Osstem Implant Chairman Choi Kyu-ok speaks during an award ceremony at a Korea-U.S. alliance reception in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Osstem Implant

Osstem Implant Chairman Choi Kyu-ok received the Korea-U.S. alliance Honors Award, Wednesday, recognized for his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.

The award was presented at a reception co-hosted by the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation and the Korea Defense Veterans Association.

Choi, a pioneer in Korea's dental implant industry, has significantly bolstered economic ties between Seoul and Washington through investment and job creation in the United States, according to the award organizers.

"I'm deeply thankful and honored to be recognized for my contributions to the South Korea-U.S. alliance. I feel grateful that my career efforts have been able to support our alliance," Choi told The Korea Times.

Choi served in the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army from 1982 to 1985 after which he graduated from dental school, becoming a dentist. As he pursued his career, he recognized the significant role dental implants can play in advancing dental care both in Korea and worldwide.

He founded Osstem Implant in 1997. Since the firm established its first U.S. production facility in Philadelphia in 2007, it has steadily grown to 4,700 square meters with 423 employees.

"We plan to continue expanding our workforce and operations in the U.S.," Choi said.

Osstem's performance in the U.S. market has garnered recognition. In June 2023, Osstem Implant received the President's "E" Award from U.S. President Joe Biden, acknowledging the company's profitability and financial soundness.

In addition to manufacturing, Osstem has operated a clinical education program to share Korea's advanced implant technology with American dentists, contributing to the improvement of dental care standards across the U.S.

"We've trained nearly 8,000 American dentists so far, many of whom had faced challenges with implant techniques. I believe our work has enhanced their skills and raised the overall standard of clinical practice in the U.S.," the chairman noted.

Furthermore, Osstem is strengthening technological cooperation between the two countries by expanding R&D personnel in the U.S., which has become a catalyst for promoting mutual technological innovation between the two nations.

Though Osstem Implant is widely recognized as an implant manufacturer, Choi emphasized the company's broader commitment to dental care.

"In addition to implants, we also produce dental chairs, X-ray machines, CT imaging equipment — the materials and tools necessary for dental clinics. Our company's mission is to help dentists deliver quality care and promote public health while also supporting their practice operations, not only in Korea but in the global community as well," he explained.