With a mission to provide the highest standard of dentistry in the country, Dr. Gan and GAOC redefines dentistry beyond fixing crooked smiles
In a country known for resilience, hospitality, and positivity—all associated to a good smile—the Philippines still continues to struggle with oral health. According to a study conducted by the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) earlier this year, 72% of Filipinos experience dental problems. Such a perennial problem takes a collective action, and Dr. Steve Mark Gan knows this based on theory and practice. Armored with his own community members from the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center(GAOC), he is one step closer to helping Filipinos confidently smile with no pain—one tooth at a time.
A Chip On His Shoulder
When Dr. Gan saw that the standard of dental services in his country was second rate to the United States during his residency training, he let this observation be a driving force to change the dental landscape back home. He recounts, “I said, ‘I’m gonna give it a year, and try in the Philippines.’ The trajectory was going upward very fast, and I never looked back. In 2001, I wanted to change dentistry. Now, we’ve done much of that.”
But no success comes easy; Dr. Gan opens up on the challenges he has faced in climbing towards his vision—swindlers in past financial decisions, business partners who stepped on toes, industry fellowmen who gossiped, and ambition that attracted unkind attention. These things hurt him, but they didn’t definitely bring him down. His and GAOC’s focus? Cultivating goodness for others through their services. A patient’s grateful smile taught to be properly taken care of by him and his team was all that they needed.
New Standards of Excellence
The traditionally Filipino way of looking at the dentist is reactive—fix the pain. GAOC and Dr. Gan provide a better way to look at it—prevent the pain. Expounding on that, he says, “One thing I want to say is that GAOC gives you the highest level of education in treatment. Giving patients the proper results at the highest level gives self-confidence—walk the talk.”
For the oral surgeon, it takes continuous education on the newest techniques and technologies available to keep growing into his craft. Every patient recieves a comprehensive review of their concern and procedure, coming from the quality and clinical-based evidence provided in every treatment.
When patients pay a visit to GAOC clinics, it feels like their second home. Every stay is akin to a seven-star hotel visit—experienced staff with a warm accommodating concern, elegant interior aesthetics and cleanliness, and an atmosphere of utmost comfortability.
Understanding what it takes to keep a smile at its best is what GAOC’s treatments provide. Knowing the nitty gritty of what’s wrong for a patient in their diagnosis is supported by top-tier infrastructure. Computer aided designs and dental CBCT scans seen with such a clear view allows concise detailing. This state of the art technology is all utilized not to scare nor intimidate, but instead is handled warmly by the best trained dentists to always allow patients to understand the current state of their oral health.
Providing the highest quality dental service, and then some, is what empowers GAOC in the Philippines. When it comes to describing the overall experience, he states, “We understand that it’s important to look good, and we do that the right way.”
It’s not about coming in to the dentist for a monotonous health visit anymore with Dr. Gan’s clinics. It’s about inviting people to feel at ease in fully learning how their teeth will be fixed, and how they will be able to properly take care of it for the future.
He proudly states, “Like I always say, a natural smile is the right way. If you live a very happy and contented life with that natural smile, then everyday is a beautiful day.”
The Luxury of a Smile
A bright smile is beauty at its best. To Dr. Gan, it’s a God-given gift that represents a human being’s natural fashion accessory. The mission of striving for excellence in providing world-class education and top-quality solutions for patients in the Philippines through GAOC is a meaningful lifetime pursuit for him.
If it takes forever to constantly attain his best, then forever is for how long he’ll be greeting patients with his trademark confidence and smile.
Photography and Creative Direction TIMOTHY DUEÑAS. Styling REX ATIENZA, assisted by JAY SARMIENTO. Pieces by PRESTADO and SUIT IT UP MANILA. Grooming by CHIE GONZALES.
