The Dentist of the Stars

“Blessed are they who hold lively conversations with the helplessly mute, for they shall be called dentists.” — Ann Landers

His is a life of action and bold ventures with bicuspids and implants, of a uniquely personal triumph in search for excellence, of hopes raised and dashed for progress in the dental industry. Steel-willed determination and vision that overcame unspeakable challenges reigned preeminent and was, in great part, the base of his prominence. And the progression of the dental profession of the Philippines — in big strides and in small steps — was largely the handiwork of several outstanding professionals; one of them goes by the name of Dr. Steve Mark Gan, my good friend and "kumpadre." I am reminded that Dr. Mark’s story is not one that hasn’t been told before. When his dream of a clinic that is the G.A.O.C. (Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center) opened in 2001, and when it expanded in 2006, his story of struggle became part of this dental institution’s making.

By 2006, Dr. Mark would become known as the “Dentist to the Stars,” with his roster of celebrity clients thanking him on TV, they whose faces appear alongside G.A.O.C.’s branding. What these endorsers say about G.A.O.C. echoes what one Boy Abunda had told Dr. Gan years back: he changed the way they view going to the dentist.

I am always in awe of how far he has come: from a modest one-room, third-hand single-chair clinic in Binondo, Manila, Dr. Mark has made G.A.O.C. a household name for world-class dental care. Today, Dr. Mark is known as an industry maverick, re-inventor and an innovator. And he does so now in order to inspire younger dentists to do better, and be better. Most importantly, he highlights the value of putting in the work. “People see me as a celebrity doctor,” he once said. “What they don’t know is that I work very hard. I read all the time, I practice, I go to international conferences. Having the celebrity tag, they think it’s all just P.R., they think it’s just a business. But I’m an oral surgeon. I’m a dentist who does surgery, we do reconstructive surgery all the time. I’m hands on, I’m the one who does the surgery.”

While Dr. Mark’s entire life story cannot be encapsulated in just one description, his accomplishments certainly reflect a man of discipline, commitment, conscience and skill, whether in private practice, public service, civic action or private life. Indeed, with his example, our faith in the transformational power of resolute leadership can only be deepened. The industry cannot ask for more from any Filipino dental practitioner. Indeed, Dr. Mark’s pervasive astuteness and single-minded determination to succeed has made him the respected industry leader he is today. Here's to many more milestones in the coming years!