From the Air Force to the Operating Room
Dr. Lee’s career began in the United State Airforce as a combat medic and chairside dental assistant. These early experiences sparked a deep interest in dentistry and set him on the path toward becoming a dentist. While in college, Dr. Lee worked as a chairside surgical assistant for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Assisting with his first LeFort I osteotomy confirmed his calling—he knew he wanted to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
After graduating from the College of William & Mary in Virginia and Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Lee completed his internship and residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). From the beginning of his career, he recognized the profound impact the specialty could have on patients’ lives. Procedures such as orthognathic surgery to correct craniofacial deformities, treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and dental implant placement to restore function can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life—an impact that continues to inspire his work today.
Committed to giving back to the specialty, Dr. Lee also dedicated much of his career to teaching. He served on the clinical faculty at VCU and later became Director of Oral Medicine and faculty at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he taught otolaryngology residents to manage maxillofacial trauma. Teaching oral and maxillofacial surgery for more than three decades has been deeply rewarding, alongside practicing the full scope of the specialty in his outpatient ambulatory surgical private practice.
As a veteran, he has also remained committed to serving fellow veterans. After meeting Wayne Kyle, president of the American Valor Foundation and father of Chris Kyle, he was inspired to create Operation Restore Oral Health. The foundation connects honorably discharged veterans with volunteer oral and maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, and dental laboratories who provide implant restorations at no cost.
Many of these veterans struggle with PTSD, and restoring their smile and oral function can be life-changing. For some, the transformation has renewed confidence, hope, and a sense of purpose. For him, this work reflects the true power of oral and maxillofacial surgery: the ability to change lives.
Read the Full Issue
Explore the full PDF edition, including this article and more ABOMS updates.
Contribute to The Diplomate Newsletter!
We welcome submissions from our community of Diplomates. Email marketing@aboms.org to contribute an article or nominate a colleague for Diplomates Making a Difference.