From Virginia, and Back Again
Born in South Korea and raised in Virginia, Dr. Michelle Kim took the long road home to Charlottesville — through a rigorous scientific education, one of the country's top dental schools, and more than a decade of clinical practice. Today she leads care at Willis & Associates Family Dentistry Ivy, where her guiding principle is disarmingly simple: treat every patient the way she would want to be treated herself.
As a UVA alumna, she knows this community from the inside. She lives in Charlottesville with her spouse, spends her free time exploring the natural beauty of the area, and considers it a privilege to care for the community that shaped her.
Education and Training
Dr. Kim built her scientific foundation before she ever picked up a handpiece. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia, then a Master's degree in Biomedical Science, before completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at NYU College of Dentistry.
In the decade-plus of practice that followed, she developed a reputation for compassionate, high-quality care and a notably gentle chairside manner. She still treats her education as unfinished — pursuing continuing education throughout the year so that patients at our Ivy Road office benefit from current, evidence-based techniques and materials rather than the way things were done fifteen years ago.
Her Care Philosophy
Dr. Kim practices conservative, patient-centered dentistry. In plain terms, that means three things. First, she listens before she looks — your concerns and goals set the agenda, not a checklist. Second, she explains her findings in everyday language and lays out every reasonable option, including the option to wait and watch, so the decision is genuinely yours. Third, she never recommends treatment that is not truly necessary, and she always explains the why behind anything she does suggest.
Anxious patients tend to find her especially easy to be around. Her calm, reassuring presence — paired with the comfort options we offer, including sedation dentistry — has helped many people return to regular care after years of avoiding the dentist. If that sounds like you, our post on gentle techniques for dental anxiety is a good place to start.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A first appointment with Dr. Kim is unhurried by design. It begins with a conversation — your dental history, anything that worries you, what you want for your smile. From there she performs a comprehensive exam with modern imaging, then sits down with you to walk through what she found, in plain language, with nothing decided until you have had your questions answered. You will leave with a clear picture of your oral health and a plan you actually understand. Our first visit page covers the practical details, from paperwork to timing.
The Technology She Works With
Dr. Kim pairs her conservative philosophy with genuinely modern tools, because better information leads to smaller, smarter treatment:
- iTero digital scanning replaces messy impression trays with a fast, comfortable digital scan — used for Invisalign, crowns, and more.
- CBCT 3D imaging gives her a complete three-dimensional view for planning implants, extractions, and complex cases with precision.
- Overjet AI diagnostics analyzes X-rays alongside her own trained eye, helping catch early decay and bone changes — and letting you see exactly what she sees.
Areas of Focus
- Comprehensive family dentistry for patients of all ages
- Cosmetic smile design, including veneers, bonding, and whitening
- Invisalign clear aligner therapy
- Implant restoration and full mouth rehabilitation
- Sedation dentistry for anxious patients
- Emergency dental care, with same-day emergency visits available
Schedule with Dr. Kim
Whether you are looking for a new family dentist, weighing a cosmetic change, or dealing with something urgent, Dr. Kim and the rest of our team would be glad to meet you. We are at 2216 Ivy Rd #205, Charlottesville, VA 22903 — on Route 250 (Ivy Road), about 8 minutes west of UVA Grounds — with appointments Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Call (434) 977-4101 or book online.
Dr. Kim at Work
