Why International Patients Trust Us: Heartwarming Moments at "Yonsei Yegam Dental Clinic"

Hello, this is Yonsei Yegam Dental Clinic near Seoul City Hall Station.

We are located a 4-minute walk (230m) straight from Exit 7 of City Hall Station, directly across from the Samsung Main Building.

At our Seoul City Hall Station Yonsei Yegam Dental Clinic, staff with native-level English proficiency help provide English-language care.

Of course, to minimize communication errors, our clinic also has the director personally consult with Korean patients.

Likewise, foreign patients can discuss their symptoms and diagnosis directly with the doctor without going through an interpreter.

Since opening in 2018, the director (with more than 10 years of experience as a dentist) has naturally also handled English consultations directly.

Since opening in 2018, we have consistently treated many international patients. To provide a higher level of service, we have also had help from various staff members over time.

During the COVID period, a New Zealand-Korean student from an overseas dental school who had temporarily taken a break from school helped with patient communication.

We also had a U.S. dental hygienist with 10 years of experience as a translator help at the front desk while preparing for U.S. permanent residency.

Today’s post was written directly by our native-level staff member who has lived in the U.S. for more than 10 years.

She is a smart employee with a perfect TOEFL score, has worked in the treatment rooms of multiple other dental clinics, and is qualified to work in a dental setting.

(We do not use simple interpretation-only staff who have no dental knowledge.)

Please read the post below!

At Yonsei Yegam Dental Clinic, we welcome patients from all over the world, and one of the most meaningful parts of our work is witnessing the many different reactions, expectations, and experiences that international patients bring with them. Dentistry may seem universal, but every country has its own systems, tools, and customs, and these differences often create unexpectedly heartwarming moments in our clinic.

One memorable experience involved something as simple as a face cover. When we gently placed the cover over a patient’s face to protect them from water spray, they became visibly confused. It turned out that the clinic they visited back home did not use face covers at all. Once we explained what it was and why we used it, the patient laughed and said it was their first time ever seeing such a thing. Moments like this remind us how interesting it is to witness each patient’s unique reactions—whether it's curiosity, surprise, or even amusement—as they encounter procedures that may be routine for us but completely new for them.

A few months ago, we had another international patient who visited us urgently due to severe tooth pain. The patient had significant gum swelling and inflammation, and the discomfort was affecting their experience while traveling in South Korea. It was upsetting to see their trip disrupted by unexpected pain, and we felt truly sympathetic knowing how disappointing it must have been to struggle with dental issues during a long-awaited visit abroad. Fortunately, their flight was scheduled for the following week, giving our doctor just enough time to create a customized treatment plan tailored to their condition and travel schedule. We were genuinely eager to help so that their memories of Korea wouldn’t be overshadowed by pain or worry, and we did everything we could to make sure their journey could continue comfortably and positively.

However, the patient from earlier was noticeably anxious during treatment. One of the biggest reasons for their fear was the language barrier—they did not speak English, so we relied on their guardian to help translate. Through this experience, we deeply realized how frightening health-related situations can be when a patient cannot fully communicate their concerns or understand the dentist’s explanations. Even when the treatment is simple, uncertainty can amplify fear. Because of this, our doctor and team are always ready to use any type of supportive body language—gestures, expressions, tone, or posture—if it helps us better understand a patient’s needs and reassure them when words alone are not enough. We also make it a priority to double-check and even triple-check with patients, making sure that what we heard, what was translated, and what was communicated truly matches their concerns and meets their expectations. Later on, this patient was so satisfied with our care that they sincerely asked us to move with them to their home country. They even offered us positions there so we could continue assisting them, a gesture that truly touched us and reminded us how meaningful these connections can be.

Because of that, our team naturally stepped in to offer support in every way possible. When the patient trembled in fear, one of our staff members held their hand to reassure them. When they couldn’t relax due to tension, our team spoke to them gently and comforted them until their body eased. Throughout the procedure, we constantly checked on them—whether they felt pain, whether they were okay, or whether they needed a moment to rest. These small acts of care often matter far more than the procedure itself.

Our support continued outside the treatment room as well. We helped translate when language barriers made communication difficult. We assisted with booking appointments at referral clinics when needed. We guided patients to nearby pharmacies, transportation, and local places they asked about. For many international visitors, navigating an unfamiliar country while being in pain can be overwhelming, so we do everything we can to make their experience smoother and more comforting.

Through these interactions, we are reminded every day that dentistry is not just about treating teeth—it is about understanding people. Whether a patient speaks Korean, English, or neither, we make it our priority to ensure they feel welcomed, supported, and safe. The humanity we share with our patients goes beyond language, and this is the heart of Yonsei Yegam Dental Clinic. Our goal is not only to provide excellent treatment but also to create an experience where patients feel truly cared for, no matter where they come from. And that's why we take pride in the work we do!

An American patient who first visited Yonsei Yegam Dental Clinic in 2019 and returned to Korea for dental treatment again five years later in 2024.

A baby of a couple from the Egyptian Embassy.

A very warm Russian mother-and-daughter patient pair!