More Than Teeth: Lessons in Motherhood and Making It Work with Dr. Joyce Kao
Behind every bright smile in the dentist’s chair is a story, and today we get to hear one that’s full of heart, grit, and a whole lot of honesty. From a nervous little boy who sparked a lifelong passion for pediatric dentistry, to the daily juggle of motherhood and being a working mama, our guest’s interview reminds us that being both a mom and a professional isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, patience, and embracing the chaos.
Let’s dive into Dr. Joyce Kao’s story, her lessons, and her work as a Pediatric Dentist with FUNtastic Pediatric Dental.
What’s your origin story, Dr. Kao?
This terrified little boy during my first ever pediatric rotation, with a lot of patience and encouragement, started to trust me more and more through the treatment process. It was the spark in his eyes when he realized he could be so brave and accomplish things outside of his own expectations that ignited my passion for pediatric dentistry.
What brought you to Long Beach, and what do you love the most about working here?
It’s just luck and fate. What I love most is the people of Long Beach. I’m a transplant, so from my perspective, Long Beach people aren’t very stereotypical LA or OC. They are real, direct, resilient, authentic, and understatedly good-hearted.
How has being a mom influenced your journey as a pediatric dentist? What lessons from motherhood have helped you in your practice?
I broke down and ugly cried when my pediatrician told me I needed to do five milk feedings plus three solid feedings when my twins were six months old. It was in that moment that I realized moms deserve more grace. It makes me consider how guidelines apply to the specific mom-and-child pair I’m caring for, and what outcome we want to achieve rather than just adhering to the guidelines word for word.
What challenges have you faced in balancing motherhood and practicing dentistry? How have you overcome them?
Obviously, I have to miss either workdays or kids’ events here and there. But the MOM GUILT! And the pediatric dentist guilt! I’ve missed school performances because I was stuck at work, and I don’t like to think that I’m “stuck” with an appointment either. So the guilt cuts like a double-edged blade.
To be honest, I have not overcome it. That’s why I like to chat with my patients’ moms, learning from them, and also letting them know that we are all doing this thing called motherhood together.
What does a typical day look like for you? Do you have any tips or routines that help you stay organized and sane?
I wake up at 6:45 a.m., then wake the kids up at 7:00. Realistically, they get up around 7:15. We leave the house by 7:30. I drop them off at school early (which starts at 8:30) and then head to work. The kids have on-site after-school care, and on days when I pick them up, they are usually the last ones getting picked up because I get out at 5:00. After getting them to their activity around 6:00, I go home and cook while my husband picks them up when they are done. Then it’s chaos until the kids’ bedtime at 9:00. That’s when I start my night owl life.
My best advice? Set your expectations low. Your life doesn’t have to be like that of an Instagram mom with the calm voiceover (you know what I’m talking about). It’s okay to be human. Also, color-coded calendars on the phone with alerts, plus a calendar on the fridge, help me avoid dropping off the wrong kid!
What do you hope your children will learn from watching you work as a pediatric dentist?
Outside of the usual work ethic and holding yourself to a high standard, I want my daughter to know that she can be whatever she wants to be and achieve whatever she sets her mind to.
Dr. Joyce Kao, Pediatric Dentist at FUNtastic Pediatric Dental
