The ‘Dentist to the Stars’ is also a techie

MANILA, Philippines - “The world is so competitive, how will you make it?”

Dr. Steve Mark Gan, more popularly known as the â€œDentist to the Stars,” vividly remembers his mother’s concern on his seemingly too carefree ways. Like any teenager, he didn’t know or care what would become of him. Playing basketball with his friends was enough.

He right away enrolled in a business course in college just because that was what his friends were doing. He went into a T-shirt design and printing business with them.

A heart-to-heart talk with his father gave him the push to be serious with his life and follow in the footsteps of his parents and most relatives who are all in the medical field.

He switched to dentistry and later on went to the US for advanced training. It was where he got his epiphany. He was so amazed at how modern the field was abroad and how sadly it was lagging behind back home.

He couldn’t wait to finish his studies and go back to the Philippines to share what he learned. He also wanted to prove that the kind of life that the US can give him, he can also have in the Philippines.

The daring and passion have served him well. It is now 15 years later and he is, at a relatively young age, on top of his game. His very own Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) is a thriving practice with five branches with two  more opening soon.

He specializes in ossseointegration or the fusion of implants and bones. He pioneered teeth whitening. He was one of the first to push dental tourism.

Politicians, entertainment celebrities, businessmen are among his clientele. He personally sees patients and oversees over 20 dentists and numerous other staff.

He even finds time to deliver talks to medical professionals, businessmen and students. This family man with two young kids also loves  vintage cars that he collects, tinkers with and drives around when he has the time. He is also into music as evidenced by his ever-growing playlist.

His day starts at 6 a.m. and ends, at the earliest, at 9 p.m. every day.

How does a man on the go keep it all together — meetings, consultations, procedures, research, presentation, plus music and games?

Not many people know that the dentist is also a techie.

His gadget of choice is Archos 80Xs, the latest tablet to hit the market. It has a keyboard that doubles as a magnetic cover board and charging dock. This facilitates ease of use. This high-resolution, eight-inch wonder also features a 1.6 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor, 1 Gb of RAM and 8Gb of internal flash memory, expandable to 64Gb via micro SD slot. This makes it perfect to store presentations such as powerpoint complete with charts and graphics. Archos 80Xs has WiFi and Bluetooth capability making anywhere-connectivity a breeze. It can also connect to a TV to become a media player via mini-HDMI. This is just what a gamer like himself can really use.

Archos 80Xs is exclusively distributed by The Electronics Boutique with stores at Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Imus, Waltermart Muñoz, Waltermart Makati, Market!Market!, Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Shopwise San Pedro, Laguna, Harbor Point Subic and Glorietta 5.

Dr. Gan is impressed with Archos’ speed, graphics, functionality and ease of use. It is lightweight at only 560g (19.7oz) making it convenient to carry around.

He is so enamored by it that he wants all his dentists and other critical support staff to carry one. Each unit will be programmed for patient consultations.

 â€œI want everything at my fingertips all the time. Archos is my latest toy and forever will be.”