Cover Dr Steve Mark Gan looks back on the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center's (GAOC) 25 years in the industry

The Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) celebrates 25 years in the industry, a triumphant journey that its founder, Dr Steve Mark Gan, fondly looks back on

“At the beginning, the vision was clear,” Dr Steve Mark Gan remarks. “To build a world-class dental centre in the Philippines, one that could stand alongside the best, and to set a standard we could be proud of.” Ten clinics (and still growing) later and after 25 years of accolades, accomplishments and smiles, the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) remains at the forefront of patient-centric care, anchored by cutting-edge technology and technical skill. While their peak still awaits in the distance, Gan takes a moment to see how far his humble clinic has come.

In case you missed it: Celebrating smiles: Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) bags six international awards

Tatler Asia
Above Gan fondly recalls the moments—big and small—that built GAOC as it is today
Tatler Asia
Above Dr Steve Mark Gan celebrates 25 years of GAOC

“Twenty-five years brings a quiet sense of gratitude,” Gan shares. “It’s not something I see as a finish line, but more as a moment to reflect on the people, the trust and the hard work that brought us here.” He recalls a montage of memories—late hours at the clinic, staring at patient sheets and driving team members home after complex procedures that had gone on a few hours too long. It was an exhausting yet fulfilling experience, one that he cherishes to this day. It was this demanding pace that reinforced the values of discipline, resilience and his long-term goal: world-class care as the norm, not the exception.

Tatler Asia
Above GAOC consists of ten clinics and still growing
Tatler Asia
Above GAOC leverages cutting-edge technology and patient-centric care

Those long hours and sleepless nights were well worth it. The lives of patients were changed for the better, restoring their confidence and smiles. “But beyond those moments”, Gan elaborates, “there is also a deep sense of fulfilment in seeing how far the profession has evolved. Over the years, we have helped make dentistry more patient-centred, less intimidating and more transformative.”

Beyond the 3D treatment previews and enhanced diagnostics his practice has already adopted, Gan is looking ahead to the next wave of technology: digital workflows, robotics and AI-powered diagnostics. “I’m particularly excited about the growth of regenerative dental medicine. The ability to harness the body’s natural healing and regenerative capabilities has the potential to change how we approach tissue preservation, bone regeneration and long-term oral health,” he adds.

See more: UnionBank’s Gauraw Srivastava on properly planning for the future

Tatler Asia
Above Advancing the standard of Philippine dentistry has been one of GAOC's driving principles since its founding
Tatler Asia
Above Gan views this latest milestone as a chance to be grateful for those who have been with the clinic since the very beginning

“Knowing that GAOC has contributed, in its own way, to shaping a more dynamic industry and inspiring higher standards across the profession is incredibly rewarding,” Gan remarks. “When you see positive change not only in individual lives but in the industry as a whole, that is worth smiling about.”

GAOC has continuously raised the bar, in the belief that Filipinos deserve the best quality of care possible. Gan has held himself and his team accountable for the past 25 years to uphold this promise. “Behind what people see today are years of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance,” Gan affirms. Words are not enough to express the gratitude he feels toward his team, patients and supporters. “Looking back, I realise that while GAOC may have started with a vision, it was built by the people who believed in it and stayed with us throughout the journey.”

Twenty-five years of redefining smiles—experience GAOC. Visit gaocdental.com and follow them on Instagram @gaocdental and on Facebook at GAOC Dental.


NOW READ

A journey into Filipino folklore: DreamWorks unveils ‘Forgotten Island’

Where to buy matcha powder in the Philippines: 5 local brands to know

Review: Milly Alcock’s ‘Supergirl’ flies beyond Superman’s shadow

Credits

Photography: JV Rabano
Photography Assistant: PJ Salazar
Styling: Jay Sarmiento
Make-Up: Kaye Misajon
Hair: Bee Amarga
Production: Bianca Simeon and Michelle Soriano
Tobias Jared Tomas
Associate Editor for Branded Content and Tatler GMT, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia
Tobias Jared Tomas

About

Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles. 

He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.

Work

Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.