Meet Doctor Chao

Research Associate Professor, University at Buffalo, SUNY Adjunct Assistant Professor, Ostrow School of Dentistry USC

Dr. Chao’s involvement with the Post-Graduate Periodontics Program at the University of Buffalo, SUNY, speaks to the depth of his knowledge and experience in the scientific investigation of gum disease. As a Research Assistant Professor at this university, Dr. Chao is involved in a major study comparing the Pinhole Surgical Technique, his invention, to the standard treatment for gum recession called the Connective Tissue Graft. Dr. Chao will be one of the authors of this new study.

The main reason Dr. Chao has served as faculty at the USC School of Dentistry is that he believes the best way to learn more is to teach. He incorporates stringent academic standards of diagnosis and treatment in his private practice. For example, he examines each patient from every relevant aspect, which generally takes one hour or more. Dr. Chao always offers patients treatment plans that will suit their lifestyle, finances and their immediate or long-term needs. His patients are encouraged to choose freely the treatment plan that best suits their particular priorities and sensibilities.

Dr. Chao’s extensive and in-depth knowledge of every specialty allows him to diagnose your condition accurately and often offers you unique solutions that you would not easily find anywhere else. (See Special Qualifications below). His induction as a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry is just one example of the many awards and accreditations Dr. Chao has received over the years. He has a widespread reputation as a lecturer and teacher both to undergraduate and postgraduate students. (See Professional Associations and Lectures below).

​Dr. Chao pioneered the Pinhole® Surgical Technique in 2000 because it occurred to him that there must be a better way to correct gum recession in a way that is minimally invasive, easier on the patient and does not require cutting the tissue as with gum grafting. He developed special instruments for this procedure and figured out that he could access the tissue though small Pinholes to loosen the tissue and move it back into proper position to cover the recession. The Pinhole® Technique and the special instruments are patented.