Planning for a predictable result.
PST is predictable when it’s matched to the right patient and the right goal. Recognizing that match is a skill — and it’s the first thing training teaches.
Where PST performs best
Where judgment matters
Classification, phenotype thresholds, and how to set the goal case by case — Dr. Chao walks through the decision criteria in the free intro webinar.
Long-term follow-up — Class I and II cases.
Based on 28 of the original patients recalled at a mean of 14.5 years (68 Class I and II sites). Outcomes depend on case selection and technique — which is why training emphasizes both.
Chao J, et al. Long-Term Retrospective Case Series of the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2026;46:299–305.
Multiple recession sites, corrected in a single visit.
Documented long-term cases — root coverage photographed years after a single-visit treatment.
Results vary by case selection and biotype. Class III cases target thicker, wider tissue rather than complete root coverage.
The goal isn’t just certification. It’s doing your first cases with confidence.
Most dentists don’t hesitate because they doubt the technique — they hesitate about their own first cases. Training is built to close that gap before you ever treat a patient.
Hands-on before patients
Practice on a typodont and mount until the instrument movements feel natural — so your first real case isn’t your first attempt.
A clear case-selection framework
Learn which patients are strong candidates and which aren’t, so you start with cases set up to succeed.
Direct mentorship with Dr. Chao
One-on-one guidance from the technique’s originator — bring your own cases and get specific answers.
Support after you’re certified
Graduate troubleshooting, refresher days, and a community of certified clinicians for the cases where you want a second opinion.
PST is technique-sensitive — flap handling takes practice, and perforation or partial coverage are real early-case risks. Training covers how to avoid them and how to manage a case that doesn’t fully cover, so your first cases are supported, not solo.
You shouldn’t have to learn PST alone. Training is designed so you build judgment and skill before the stakes are real.
If PST makes sense for your practice, here’s how training works.
Once you’ve decided PST is right for you, training takes you from understanding to confident first cases. Choose the path that fits your goals.
In-person training for certified PST® doctors.
Attend the refresher day, the advanced day, or both. Submit a request below — we’ll verify your certification record and email a secure payment link.
Join a foundational day to review technique, observe live surgery, and rebuild clinical confidence.
Advanced case techniques, targeted drug-delivery strategies, brushing stent protocols, DNA testing, and implants with PST®.
Both days together — the most complete in-person review and skill expansion.
Friday, November 6, 2026
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Exactly what happens, step by step.
Two questions come up more than any other: how the online course actually runs, and what an in-person day looks like hour by hour. Here’s both.
The online course
18 modules · 7 hours · 7 CE · at your own paceChoose your path and pay securely online. Payment options are available — just ask.
We email an e-agreement right after payment. Signing it releases your course access and kit.
Your course link is emailed and your kit ships — 13-piece patented instrument cassette, typodont, and practice mount.
Seven hours of HD video in English or Spanish, on your schedule, with 24-month access. Practice on the typodont as you go.
Roughly 40 questions, 85% to pass — covering technique, case selection, and protocol.
Your certificate and 7 CE credits are issued. Request a 1-on-1 with Dr. Chao any time by phone or email — unlimited, including a walkthrough of your first real case.
The in-person days
Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, Alhambra, CA · 7 CE per dayCheck-in and continental breakfast begin at 7:00 AM, the program begins at 8:00 AM, and each day runs to 5:00 PM with 7 CE. Full details are provided after registration.
Compare the three paths
CE credits are earned per component — 7 from the online course, 7 for each in-person day.
Online Course $5,500 |
+ Foundational Day $7,500 · most popular |
+ Advanced Day $9,500 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 online modules (7 hrs) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument kit, typodont & mount | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unlimited 1-on-1 mentorship | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Day 1 — hands-on + live surgery | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Day 2 — full arch, implants & complications | — | — | ✓ |
| Total CE credits | 7 CE | 14 CE | 21 CE |
| Pinhole® Certification | On passing the final exam | On passing the exam, or by attending the in-person day | On passing the exam, or by attending the in-person days |
Attending an in-person day before finishing the online modules still certifies you — you earn the 7 CE for that day, and the online course’s 7 CE once you complete the modules and pass the exam.
Achieving Predictable, Long-Term Root Coverage
A minimally invasive option for gum recession — no scalpel, no donor site. Presented by Dr. John Chao.
Why Doctors Choose Pinhole®
Hear directly from clinicians who have incorporated the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique into their practices.
Testimonials reflect individual experiences. Clinical and practice results may vary.
Want to see more before anything else? Start here.
Two ways in: watch the free intro webinar now, or join the email list for case videos and study updates. No commitment either way.
The PST® Fundamentals webinar with Dr. John Chao — the technique, case selection, and implementation. Free, on your schedule.
Tell us a little about your practice and we’ll follow up with course details, documented case videos, and study updates.
Advanced training and certification in the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique for dental professionals.
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by
any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
8/1/2025 to 7/30/2029
Provider ID# 365454