Lessons from Local Leaders:

Ben Liu

The journey from student to successful entrepreneur is rarely a straight line, as demonstrated by Dr. Ben Liu’s inspiring path to founding SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry. What began as a love for working with children blossomed into a thriving dental practice with five locations serving communities throughout the DMV area. Dr. Liu’s story offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their field while achieving work-life balance.

Dr. Liu’s educational background reveals an interesting fusion of disciplines that ultimately shaped his unique approach to pediatric dentistry. While he initially started as a biology major, a freshman course in child psychology at Johns Hopkins completely changed his trajectory. The complexity of the child mind fascinated him, leading him to switch majors and eventually apply this psychological foundation to his dental practice. This interdisciplinary approach has proven invaluable in his work with children, allowing him to effectively negotiate and build trust with young patients who are understandably anxious about dental procedures. His ability to convince reluctant children to cooperate demonstrates the practical application of psychological principles in healthcare settings.

What sets Dr. Liu’s entrepreneurial journey apart is his methodical approach to market research and professional development. After completing his dental education and pediatric specialty training, he intentionally accepted positions at multiple practices simultaneously, working six days a week for two years. This intensive experience exposed him to approximately thirty different dental offices, each providing valuable lessons about operations, team dynamics, patient care, and practice management. Rather than viewing these positions merely as jobs, Dr. Liu approached them as learning opportunities, carefully noting the best practices from each with the intention of incorporating them into his own future practice. This strategic approach to experiential learning offers a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs in any field.

The early days of SuperKids Pediatric Dentistry illustrate the challenges and uncertainties that often accompany entrepreneurship. Dr. Liu found himself launching not just one but two offices sooner than he had planned, facing slow days with only a handful of patients. Despite the nervousness and uncertainty, he persevered with the encouragement of key team members. His experience highlights the importance of resilience and the willingness to take calculated risks in business. The practice’s subsequent growth to five locations across the DMV area stands as testament to his vision and determination. For those contemplating their own business ventures, Dr. Liu offers straightforward advice: “Just do it. Don’t think too much.”

Perhaps the most valuable insight from Dr. Liu’s success story is his people-centered business philosophy. When asked about the biggest factor in his growth and success, he emphasizes that business isn’t primarily about money, accounting, or compliance—it’s about people. This holistic approach encompasses both the patients being served and the team members providing the service. By focusing on creating a positive work environment where staff genuinely enjoy their jobs, Dr. Liu has cultivated a practice culture that patients notice and appreciate. This philosophy extends to his approach with children, where fun, patience, and a gentle touch form the cornerstone of his practice methodology. The reward comes when formerly fearful children return for subsequent visits with enthusiasm rather than dread.

Dr. Liu’s perspective as both a healthcare provider and a parent of three children brings additional depth to his professional approach. He describes the ideal dynamic as a triad involving the dentist, parent, and child, positioning himself as a partner rather than an authority figure. This collaborative model respects the essential role parents play in developing healthy oral habits while acknowledging the child’s agency in the process. For professionals working with families, this balanced approach offers valuable guidance on establishing effective partnerships that serve the client’s best interests while respecting family dynamics and parental expertise.

Reach Dr. Ben Liu Below