Trung Phan, DDS
I enjoy getting to know my patients, and I hope you spend a little time to read a little about me. I was born and raised in Hue, Vietnam. My father fought in the Vietnam War as a South Vietnamese Army Captain and alongside the United States of America. The North Vietnamese Army captured and imprisoned my father for eight years, and his release came when the Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975 when the North Vietnamese Army overtook Saigon. Although my father had his freedom, life after the war was a difficult adjustment for him and my mother.
Soon after the Vietnam War, Vietnamese refugees began to flee their homeland. The first wave consisted of South Vietnamese and United States government officials and selected Vietnamese families. My family was not part of this group; instead, after the fall of Saigon, the new Socialist Republic of Vietnam sent millions of former South Vietnamese military officers to re-education camps, including my father. Luck began to turn in our favor in the early 1990s; because my father was a former political refugee and prisoner, under the United States Humanitarian Operation Program, our family was able to leave Vietnam. In 1991, my family and I immigrated to Denver, Colorado through the sponsorship of an elderly American couple.
My life was difficult in Vietnam, and I thought coming into the US would be a lot better; however, life in the United States possessed its own hardships and challenges. Adjusting to American culture was difficult; I could not speak a word of English and kids gave me funny looks as I talked to them in Vietnamese. I realized that life was different and difficult but certain people in my community lent their hands and helped us with our transition. Before separating from my parents, they taught me to be honest, hard working, and considerate of others.
At the age of 16, I began the Casey Foundation Independent Living Program and by my junior year in high school I was living in an apartment, paying my own bills, working an average of 35 hours a week as a waiter and still able to graduate high school with honors while taking Advance Placement classes such as AP Chemistry and College Calculus. I sacrificed my high school graduation in order to graduate early so I could enlist into the Marines; there they fortified my discipline for hard work, perseverance, leadership, initiative, teamwork, communication as a team leader, and integrity.
While at the University of Iowa working towards my B.S. in Biology, I received orders to deploy to Iraq. My heart sank as the thought of dying young went through my mind; however, in hindsight, being in Iraq has been the best experience in my life. I interacted with the natives, and I noticed they did not have much left in their war-torn country, yet, I never once heard them complain about their lives. I had the opportunity to teach the Iraqis proper hygiene, including oral hygiene. I taught kids and adults how to use toothbrushes and toothpaste to brush their teeth. I could tell they were grateful for my help. These interactions were gratifying and influenced my decision into dentistry. Dentistry, to me, is a profession that brings me joy by helping others. I love meeting my patients, getting to know them throughout their treatment process, but more importantly it fulfills my duty as a human being to help others who are in need.
My business goal is to be in a partnership with Dr. Orhan. Dr. Orhan and I have grown to trust each other and we share common philosophies when it comes to treating and managing patients; treat patients how you would your own family members.
My hobbies include spending time with my fiancée, Ellen, who is a third year dental student, and our Cavachon puppies, Rylee, Lucy, and Willie Mays. My idea of a fun time is being with families and friends. I enjoy home projects and reading. I also enjoy working on cars and motorcycles. I stay active by riding my bicycle, running, and enjoying any other outdoor activities.
I am a member of the Academy Of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.
If you would allow me, I would love to be your dentist!
-Dr. Trung Phan
Orhan Suljic, DDS
I was born in Banja Luka, Bosnia (former Yugoslavia) in 1988. As tensions began to run high in the early 1990s due to an overpowering sense of nationalism and ethnic pride, a civil war broke out in 1992. The war lasted until 1995 with Yugoslavia being broken up into 5 autonomous nations. My family and I stayed until the end in hopes that things would turn around and go back to normal, but that, unfortunately, did not happen. We were relocated from our hometown to a refugee camp in Croatia. After spending five months in the camp, we were given a wonderful opportunity to immigrate to the United States.
We came to Des Moines, Iowa in January of 1996. Things were obviously very difficult initially. I adjusted very quickly, but for my parents, it was a drastic change. However, I saw in them a sense of perseverance and determination to make something out of nothing. They worked very hard. My mom was able to continue her job as a dental technician while my dad’s medical school diploma was unable to transfer, and he began work in a manufacturing position. As a result of their drive and tenacity, I was able to have a normal childhood.
I attended Urbandale High School in Des Moines. I participated in school activities such as basketball, football, and track and field while always maintaining a high standard in academics. My parents constantly stressed the importance of hard work. They told me that whatever I decided to get involved in, giving 110% should be the rule and not the exception. I was able to letter in both athletics as well as in academics. I managed to graduate from high school with a 4.0 GPA and was given a great opportunity to attend Drake University in Des Moines. When it came time to pick a major, I started thinking very deeply. I had always been surrounded by dentistry since my mom was a dental technician. Consequently, at the beginning of my collegiate career, I knew dentistry was the choice for me. I decided to major in Biology at Drake University while shadowing a dentist in the Des Moines area. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Drake University, I was accepted into the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
Since being at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, where I earned my DDS, I have developed my skills as much as possible and have won some clinical excellence awards in the process. Being able to help patients in any way possible and treating them like I would want to be treated is really what I strive for. I always tell them that I will treat them like they are my family. My hobbies include spending time with my fiancée Sarah and our Australian Shepherd Nala, traveling, watching all kinds of sports, playing basketball, bike riding, and spending time with friends and family.
I am a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. I am excited and honored to become your dentist if you allow me to. I will treat you like you are my family.
-Dr. Orhan Suljic
David Lickteig, DDS
Dr. Lickteig received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in 1981, and his dental degree from the University of Iowa in 1986.
Dr. Lickteig has been a member of the Young General Dental staff for over 20 years. He attends several major dental meetings every year in order to provide the most up-to-date dental treatment and remain informed about the ever changing landscape of dental materials.
Dr. Lickteig belongs numerous dental organizations, and with his free time enjoys spending time hiking, biking and working in his yard.