How Entrepreneurship Helped To Create A New Way For Consumers To Smile, A Founder’s Story with Dr. John Pham

Dr. John Pham, DDS, MS is the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of InBrace, using his leadership skills and treatment innovations developed from years of research to disrupt the orthodontic industry with an invisible, consumer-friendly solution for today’s active patient. He is responsible for infusing his passion for patient-centered care into the company’s DNA and turning his belief in a diverse and empowered workforce into motivation for all to contribute and be successful. Dr. Pham received his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Doctorate degree in Dental Surgery from UCLA and his Master’s degree in Craniofacial Biology and Residency in Orthodontics from USC.

Tell us about your childhood and where you grew up

Son of immigrant farmers, I grew up in east Los Angeles, where I helped grow, harvest, and sell products as an adolescent on the roadside. As the family business grew, I saw first-hand the valuable contributions made by everyone in this very diverse neighborhood.

How did you get started as an entrepreneur?

Growing up as an immigrant, we learned how to pave our own path and create opportunities for ourselves and others–that is entrepreneurship to me. At 19 years old, I had a taste of the startup world, after I quit school to work on an e-commerce business with some close friends. This sparked a true passion for entrepreneurship inside of me, and from there I continued to embark on other business ventures, before finally finishing my degree and going to dental school.

What is one business lesson you would tell a startup founder?

Do what you’re passionate about and stay true to who you are throughout the journey.