Get to Know Dr. Ba T. Lam

This week in our “Get to Know the Park Dental Doctors” feature we’re profiling Dr. Ba T. Lam at Park Dental Salem Square. In his profile, Dr. Lam shares his treatment philosophy, what he enjoys about being a dentist, as well as some fun facts about his personal life. Learn more about Dr. Lam below!

What made you choose dentistry?

As a senior at Como Park High School I graduated as Valedictorian and received a full scholarship from Honeywell to attend the University of Minnesota and study engineering. After obtaining my B.S. in mechanical engineering I knew I still had the energy to obtain a masters or PhD, but I didn’t love engineering enough to do so. I am more of a people person rather than someone who sits in a cubicle and looks at drawings, and so I started to look into the health sciences. I found dentistry a perfect match for me because of the hand skills and the material sciences that I had acquired from engineering. From then on, my career choice has been good to me, and to this day I have no regrets on the choice I made. 

What do you find the most rewarding about dentistry?

Being able to offer my very anxious patients conscious sedation to complete all their dental treatment comfortably and with very little recollection of any of it is most rewarding for me.  

What’s your care/treatment philosophy?

Be honest to my patients when giving them options to fix their teeth. Help them make informed decisions as if I were in their shoes. Success will come with time once I am able to gain their trust and respect. 

Is there a particular area of dentistry you enjoy the most or like to focus on?

I really enjoy the variety of procedures that I do: Teeth extractions, bone grafting, implant placement, root canals, Invisalign orthodontics, removable prosthesis, general fillings/crowns/bridges, biopsies, esthetic composites and contouring, orthotic appliances for TMD, and IV/Oral Conscious Sedation. Too much of any one procedure can get boring.  

When did you start or how many years have you been with Park Dental?

I started Aug 1st, 2001. I am on my 23rd year with Park Dental. 

What is one thing you love most about Park Dental?

Is that I can focus on my dentistry and caring for my patients while letting the proper HR department and team members deal with the practice management needs and billing/financial needs. 

What do you enjoy most about being part of a group practice?

That I have other colleagues that I can call both my “partners” and my “friends”. 

And now for a little fun, let’s get to know Dr. Lam on a personal level.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I wanted to be a martial art movie actor like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and JetLi. 

What was your very first job?

Cleaning up dog poop on the lawns for the elderly. 

What do you like to do on your days off?

Cross off things on the “Honey Do List”.

What’s your favorite food or drink?

My mom’s Vietnamese eggroll. Cherry Vanilla Coke. 

Who is your hero or who inspires you?

My Father.

What is an interesting fact that people may not know about you?

I grew up in America, but I am more Vietnamese than most people think I should be. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Japan. 

What’s your favorite movie?

Braveheart.

What’s your favorite genre of music to listen to?

80s New Wave.

What are your hobbies?

Fish taxidermy, SLR digital photography, fishing, boating, jet skiing, camping, kayaking, home improvement, biking, automotive cruising, cleaning, and waxing.

What’s your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. 

Do you speak any other languages?

Vietnamese, fluently.

Are you scared of or have a fear of anything?

Being re-incarnated back into this Earth.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Minnesota/Wisconsin?

The beautiful wooded/lake sceneries.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I am excellent at using nunchakus.

What’s your favorite season?

Summer.

What’s your favorite color?

Navy Blue. 

What’s your favorite animal?

Koi fish.

How many different states have you lived in?

Two.

Dr. Lam practices at our Salem Square location. To learn more about Dr. Lam and to request an appointment, click here.