Dr. Steve Mark Gan. Photo by Karlo Torio
Chairman and CEO Dr. Steve Mark Gan details why the success of GAOC was meant for the Filipino
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown” is the misused Shakespearean quote that resonates in the becoming of Dr. Steve Mark Gan. Once lost like any other freshman in college, the now 55 year-old has since been granted leadership positions within some of the world’s acclaimed organizations for dentistry as well as being previously appointed by the President of the Philippines as the chairman of PRC’s Board of Dentistry.
It was originally an uncertain decision for Dr. Gan when he took up his parents’ offer of studying for his current profession. Diverting from the path of business led him to the United States where he undertook residency for prosthodontics in Los Angeles and later met Professor Peter K. Moy, D.M.D. who taught him not only in the field of oral maxillofacial surgery, but also in life.
His return to the Philippines in 1998 was a humbling chapter in the dentist’s journey as his exposure to the American lifestyle made him realize the country’s underperformance in oral care and dental practice. This new-found perspective brought the once-young professional towards his pursuit of providing higher quality dental services to Filipinos.
Dr. Gan’s early days as a practitioner were met with commendable success amidst financial adversity; in many of those moments, he had his close circle of friends to thank for they were able to aid his pursuit of establishing the footing of what would later become GAOC. “They were always there to back me up”, he recalls, “it’s now my turn actually when we meet […] to sort of “take care” of them.”
Additionally, the business owner recalls a tradition he once had. He says, “When I was starting out [I would go] to Jollibee almost everyday. Not only do I eat, but on Sundays I would go [and] see people buying and […] sometimes there [are] street children and I would always buy them food.” Today, he still prefers to celebrate his birthdays by treating meals to the underprivileged with its quantities growing every year.
Since 2001, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) continues to represent premium quality in their services. “It’s our business and social responsibility to our colleagues and to our fellow Filipinos,” Dr. Gan states. In 23 years, the GAOC Group has since expanded its reach past its self-titled clinic, establishing sister companies such as Novodental which provide quality dental care at more economical prices across its 14 branches in Metro Manila (expanding to 20 branches by the end of 2024).
Additionally, the group’s other subsidiaries take focus on prosthetics as well as research and development through Samurai Dental Laboratories and GanTech Industries respectively. Alongside the company’s ventures in various industries and markets, the group of companies have since become extensions of their leader’s outlook not only toward quality, but to the service of their Filipino audience.
With the next generation, the veteran oral surgeon believes his position befalls the responsibility of setting an example; with both the group’s brands and his own approach to dentistry, Dr. Gan remains headstrong in applying extensive research in their dental and oral care practices, exercising their priority toward function over cosmetic. “They have to look back at serving the people properly and having the right education, and finally, the right experiences. Slow down their practice, strengthen their foundation, then later apply it in the practice,” he shares.
Today, the GAOC founder continues to translate his Filipino nationalism by providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries to underprivileged children as well as offering scholarship initiatives through the GAOC Foundation. “You have to practice what you preach and do good to your fellow countrymen because that’s the legacy that you’ll leave.”, Dr. Gan states.
Learn more of GAOC’s services and locations through its website, https://www.gaocdental.com and follow GAOC on Facebook and Instagram @gaocdental
