Key Aspects of STDC
Preservation-First Philosophy
Absolute focus on saving natural teeth, avoiding extractions and traditional implants unless critical.
Tech-Integrated Efficiency
Utilizes robotics and AI for same-day treatment results and advanced diagnostics.
Director-Centric Care
High trust through 1:1 comprehensive management by Representative Director Jin Hyemin.
Minish Specialization
Deep expertise in the proprietary "Minish" dental restoration technology.
Leadership Spotlight
Representative Director Jin Hyemin
Professional Biography & Education
- **Current Position:** Representative Director, Save Teeth Dental Clinic (Seolleung Station Branch)
- **Specialization:** Integrated Dentistry Specialist (Certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- **Academic Background:**
- Master of Dentistry, Chonnam National University School of Dentistry
- Master of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), Ewha Womans University
- **Residency:** Integrated Clinical Dentistry residency at Catholic University of Korea St. Vincent's Hospital
Advanced Training & Certifications
- **Orthodontics:** Completed the NYU Dr. Donald Kitzis Memorial Institute Orthodontic Course and the Kanagawa Dental University JS Dental Institute Orthodontic Master Course
- **Endodontics:** Completed the University of Pennsylvania Microendodontics Course and Yonsei University Advanced Endodontics Course
- **Memberships:** Korean Academy of Integrated Dentistry, Korean Association of Orthodontists, Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry
Career History
- Former Director, Seoul Medicare Dental Clinic
- Former Representative Director, Kim & Jin Dental Clinic
- Former Director, Omok Orthodontic Dental Clinic
- Former Director, Warm Dental Hospital
Clinical Philosophy & Personal Narrative
"Dr. Jin advocates for a 'pain-free, overtreatment-free, and harm-free' practice. Her personal experience with the 'Minish' solution, having performed it on her husband (Dr. Kim Seong-ho, also a dentist and director at another branch) and received the treatment herself to correct aesthetic concerns and tooth wear, underpins her ability to empathize with patients and provide genuine consultations."
Hospital Overview
Philosophy and Mission
The fundamental principle of Save Teeth Dental Clinic is encapsulated in its name: "Saving Teeth." The clinic explicitly states that it does not perform extractions, implants, or traditional orthodontic treatments unless absolutely necessary for preservation.
Instead, the practice focuses on restoring damaged teeth (decayed, broken, or worn) to maintain them for as long as possible. The stated mission is to shift the patient perception of dentistry from a place visited only when in pain to a proactive management center for lifelong tooth health.
Operational Innovations:
- **Private 1:1 Care System:** Director personally handles the entire process.
- **One-Day Treatment:** Leveraging advanced technology for procedures like resin, inlays, crowns.
- **363-Day Operation:** Increased accessibility including night clinics and weekends.
- **Technological Integration:** Functions as a "Minish Provider," utilizing Minish Robot and autonomous robots.
- **Elastic Pricing System:** Offers discounts for off-peak appointments.
Location and Accessibility
The clinic is strategically located in the Yeoksam-dong area of Gangnam-gu, Seoul, near Seolleung Station. This location is a major hub for business and finance, aligning perfectly with its target demographic of busy professionals seeking efficient, high-quality dental care.
Major Procedures & Clinical Offerings
Minish (Dental Restoration Solution)
Minish is the clinic's flagship service. It is marketed not merely as a cosmetic procedure but as a "tooth restoration solution" that restores the health and function of damaged teeth using materials with physical properties similar to natural enamel. It claims to minimize tooth reduction (often advertised as minimal or non-prep).
Types of Minish:
- **Dual Minish:** Covers both the front and back of the tooth for structural reinforcement.
- **Pink Minish:** Reconstructs gum aesthetics for patients with gingival recession.
- **Molar Minish:** Designed for posterior teeth (molars) to restore chewing function without aggressive crown preparation.
- **Minish Bridge:** A conservative alternative to traditional bridges.
*Pricing: "Minish Gold" listed around 980,000 KRW per tooth and "Minish Silver" around 750,000 KRW per tooth (VAT separate).
Preventive & Therapeutic Programs
The clinic structures its services into comprehensive "programs" rather than isolated treatments.
- Oral Spa Program: A comprehensive cleaning and management session involving AI diagnosis, painless scaling, and professional brushing education.
- Gum Recovery Program: Focuses on periodontal health using painless scaling, "Minish RN" (likely a regenerative agent), and laser therapy.
- Bad Breath Program: Utilizes data-driven diagnosis to identify and treat the root causes of halitosis.
- Dental Pass: A subscription-based model offering regular preventive care and whitening at a bundled rate.
General Conservative Treatment
While avoiding implants, the clinic performs standard restorative procedures adhering to biomimetic principles.
- Resin & Inlays: For cavities and minor damage, with a focus on conservative restoration.
- Crowns: Used when necessary, but with a focus on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
- PDRN Injection: Used to promote tissue regeneration and recovery.
Reputation and Analysis
Positive Feedback & Factors
- **Private Nature:** Patients appreciate the "private" nature of the clinic and the trust engendered by the representative director handling all aspects of care.
- **Pain-Free & One-Day:** The "pain-free" and "one-day" aspects are significant draws for the busy Gangnam demographic.
- **Natural Aesthetic Results:** The aesthetic results of Minish are often praised for being natural.
- **Proactive Management:** Its emphasis on prevention over reactive treatment appeals to health-conscious individuals.
Considerations & Criticisms
- **Premium Cost:** The treatments, particularly Minish, are priced at a premium (approx. 1 million KRW per tooth), which is higher than standard laminates.
- **Minish vs. Laminate Debate:** There is ongoing debate in online communities regarding the distinction between Minish and traditional laminates, with some skeptics viewing it as a branding variation of veneers/laminates and expressing concerns about long-term durability or potential side effects common to veneer procedures.
- **Durability:** As with all ceramic restorations, there are general patient inquiries regarding the longevity of the prosthetics and the risk of detachment, though the clinic offers warranties to mitigate these concerns.
Conclusion
Save Teeth Dental Clinic (Seolleung Station Branch) and Dr. Jin Hyemin represent a modern, specialized niche in Korean dentistry. By rejecting the high-volume implant model in favor of high-value preservation and aesthetic restoration, the clinic targets a specific demographic concerned with long-term tooth health and aesthetics.
Distinctive Features Summary:
- 1. Preservation-First Philosophy: Absolute focus on saving natural teeth.
- 2. Tech-Integrated Efficiency: Use of robotics and AI for same-day results.
- 3. Director-Centric Care: High trust through 1:1 comprehensive management by Dr. Jin.
- 4. Minish Specialization: Deep expertise in this specific restoration technology.
While the premium pricing and the specific nature of Minish treatment may not suit every patient, the clinic has established a strong brand identity centered on quality, technology, and the preservation of natural dentition.