Cover Visionary dentist Dr Anna Chong is transforming dental care by weaving Malaysian heritage into every aspect of her new dental clinic, Oranna Dental at KL Trillion (Photo: Oranna Dental)
Visionary dentist Dr Anna Chong is transforming dental care by weaving Malaysian heritage into every aspect of her new dental clinic, Oranna Dental at KL Trillion (Photo: Oranna Dental)
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A visionary dentist transforms dental care by weaving Malaysian heritage into every aspect of her new practice, Oranna Dental at KL Trillion
When Dr Anna Chong was a child, frequent family visits to the dentist instilled in her a profound understanding of quality dental care’s importance. Today, her vision has materialised into Oranna Dental, arguably the most aesthetically pleasing dental clinic in Kuala Lumpur, where Malaysian heritage meets world-class dentistry in an extraordinary fusion of culture and comfort.
“When my husband and I decided to open our own business, we didn’t want to open yet another dental clinic,” Chong says. “We wanted to build something that honours our Malaysian heritage, supports local businesses and communities, and in our own capacity, inspire more interest in Malaysian culture.”
Read more: 4 Inspiring Wellness and Self-Care Spaces in Kuala Lumpur
Above Oranna Dental Clinic showcases batik-inspired feature walls, locally-crafted elements, and artwork from Malaysian artists
Oranna Dental Clinic showcases batik-inspired feature walls, locally-crafted elements, and artwork from Malaysian artists
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Above Local touches in the washroom add to the Malaysian-inspired charm
Above The Waiting Area is furnished with bench-looking sofas, greenery, and a big ceiling downlight
Local touches in the washroom add to the Malaysian-inspired charm
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Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this exceptional dental clinic showcases batik-inspired feature walls, locally-crafted elements, and artwork from renowned Malaysian artist Ng Chee Heng, whose work was once selected among only 200 worldwide for exhibition in a Chicago Museum by UNICEF.
Oranna Dental’s design philosophy extends beyond mere aesthetics—it represents a deeper commitment to celebrating local artisanship whilst delivering superior patient care.
See also: How AI trends are shaping the future of wellness in Asia
Chong’s journey into dentistry began with a simple yet profound realisation: “My family used to frequent the dentist when I was a kid. When I started working, I realised I was in different shoes than when I was younger. Now, being the dentist providing care to someone’s parents or sibling reminds me of the time when I was on the other side of the consultation table. It encouraged me that I have an important task to ensure every patient of mine receives utmost care and leave with better smiles,” she says, playfully remarking that her husband and co-founder, Chew, grew up disliking visits to the dentist’s office.
Above The Waiting Area behind the reception was inspired by the outdoors, furnished with bench-looking sofas, greenery, and a big ceiling downlight to imitate outdoor natural lighting
The Waiting Area behind the reception was inspired by the outdoors, furnished with bench-looking sofas, greenery, and a big ceiling downlight to imitate outdoor natural lighting
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“Chew was always shy visiting dentists due to bad experiences when he was a kid. Having sensitive teeth didn’t help either. Ironically, he ended up marrying a Dentist! Life’s funny like that,” she says.
Together, the couple worked to ensure that every detail in the dental clinic is intentional towards a soothing patient experience, from the amenities in the washrooms to the green touches in the waiting room.
The dental clinic’s signature batik design features the Queen of the Night flower (Tan Hua), a bloom that appears only occasionally and withers by dawn. For Chong, this rare flower symbolises precious family moments and the patience required for beautiful outcomes—values that permeate every aspect of her dental clinic's philosophy.
Above Dr Anna Chong wants every patient who walks in to know they will be treated with utmost care
Dr Anna Chong wants every patient who walks in to know they will be treated with utmost care
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“Throughout my career, one of the principles I have always embraced is sincerity,” Chong reflects. “I believe that if you treat someone with sincerity, they can feel it and it builds trust.”
This sincerity manifests in meticulously planned patient experiences, from reception desks positioned at eye level for welcoming interactions to treatment rooms equipped with heated water systems, noise-cancelling headphones, ceiling-mounted televisions, and even warm blankets to counter treatment room chills.
The dental clinic even provides traditional Batu Seremban games in the waiting area, encouraging patients to engage with Malaysian culture whilst reducing screen time.
Above Chong wanted to create a dental clinic that honours Malaysian heritage, supports local businesses and communities
Chong wanted to create a dental clinic that honours Malaysian heritage, supports local businesses and communities
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Chong’s partnership with local businesses like MyBatik and premium toothpaste maker Acaya demonstrates her commitment to community support. “We wanted to create a space featuring local craftsmanship and artists,” she explains, embodying her belief that the best dental clinic experience transcends clinical excellence to encompass cultural celebration and community engagement.
“An Oranna Dental patient should walk in knowing they will be treated with utmost care,” she says. “Every detail has been thought of so that they can have a relaxed dental experience and hopefully feel proud knowing they are patronising a dental clinic which supports local businesses, artists and culture.”
Through Oranna Dental, Chong has created more than just a healthcare facility—she’s crafted a space where childhood dreams of supporting family through dentistry have evolved into a legacy that honours Malaysian heritage whilst setting new standards for patient care in the capital.
Credits
Images: Oranna Dental Clinic
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
