Dr. Michelle Kucera, DDS

In My Own Words

Dr. Michelle Kucera - known by all as Dr. K - has always loved children. While babysitting as a teenager, she witnessed her baby sister taking her first steps, a profoundly touching and life-affirming moment that has stayed with her ever since. In terms of ambition, Dr. K found an early role model in her aunt, who was an independent, opinionated lady with the singular goal of becoming an airline pilot. At that time, it was incredibly difficult to achieve success in a male-dominated field like aviation, but Dr. K's aunt had the focus and tenacity, beginning as a flight instructor and becoming a Delta Airlines pilot. As the first woman in the family to achieve that level of education and career responsibility, her example encouraged her young niece to follow her own career aspirations. Dr. K found a job with a local dentist and orthodontist while still in high school. While it began as a good way to earn some money, the science of dentistry intrigued her more and more as time went on. She also loved interacting with a wide variety of different people each day. Other adults in her life suggested she become a dental hygienist, but Dr. K instinctively knew being her own boss would be more fulfilling.  She went on to attend Case Western Reserve University, earning her DDS in six years rather than the usual eight. While still in school, Dr. K discovered one of the most important components of successful dentistry is building patient relationships and trust. She places high value on listening to and honoring each individual patient's story, developing bonds that she hopes will last many years. Her additional professional credentials include: Pediatric Dental Certificate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Certification California Oral Conscious Sedation License Dr. K's list of personal goals include riding her bicycle across the United States, learning to speak Spanish well, and possibly joining the Peace Corps someday. She loves spending time with her daughter watching her grow and learn. She looks forward to traveling with her husband and daughter to India, Asia, and eventually Africa, discovering new and creative foods along the way.