Dr. Hsun-Liang (Albert) Chan

I was born and raised in a small town called Kwanshi in Hsinchu, Taiwan. I lived with my grandparents, parents, and three siblings. Most of my mother’s family lived in the same town, so I had a lot of fun playing with my cousins as a kid. I also had a group of close friends in my elementary and middle schools. We studied and played sports together, and we’ve stayed in touch all these years. 

My father, my siblings, and their families still live about 30 minutes away from where I grew up.  At least once a year, my wife, my daughter, and I try to go back for a visit. We all gather together when we’re there – enjoying authentic Chinese food and sharing daily life stories.

In my family, it wasn’t a tradition to give or receive gifts on special days, such as birthdays. I think the best “gifts” I ever received were the companionship, guidance, and support my family gave me.

In the beginning, I thought I wanted to be a physician, but becoming a dental student turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. At first, I thought dentists only cared for teeth and removed them when needed, but I quickly discovered there are so many important things we can do to help people by caring for their oral health. 

The turning point was when I met my wife. She was my classmate in dental school in Taiwan, and she supported me wholeheartedly in my decisions – including moving to the United States to study, have a family, and build a career.

My interest in periodontics began when I was complimented for the cleanliness of the root surfaces I had scaled and planed in my last year in dental school. I was so encouraged by that experience and motivated by the instructor that I began studying periodontics to see what it offered. There were innovative regenerative methods to regain jawbone and gum tissue around teeth, and there was the prevalent use of implants to replace missing teeth. I was attracted by those advances and developments.

Although it’s not a secret talent, I can say that I persevere when I’m committed to a goal. Since I was a kid, I built endurance by being disciplined. Whether it was playing sports or studying, I worked hard and gave it my best effort. Those lessons still guide me now!

I once had a patient who said that the motivation for becoming a dentist should be a desire to help the community through a good heart, continuing to learn, and mastering skills. That advice turned out to be the best I have ever received in my career development.