THE COLONY, TEXAS — Dr. Julia Kang DMD, co-founder of Elate Orthodontics, has been selected for inclusion in the 2026 topDentists database for the Dallas metro area. The selection is determined entirely by a peer-review survey in which dentists and specialists throughout Texas vote on the abilities of their colleagues. Dr. Kang has now been listed in topDentists every year since 2022.
Because topDentists listings cannot be purchased, and no payment is required to be included, inclusion is considered a distinction that comes from professional standing rather than marketing spend. A five-year run on the list reflects sustained respect from within the specialty, not a single season’s nod.
Education & Recognition
DMD, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine
DDS, Seoul National University
Harvard School of Dental Medicine Externship
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society
Being chosen by other dentists is different from any other kind of recognition, because the people voting actually understand the work. They know what a well-finished case looks like and what it takes to get there. To have that come from my peers, not once but every year since 2022, is something I hold close. It belongs to the whole team in The Colony as much as it belongs to me.
— Dr. Julia Kang DMD, Co-Founder, Elate Orthodontics
Why a Peer-Selected List Carries Weight
Most awards a practice can point to are decided by patients, by the public, or by a panel that reviews an application. A peer-review honor works differently. The people casting votes are practicing dentists and specialists who refer patients, review outcomes, and understand the difference between a case that looks finished and one that actually is. That is the standard behind the topDentists survey, and it is the reason a listing that has held for five consecutive years is worth noting rather than glossing over.
For families in The Colony and across North Texas weighing where to begin orthodontic treatment, that peer signal is a useful data point. It says other clinicians in the region, people who see this work every day, put Dr. Kang on their list again.
About Dr. Julia Kang
Dr. Julia Kang earned her DDS from Seoul National University and her DMD from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, followed by an externship at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society and was a finalist for the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics Resident of the Year. She co-founded Elate Orthodontics with Dr. Kevin Baharvand, and together they serve families across The Colony, Frisco, Prosper, and the surrounding North Texas communities from three locations.
About topDentists
topDentists is a peer-reviewed referral guide that compiles listings based on an extensive survey of dentists and specialists, who are asked to evaluate the clinical abilities of others in their region. Listings cannot be purchased and no payment is required for inclusion. The current Dallas metro area listings are published online at usatopdentists.com.
About Elate Orthodontics
Elate Orthodontics is a family-owned specialty orthodontic practice co-founded by Dr. Kevin Baharvand and Dr. Julia Kang. The practice operates three locations across The Colony, West Frisco, and North Frisco / Hollyhock, serving patients across Frisco, The Colony, Prosper, and Little Elm. The practice has surpassed 1,000 five-star patient reviews and holds current recognition as a D Magazine Best Dentist for 2026, a Living Magazine Readers’ Choice honoree for 2026, and Readers’ Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony. For more information, visit elateorthodontics.com or call 972.538.4343.
Media inquiries: info@elateorthodontics.com
Meet the Team North Texas Families Recommend
Free orthodontic consultations are available at all three Elate locations in The Colony and Frisco.