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GAOC: A FAIRY-TOOTH STORY OF LOVE AND SUCCESS
Before GAOC, the practice of dentistry in the Philippines generally consisted of accustomed treatment of disorders and preventive medication of the oral cavity that included the mechanical practice of filling dental cavities, root canal treatment, treating diseases of the gums, extraction, and replacing lost teeth with bridges and dentures. Only in rare cases that Filipino dentists were involved in specialties, such as endodontics, oral and maxillo-facial pathology and surgery, dento-facio-orthopaedics, and periodontics, which was then the trend in many advanced Western countries. As a consequence, dental practice was relegated with an attitude of ambivalence and dismissiveness by the general public.
Enter Dr. Steve Mark G. Gan, a young and dynamic practitioner, fresh from an intensive training and residency in the United States and eager
to make a difference in his home country. As early as 1998, sensing the regressive state of the country's dental practice, he slowly began to raise the technological bar of dentistry in the Philippines and challenge the status quo. He began his dental practice in a modest, almost run-down, clinic in Binondo, Manila,
and bought an old dental chair from his life-savings and a set of dental tools given to him as a gift from his grandmother.
In 1999, Dr. Gan teamed up a U.S. trained
dentists and a famous dentist and set up what they called DIGP --- or "Dental Implants Group Practice." Through DIGP, Dr. Gan engaged his first foray into dental implantology in the country, in an attempt to apply what he learned in the United States. A small clinic in St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City was then set up for this purpose.
To cope up with the increasing demand for his services meant investing in better equipment to meet their needs. In 2001, in a bold career move, he decided to throw his hat into pursuing a solo practice by establishing the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center, or GAOC. 
GAOC Chinatown - where it all started The startup years were not easy. Apart from the fact that he had to borrow money from friends and family just to make ends meet, he faced enormous competition from fellow dentists in the industry who never believed that dental implant practice will flourish in the Philippines. He had to revive the dental implant market here in the face of mounting resistance from patients who were fearful of the procedure and were not used to the enormous costs involved.
But persist he did. Soon, word-of-mouth referrals spread rapidly, especially to the higher echelons of society. His growing clientele, which included local celebrities, diplomats, and government officials constantly bolstered GAOC's image as one which connotes outstanding service and superb oral care. Not content with the success he reaped, Dr. Gan began teaming up with world-class suppliers of dental equipment and machines to bolster his already solid reputation for quality. Moreover, he was one of those rare breed of dentists who explored the concept of medical tourism to bring in much-needed dollars for the country, often participating in international conventions and seminars which hope to boost the medical tourism industry in the Philippines.
Because of Dr. Gan's valiant efforts, GAOC now boasts of the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment unparalleled even by the most progressive hospitals in the Philippines. Inquiries regarding his facilities reach to about several hundred a day from global clients and his reputation as a respected professional has not gone unnoticed in the Philippine Dental Association.
In 2006, GAOC inaugurated its second office in Medical Plaza at the heart of Makati City. Equipped with a full laboratory and high-tech scanning equipment, with a growing legion of promising young practitioners willing to be part of his prestigious team, GAOC
is now considered the most advanced dental center in the
Asia-Pacific. It is a one-stop-center for all kinds of
dental infirmities, ranging from the usual teeth cleaning to
complex procedures --- a far cry from the old shack in Binondo where his dream began.
His vision, borne out of love for the Philippines, is now a reality. With GAOC, Dr. Gan has successfully brought back the confidence of the public in dental implants and genuine quality dental service that his countrymen truly deserve.
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