Yochim joins DCG as director of pediatric dentistry residency

Dr. Ji Min (Mina) Yochim has joined the Dental College of Georgia (DCG) faculty as director of the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program and associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.

A board-certified pediatric dentist, Yochim brings a strong background in clinical care, dental education, research and academic leadership. She is passionate about mentoring future pediatric dentists and supporting the development of compassionate, skilled clinicians who are committed to providing exceptional care to children and their families.

As program director, Yochim looks forward to supporting residents and predoctoral students as they develop their clinical skills, embrace lifelong learning and grow into confident, compassionate dental professionals. She is particularly drawn to DCG’s collaborative culture and the opportunity to work across disciplines while advancing the college’s missions of education, research, patient care and service.

Yochim joins Augusta University from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she served as an assistant professor. Previously, she served as an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, supervising dental students in the examination and treatment of pediatric patients. She also owned and operated Vine Kids Dental in Bozeman, Montana, and has experience in private practice in California.

Her academic career combines advanced scientific research with clinical expertise. Before pursuing dentistry, Yochim earned a doctoral degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Southern California (USC), where her research examined the role of COX-1 inhibitors in the prevention and downregulation of colon polyps and esophageal cancer. She then completed two years of postdoctoral training at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry, conducting oral cancer research using advanced biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.

Inspired to pursue dentistry after participating in a dental and medical mission trip, Yochim earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2009. During dental school, her growing interest in caring for children led her to pursue specialty training in pediatric dentistry. She completed a two-year pediatric dentistry residency at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in 2012 and is a dplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.