Stephen Chen, who had joined Kids Dental Brands straight out of dental school. Dr. Chen spoke highly of the company and the work, emphasizing how rewarding it was to care for children and the positive culture within KDB. Intrigued, Dr. Doan connected with Dr. Brad Roberts, who offered him a working interview in Tucson, Arizona.
From the first day, something clicked. “Interacting with kids and giving them the care they needed—it finally felt right,” Dr. Doan recalls. “For the first time, I felt like I was home.” Unlike general dentistry, pediatric dentistry offered a sense of purpose and fulfillment he hadn’t experienced before. The transition from uncertainty to clarity was almost instantaneous.
Left to Grow, Returned to Give Back
Dr. Doan spent several years as an associate dentist with KDB, enjoying the work but eventually feeling like he had reached a plateau. “I loved what I was doing, but I wanted to keep growing,” he says. Knowing that further specialization would open more doors, he left KDB to pursue a residency in pediatric dentistry at the University at Buffalo in New York.
When it came time to re-enter the workforce, Dr. Doan explored multiple opportunities in Phoenix, where he planned to be based. He interviewed with several dental groups, but none felt quite like home—except KDB. “As soon as I interviewed with Dr. Brad Roberts again, I knew I had to come back. The culture, the support, the mission—it was all still there, and now, I had the credentials to contribute even more.”
For Dr. Doan, returning to KDB was about more than just familiarity. The company provided him with everything he needed to excel in pediatric dentistry—from state-of-the-art materials to structured workflows that allowed him to focus on patient care. Even when he left for residency, KDB’s leadership supported his career move, with colleagues writing letters of recommendation and maintaining open lines of communication.
“They welcomed me back with open arms,” he says. “Now, I’m able to help KDB grow, help more kids, and continue advancing my career in a way that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere.”
One aspect of his role that Dr. Doan values highly is the opportunity to travel. As a “travel doctor” with KDB, he’s able to provide care to underserved communities that might not otherwise have access to a pediatric dentist. “It keeps things fresh, keeps me challenged, and most importantly, allows me to make a real difference,” he explains.
Advice for Dentist Students
Looking back, Dr. Doan wouldn’t change a thing about his journey. While his path wasn’t the traditional story of a child growing up to follow his passions, it shows that it’s never too late to make a change find your perfect fit. His journey allowed him to develop a deep appreciation for pediatric dentistry and the role KDB played in his growth.
For those considering a similar path, he offers this advice: “If you’re in dental school and considering pediatrics, but you’re unsure, KDB is a great place to test the waters. You don’t have to be a specialist to start working with kids here. You can gain real-world experience, see if it’s truly for you, and then decide whether to pursue residency. KDB gives you that flexibility.”
Dr. Doan’s story is one of discovery, growth, and finding a place that not only supported him but helped him thrive. For dentists looking for a career that’s both rewarding and filled with opportunity, Kids Dental Brands might just be the perfect home.
