Dr. Young Ho Kim; created new orthodontic technique

Young Ho Kim, a noted developer of orthodontic techniques, died Nov. 25 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital of renal failure stemming from a kidney infection. He was 81.

Dr. Kim was one of six children born into a minister's family in Seoul.

In 1949, Dr. Kim received his degree in dental science from Seoul National University in South Korea and completed an internship there in 1950.

During the Korean War, Dr. Kim worked as a civilian dentist in the US Navy Dental Corps, caring for Marines.

In 1952, he moved to Boston to attend dental school on an academic scholarship. Like many foreign-trained physicians, he was asked to start over. He finished a one-year internship in pedodontics, or children's dentistry, at Forsythe Dental Infirmary in Boston in 1953.

Dr. Kim received a master's degree from the University of Rochester in 1958 and his doctorate in dental medicine from Tufts University in 1960.

"He achieved success from no background," said his son, Stuart, of Stanford, Calif. "He was kind of the ultimate example of the American dream."

Dr. Kim served as a faculty member in graduate orthodontic programs at the dental schools of Harvard University from 1960 to 1965, Boston University from 1967 to 1968, and Tufts from 1981 to 1990.

Eugene Eagles of Bedford, a former student of his at Boston University, said Dr. Kim was a role model to the residents in the dental school.

"Even people who didn't have him as a teacher would come to him with questions and problems, and he'd say, 'Well, come on over. Let's figure it out.' He'd always want to help, and he was a very patient teacher," Eagles said.

As he became better known in the field, Dr. Kim would be sent plaster casts and X-rays of teeth from all over the country, Eagles said. He would write a treatment plan and mail his advice back to those who asked.

In 1967, Dr. Kim joined with Yee Pang-Ja, a Korean princess, to found the Myung-Hee Won Foundation, a charity for disabled children in Korea.

He maintained a private practice in Weston for more than 35 years.

Unae Han of Lexington, who took over the practice when Dr. Kim retired, said her predecessor sincerely wished to do the best for his patients.

"He was a mentor and role model to any orthodontist or any doctor by putting the patients' well-being first and trying everything until it got better," Dr. Han said. "He was like a dad to all of us who worked there."

From 1989 to 1991, Dr. Kim served as president of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists, North Atlantic component.

Dr. Kim developed a method for orthodontics called multiloop edgewise arch-wire technique, which allowed dentists to move teeth individually and fix open bites, over bites, and under bites without jaw surgery. In 1991, he established a foundation to promote the technique and served as its president until his death.

Dr. Kim lectured in Asia, Europe, and North and South America.

"He was always smiling, always upbeat, always optimistic that things were going to get better," his son said. "He was incredibly gentle and never, ever angry."

In addition to his son, Dr. Kim leaves his wife, Mazie, of Wayland, and a grandson.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 10 in the First Parish in Weston. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Weston.