meet the doctors
Jean Kang, DDS
“From the beginning of my career, I’ve believed in building genuine, long-lasting relationships with my patients — relationships grounded in trust, respect, and open communication. I take a personalized approach to care and am committed to educating families. Collaboration has always been the cornerstone of my practice.
As a mother, I’ve come to deeply understand that it takes a village to raise a family. I recognize the importance of expert guidance, while also valuing the autonomy to make informed decisions. That’s why I’m committed to treating every patient as I would my own family — with care, respect, and a strong sense of partnership every step of the way.”
MEET DR. JEAN
- Dr. Jean is a board-certified pediatric dentist who was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned both her dental and pediatric specialty degrees from the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she served as Chief Resident and received multiple awards and scholarship including induction into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Society.
- After completing her residency, Dr. Kang continued her academic journey by serving as faculty at UCLA’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry. After five fulfilling years as an associate at the practice, Dr. Jean is thrilled to continue the legacy of exceptional care and service.
- Dr. Jean’s practice focuses on prevention, minimal intervention, and a family-centered approach to care. She prioritizes creating a safe, welcoming environment and truly believes dental visits are about more than just teeth — they are an opportunity to build trust and nurture development.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: Scripps College
- Dental School: UCLA School of Dentistry
- Pediatric Residency: UCLA School of Dentistry
FUN FACTS
- Happy Place: National Parks
- Favorite Food: Ice cream — rain or shine!
- Hobbies: Enjoying every moment of motherhood, soaking up quality time with family and friends, binge-watching the latest TV shows, and breaking a sweat on the Peloton.
Kira Lee, DDS
“As a pediatric dentist, my goal is to create positive dental experiences that set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. I know firsthand how early experiences can shape a child’s perception of dental care — some of my own visits as a child were intimidating, and it took a compassionate provider to rebuild my trust. That experience drives me to ensure every child feels safe, valued, and even excited about visiting the dentist.
My treatment philosophy goes beyond just caring for teeth; it’s about creating a welcoming, family-centered environment where both parents and children feel at ease. By emphasizing prevention, education, and gentle care, I strive to help kids build healthy habits and gain confidence in their smiles. Together, we’ll make every visit a positive step toward a lifetime of good oral health.”
MEET DR. KIRA
- Dr. Kira Lee is a board-certified pediatric dentist with a deep connection to the community she serves. Born and raised in La Cañada, CA, Dr. Kira was once a pediatric patient at this very office. Today, she is thrilled to return as the dentist, providing care for the very community that shaped her early years.
- Dr. Kira completed an accelerated undergraduate and dental school program at the University of the Pacific in the Bay Area, where she graduated with honors. She was also awarded the prestigious Dr. Charles, Charles Jr., and Joe Sweet Award for "Superior Proficiency in the Field of Dentistry for Children." She then went on to complete her pediatric dental residency at NYU Langone Medical Center in Hawaii. In recognition of her excellence, Dr. Kira was honored with the Richard C. Pugh Award from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry for scoring in the top 3% of the nation on her board qualifying exam.
- Dr. Kira is dedicated to creating positive, fear-free dental experiences that build trust and lifelong healthy habits. She prioritizes prevention and empowers families with the knowledge to maintain strong oral health from an early age. Her goal is to help children develop confidence in caring for their smiles and foster a lasting appreciation for good dental habits.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: University of Pacific
- Dental School: Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
- Pediatric Residency: NYU Langone Medical Center
FUN FACTS
- Happy Place: On a beach in Hawaii
- Favorite Food: French fries — can’t get enough!
- Hobbies: Serving up aces on the tennis court, hiking up a storm, checking out the latest foodie spots, and strolling through the farmers’ market for fresh finds.
Kevin Kang, MS, DDS
“At The Tickled Tooth, we’re all about people — creating smiles is just the beginning.
Having been an orthodontic patient and now a parent, I understand the importance of creating an environment where patients of all ages feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely cared for. I believe in collaborating with both patients and families to ensure every decision is made thoughtfully, with their best interests and long-term dental health in mind.
My approach to orthodontics goes beyond just creating beautiful smiles — it’s about fostering an experience that builds confidence and leaves patients feeling excited and positive about their journey. Whether it’s a child’s first set of braces or an adult enhancing their smile, my goal is to make the process as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. Together, we’ll create a smile that not only looks great but also empowers you to feel your best, inside and out.”
MEET DR. KEVIN
- Dr. Kevin is a board-certified orthodontist who was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He earned his dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he graduated with honors and received several prestigious awards, including the Dean’s Scholarship. Dr. Kevin then completed his orthodontic residency and earned a master’s degree at A.T. Still University, graduating as one of the top residents and publishing multiple research papers in esteemed journals.
- After gaining valuable experience as an associate at several practices, Dr. Kevin has joined his sister, Dr. Jean, at The Tickled Tooth. He continues to follow his philosophy of providing personalized, thoughtful care.
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate: Occidental College
- Dental School: UCLA School of Dentistry
- Orthodontic Residency: A.T. Still University
FUN FACTS
- Happy Place: Anywhere on a golf course
- Favorite Food: Pretty much any kind of pizza — yes, even with pineapple!
- Hobbies: Rooting for LA sports teams (Lakers, Rams, Dodgers), hitting the links for a round of golf, and enjoying quality time with my wife, son, and our dog.
