Get to Know Dr. Justin Chan
Why Did You Become a Pediatric Dentist?
Dr. Chan grew up with lots and lots of younger cousins whom he took care of while growing up. He eventually decided he wanted to have a career that involved children in some way, and as he got older, he zeroed in on the healthcare field specifically. As a kid himself, he always loved going the dentist’s office, and while in dental school, he had a great mentor as well and learned to really love working with younger patients from a clinical aspect. The movie Patch Adams was very impactful and inspiring as well!
One of the most amazing moments of Dr. Chan’s career so far is caring for a Make a Wish patient in Fort Worth. The child was terminally ill and had never had a cleaning before; this was one of his biggest goals, even though he was very scared. So he and his team decorated and provided lots of balloons in the treatment room – and the little boy ended up smiling the whole time! The family was very grateful as well. Moving experiences like this are what make Dr. Chan certain that he chose the right career.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Chan first completed his Bachelor of Science in molecular cellular and developmental biology at the University of California in Los Angeles. He then pursued his doctorate at the New York University College of Dentistry, where he graduated with honors and was invited to join Omicron Kappa Upsilon, which is the national dental honor society. Encouraged by the faculty mentors at NYUCD and influenced by his own personal passion for working with young children, he then pursued advanced training in the pediatric field.
Dr. Chan completed a specific residency in pediatric dentistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York. During this time, he was the chief pediatric dental resident during his second year and ended up earning the Leo M. Davidoff Society Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement for the teaching of medical students!
In October of 2013, Dr. Chan successfully became a Diplomate in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This shows that he has successfully completed accredited training, as well as voluntary examinations that are designed to validate the experience, knowledge, and clinical skills related to pediatric dentistry. He also has hospital credentials at Children’s Medical Center and Cook Children’s Medical Center.
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Dr. Chan was originally born in San Francisco and raised in the California Bay area. However, he decided Texas would be a great place to raise a family and has enjoyed putting down roots in the McKinney area. He and his wife Sayaka have a daughter named Erin, and they’re expecting a second little girl in June of 2019! They also have three cats. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with loved ones, meditating, cheering on Bay Area sports teams, and practicing Kung Fu – in fact, he’s a black belt!