Dr. Chao was born in Taipei, Taiwan and emigrated to the United States at the age of 4, the son of parents from Shanghai, China who left as political refugees after the communist takeover of China. Growing up in Southern California, it was natural for him to attend UCLA and the University of Pacific for his Doctorate degree in Dental Science. After completion of his education, he moved to Silicon Valley to start a successful dental practice in San Jose for 22 years. While in California, he would often volunteer for dental missions into remote areas of Mexico with the Flying Doctors. He was given the honor to treat American athletes on the Olympic team and additionally, did several residencies in Temporal Mandibular Disorders and Occlusal Pains.
After moving his family to Traverse City, Dr. Chao started Garfield Dental Group upon completion of the building at its present location on North Garfield Road in 2002. This building and dental practice has served for 5 years as an off-campus dental internship for training 3rd and 4th-year dental students from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry to provide free dental care for the underserved in our community. As a practitioner and educator, he makes a special effort to help patients understand the state of their dental health and how it relates to their overall health.
On a personal note, Dr.Chao enjoys the arts, sports, and traveling. Most of the artwork at Garfield Dental Group are original works by him and his sons, Jeremy and Alex. He continues to paint but also enjoys listening and dancing to live music. As a supporter of the Traverse City Film Festival, State and Bijou Theatre, and Interlochen Arts Academy, he regularly attends live performances and enjoys films.
In sports, Dr. Chao plays pickleball, bikes daily, hikes, swims for exercise, and is also a regular at his gym. His personal accomplishments include swimming the Maui Channel, swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco, twice doing the Waikiki 3 Mile Roughwater Swim, and completing multiple triathlons and biking events. He now plays pickleball 3-4 times a week.
In his travels, Dr. Chao traveled to over 25 countries. He did dental mission trips in Mexico and Central America. In 1983, he was one of the first dentists to visit China as part of a professional exchange, visiting clinics and observing dental surgeries under acupuncture. From his travels, his favorite cities include Prague, San Francisco, Venice, and Amsterdam. On his bucket list, he wants to bike parts of Europe and Southeast Asia.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 56 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestF McKittrick
a year ago
A had a very thorough dental cleaning and was given some good suggestions to improve my dental health! Thank you to a wonderful staff!
Roque Torres
a year ago
Fantastic!
Clay Wild
a year ago
Wonderful staff job well done
Julie Armijo
a year ago
The entire staff, both Dentists Chao and Zic are fabulous. Comfort is a priority here. Best ever!
Jan Atallo
a year ago
Cordial, very competent staff and new doctor who is excellent. Quality of work also excellent AND they give you aa blanket if you want a one and for comfort!
Toni Crowfoot
a year ago
Dr. Chao and his staff are phenomenal! Great work, all are compassionate and caring. Thank you everyone.
PianoPeg J
a year ago
The most professional, thorough, new-patient experience I've ever had in 75 years! Everyone was friendly, patient and caring while answering my every question. Dr. Chao took the time to sit down and chat with me about my dental wishes and what plans I will have for the future as well as exchange some family info about our kids! I dare to say that I had fun today!
Yelena Z
a year ago
Great office- clean, well organized, with advanced equipment. Dr Chao is very thorough in his exams and gives great explanations on all options and what to expect from the procedure. Definitely recommend this place - you will be in hands of caring people. Update: tooth extraction procedure went amazingly painlessly and the area is healing well. I have been checked upon a few times by the staff and Dr Chao. Happy patient
Terry Hanson
a year ago
Today was just a cleaning but as usual was very pleased with my Hygienist. She did a thorough job answering all my questions, was a pleasant experience, I do not fear going to Dr. Chao and his staff.
william scharf
a year ago
The "hole" in the tooth along my gum line looked pretty bad to me. Keeping it clean, as I was told, will be difficult, and the absence of decay is not necessarily a positive sign. I think this will be difficult to fix if and when it does decay. I would prefer some proactive preservation?
Elizabeth Lacey
2 years ago
Great dental care from experienced, caring and competent staff.
Clara Kolle
2 years ago
Thank you Dr.Chao for an efficient and effective cavity fill!
Pat Westt
2 years ago
You guys are the best. Every time I come it is a fabulous experience.
Yelena Zakharova
2 years ago
Great office- clean, well organized, with advanced equipment. Dr Chao is very thorough in his exams and gives great explanations on all options and what to expect from the procedure. Definitely recommend this place - you will be in hands of caring people.
jaregalbuto regalbuto
2 years ago
Wonderful! Little or no discomfort.
Carrie Olmsted
2 years ago
All the staff was wonderful and Dr. Zick is a fabulous dentist
Toni Crowfoot
2 years ago
Dr. Chao and his staff are phenomenal! Great work, all are compassionate and caring. Thank you everyone.
jheri smolin
2 years ago
My experience was painless. Dr Zick and the staff were very friendly and made me feel comfortable. My tooth was scanned using cool modern equipment so I didn't have to have a mouth full of impression material. Gagless and painless.
Paula Kelly
2 years ago
From the friendly and efficient front staff to the competent medical professionals, it was my best Dental appointment ever! If you want personalized and experienced dental care this is the place.
Nicole Richards
2 years ago
Dr Dan and Jen were amazing with my 5 year old! They made him so comfortable and explained everything in age appropriate terms. It could not have gone any better! A HUGE thank you everyone at Garfield Dental!
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