Meet the Irvine Dental Team at Smile By Design Dental Group
Choosing a dentist is personal, and knowing who will care for your smile matters. The Irvine dental team at Smile By Design Dental Group pairs a prosthodontist and implant specialist with a general dentist trained in evidence-based care. Our team communicates with patients in English, Korean, and Spanish, and we accept most major dental insurance plans, so language and coverage don't stand between you and the care you need. Whether you're looking for an experienced dentist in Irvine, CA for routine care or a specialist for complex implant treatment, this page introduces the doctors who will guide you.
Dr. Hyeonju (Michael) Choi, DMD — Prosthodontist and Implant Specialist
Dr. Hyeonju (Michael) Choi, DMD leads clinical care at Smile By Design Dental Group as a general dentist, cosmetic dentist, prosthodontist, and implant specialist. As a prosthodontist in Irvine, he focuses on replacing and restoring teeth for patients with complex needs, from a single implant to full-arch reconstruction. Learn more on Dr. Michael Choi's full bio page.
Prosthodontist with over 35,000 dental implant procedures performed. Combining surgical expertise with personalized patient care in Irvine, CA.
Education, Training, and Clinical Focus
Dr. Choi’s training spans general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and the prosthodontic specialty, which centers on the design, fit, and long-term function of restorations and implants. This background lets him plan treatment with function and appearance in mind, whether the case calls for a single crown or a full smile rebuild.
35,000+ Implant Procedures — What That Means for Your Care
Dr. Choi has completed more than 35,000 dental implant surgeries and restorations over his career. That level of experience covers cases from a single implant to complex bone grafting and full-arch work. Patients often describe his approach as gentle and unhurried, taking time to explain each step before moving forward.
Teaching, Lecturing, and Continuing Leadership in Implant Dentistry
Beyond patient care, Dr. Choi lectures and teaches courses on dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. Sharing techniques with other dental professionals keeps his approach current with evolving methods, which carries directly into the care you receive in the chair.
Dr. Sejin (Grace) Ahn, DDS — General and Evidence-Based Dentist
Dr. Sejin (Grace) Ahn, DDS rounds out our Irvine dental team as a general dentist focused on evidence-based, whole-person care. She works alongside Dr. Choi supporting patients through everyday dentistry, from cleanings and fillings to coordinating more involved treatment plans. Read more on Dr. Grace Ahn's bio page.
General dentist focused on evidence-based, whole-person care and gentle comprehensive dentistry in Irvine, CA.
Education and Professional Affiliations
Dr. Ahn is a graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. She is active in the Academy of General Dentistry and the Korean American Dental Association, groups that support her continued education.
Whole-Person Care Philosophy
Dr. Ahn’s approach centers on evidence-based dentistry, meaning treatment recommendations are grounded in current clinical research rather than routine or upsell. She considers how oral health connects to overall health, taking time to understand each patient’s history and goals before recommending a plan.
Comprehensive & Preventive Dentistry
Working alongside Dr. Choi, Dr. Ahn supports Irvine patients through everyday dentistry—from preventative cleanings and exams to tooth-colored restorations and multi-specialty care, delivered with patient clarity and gentle, unhurried care.
A Team Built Around Your Comfort and Confidence
Finding the right Irvine dentist often comes down to more than credentials. It’s about feeling heard and comfortable enough to ask questions. Our team speaks English, Korean, and Spanish, so language differences don’t get in the way of a clear conversation about your care. For many patients in Irvine’s diverse community, being able to ask questions in a preferred language makes a real difference in how comfortable a visit feels.
We also accept most major dental insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, and MetLife. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for a full list of accepted plans and to ask questions about your coverage before your visit.
New patients are always welcome, and both doctors favor a conservative approach, preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible instead of defaulting to the most invasive option. Read what other patients have said on our patient testimonials page, or learn more about the practice on our About Us page. Meeting our Irvine dental team is a good first step toward choosing care you feel confident in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Irvine Dentists
Is Dr. Choi accepting new patients in Irvine?
Yes, Dr. Choi welcomes new patients at Smile By Design Dental Group in Irvine. Whether you need a consultation for dental implants or a second opinion on an existing plan, our team can schedule a visit that fits your needs.
What languages does the dental team speak?
Our team communicates with patients in English, Korean, and Spanish, so patients can describe symptoms and ask questions about treatment in the language they’re most comfortable using.
What insurances does Smile By Design Dental Group accept?
We accept most major dental insurance plans, including Aetna, Ameritas, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, Sun Life Financial, and United Concordia. Call our office to confirm your plan.
What is a prosthodontist, and how is Dr. Choi’s training different from a general dentist?
A prosthodontist completes additional specialized training beyond dental school focused on replacing and restoring teeth, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. Dr. Choi’s prosthodontic training, combined with more than 35,000 completed implant procedures, gives him focused expertise in complex restorative and implant cases.
Ready to Put a Face to Your Irvine Dental Care?
Meeting the team before your first visit can make the experience feel less intimidating, especially before implant or larger treatment plans. Call our office to ask questions or schedule your first appointment with Dr. Choi or Dr. Ahn.