About
Our clinical team at Tribute Family Dentistry is comprised of a group of clinicians who truly believe in minimally invasive dentistry. We are proud to offer comprehensive dentistry and orthodontics under one roof for our community in Frisco.
Dr. Aya Essmat or better known as Dr. E
Family-Focused Dentistry with a Personal Touch
Meet Dr. Aya Essmat, your dedicated partner in oral health.
A respected dentist with a passion for enhancing smiles, Dr. E is not only a highly skilled professional but also a compassionate caregiver, both in and out of the clinic.
Dr. E received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Boston University with high honors where she excelled in her studies and developed a strong foundation in modern dental practices. Her commitment to her patients is matched by her dedication to ongoing professional development, ensuring she brings the most current and effective treatments to her practice.
Outside of the dental office, Dr. E embraces a rich, fulfilling life revolving around her family and personal passions. As a mother to a three year old , she understands the importance of patience, empathy, and care – qualities that translate directly into her dental practice. She believes in creating a family-friendly environment where all patients, feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.
Dr. E is an avid hiker and traveler, adventures that not only fulfill her personal zest for life but also provide her with a broader perspective that enriches her practice. These experiences allow her to connect with patients over shared interests and stories, making each visit more than just a dental appointment—it’s a chance to connect and build lasting relationships.
Dr. Kevin Baharvand, or better known as Dr. B, loves making people happy.
A man of hard work
Dr. B graduated on the top of his class from Boston university, a world renown dental school. Upon his graduation he was inducted to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society which is awarded to the dentists with uncompromised achievements during their dental education. Shortly after, he received the prestigious American Association of Periodontics award.
Boston was where he met his sweetheart, Dr. Julia Kang. They graduated from the same dental school, scored the same in the examinations and sometimes even finished each other’s sentences.
“I loved being a dentist but orthodontics was something I was obsessed with” said Dr. B. After practicing general dentistry in Massachusetts, he started his orthodontic residency at Jacksonville University. Concurrently, he took night classes to pursue a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Upon graduation, Dr. B was among less than 5 orthodontic residents in the States who earned a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics with 2 masters at the same time. He was further inducted to 3 more honor societies: Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Dr. B is proud to be among 40% of orthodontists who are board certified and a Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics. In 2018 at the annual session of the American Association of orthodontists in Washington DC, Dr. B’s treated patient was displayed in front of the orthodontists from all over the world. “I’d like to do my best, leaving no regrets behind” is the motto Dr. B gets his energy from.
Peer-reviewed orthodontist
Dr. B has been featured in multiple peer-reviewed journals such as “Journal of the Clinical Orthodontics,” “Orthotown,” “Dentaltown,” and “Wave Magazine.” His interview on the “Dentistry Uncensored Podcast” has been viewed in over 50 countries worldwide.
Sasha, one of Dr. B’s patients, was featured on the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Orthopedics, the highest credited orthodontic journal in the world. “Sasha’s smile is a movie I’d like to watch over and over again. I am very glad to see her happy.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. B is also a passionate children’s book author, having penned the delightful story “Daddy on Duty: Soccer Game.” He finds immense joy in both reading and writing children’s literature.
Community Supporter
Since the inception of the Elate Orthodontics and Tribute Family Dentistry. Dr. B has been an active member of The Colony Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses and the community. Elate Orthodontics has been sponsoring 100% of the local schools in many forms possible. “I hope the community would see us as their #1 supporter” said Dr. B.
A Father and a Husband Above All
When not an orthodontist, Dr. B is a Baba which basically means crawling on his knees giving rides, playing with the Hot Wheels and read Pout-Pout Fish for the zillion time. He loves grilling and gardening vegetables and fruits.
“Becoming a father has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. It has taught me to listen, be patient and love unconditionally. Moreover, I feel I am a better orthodontist because of it. I treat my patients with compassion as if they were my family members. Thank you for choosing Tribute Family Dentistry and I welcome you to our Family”
Dr. Julia H. Kang is the co-founder at Tribute Family Dentistry and Elate Orthodontics.
Artistic Background
Being an orthodontist was not Dr. Kang’s first job choice. She dreamed of becoming a professional classic pianist since the age of 4.
Dr. Kang started playing piano since a very young age and continued receiving advanced levels of art education at Seoul Arts Academy, a renowned institute for the young and gifted artists. Dr. Kang’s studies profoundly shaped her ability to transform a vision into reality. “I truly love classical music. It is more than just the sound; it is about the discipline and the order it has brought to my life” said Dr. Kang.
It was during her senior year in high school when Dr. Kang realized that she wanted to be in a profession that gives her the opportunity to work with people and help them achieve the art of a beautiful smile. She determined orthodontics was a perfect career path for her.
Dental Education and honors
Dr. Kang received her first dental degree (DDS; Doctor of Dental Surgery) from the most prestigious dental school in South Korea, Seoul National University. After completion of her externship program at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, she decided to continue her dental education at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM). She achieved her second dental degree (DMD; Doctor of Dental Medicine) and graduated on the top of her class. She also honored to be inducted to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon, an honor society given to the dentists who have demonstrated exemplary traits of character and potential qualities of future professional growth and attainments.
After practicing general dentistry for couple of years in Massachusetts and Florida, Dr. Kang attended specialty training for Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics (JUSO). At JUSO, Dr. Kang was exposed to an intensive clinical curriculum in which the residents could receive an in-depth exposure to diverse clinical scenarios. As a result of such training, Dr. Kang was able to be a finalist in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics’ Resident of The Year Award.
After moving to Texas, Dr. Kang has been happily serving orthodontic patients in The Colony and DFW metroplex.
Dr. Kang’s philosophy
Dr. Kang takes a personalized approach to her patients’ orthodontic care to ensure the best possible experience under given circumstances. She enjoys interacting with her patients and their families and being a part of their lives. She understands that most people would love to have a beautiful smile but cannot afford it. It is her mission to change that by making the highest quality orthodontic treatment work for any budget.
Loving Mother and Wife
Dr. Kang is happily married to Dr. Baharvand. They met each other in Boston and were brought together with a plethora of mutual interests and habits. “We are a perfect team. Together we are a lot better that what we could have been individually. “said Dr. Kang. The couple has three young children, Kian, Amelia and Liam.
Dr. Kang’s family attends the Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano. They are proud to be members of the Korean Bible Fellowship. They are strong believers of raising their children with Christian values.