We featured this business earlier in the year and now we want to share more about the mama behind the business! Dr. Katie To is a local mom, dentist, and owner of The Center for Integrative Wellness & Cosmetic Dentistry. They are proud to be the first and only office in Katy and surrounding area to offer mercury safe and mercury free with Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) certified, dental ozone therapy and biocompatible dentistry. Dr. Katie is passionate about not just looking at dentistry as treating problems as they arise, but looking at each patient individually and considering their entire health because you can’t have a healthy body without healthy teeth. We sat down with Dr. Katie to talk to her about mom life, her inspiration behind becoming a dentist, and how she balances it all!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?
Our family is originally from Vietnam, we immigrated to Minnesota and I have called Texas home since 2002 after attending both college and dental school here in Texas. My husband and I have lived in Katy since 2015.
How many kids do you have and how old are they?
I have one boy, his name is Bailey and he’s turning 4 on June 22nd.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Katy?
Katy is perfect for raising a family thanks to friendly neighbors and close-knit community. On top of that, Katy ISD is one of the top school districts and Katy is a wonderful place for our son to grow up.
Least favorite mom job? (i.e. packing lunches, dishes, bath time, etc.)
Folding laundry is my least favorite.
Best mom hack that makes life easier?
Family calendar and review it every Sunday with my husband so we can support each other through the week. Together we are stronger and work smarter.
What are your favorite local things to do in Katy? (with kiddos or just for mom!)
Taking Bailey to Cinco Ranch golf range on weekends or biking around the neighborhood.
We’re big on self-care for moms, as hard as it is to find the time, what’s something you do just for yourself?
I ride my Peloton bike everyday and take the time to mediate and complete my journal.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’m a Hello Kitty fanatic. Birthdays and bridal shower are all Hello Kitty theme 🙂
When did you decide you wanted to be a dentist? And, what inspired that decision?
After a dental volunteer event in college, I realized dentistry is much more than changing one smile, it’s changing a life. And giving back the confidence that was lost.
Tell us about the Center for Integrative Wellness and Cosmetic Dentistry! What makes it unique from other dental centers?
We focus on bringing patients’ oral health to an ideal level – not just treating problems as they arise. Everything from the type of materials we use to nutritional counseling that supports healthy teeth and bones, is thoughtfully planned out and discussed with every patient. We also work with other medical professionals as a team since you can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mouth. Our practice philosophy is healthy smile, healthy body and healthy mind.
How does being a mom yourself impact your practice and how you care for your patients?
Absolutely a huge impact. We have a team of moms at our practice so we support each other through multiple maternity leaves, pumping days at work, kid sick days, school and family activities, etc. Patients can tell how patient, gentle and caring we are, like moms do 🙂 Sometimes we are told we baby our patients too much.
How do you balance owning a business, working as a dentist, being a mom, and a wife?
Everyone has their own definition of balance. For me, I love my high performance planner and I schedule work, date nights and play dates, etc. because if it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. I find my balance is when I enjoy my work, be present at home, and take good care of my physical and mental health.
You also work with your husband, any advice on working with a spouse successfully?
Absolutely, we keep it professional at work and keep work away from home. We both commit to be present at home, which means no electronic devices once we get home.
Do you experience the dreaded Mom Guilt, and if so, how do you handle it?
I do experience Mom Guilt and I think it’s natural for moms to feel that way. My solution is to schedule play time with Bailey, weekends are always for family activities, and be 100% present when I’m around him, listen to him, ask good questions and laugh together.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom you are today?
My mother and my older sister are the best Moms and I have learned so much from them.
To learn more about Dr. Katie’s Center for Integrative Wellness and Cosmetic Dentistry:
Website: https://www.katietodds.com/
Instagram: @drkatieto
Facebook: @KatieToCenter
Contact: 2910 Commercial Center Blvd Suite 101, Katy, TX 77494, (281) 712-6440
