Tourism is a diverse industry that caters to the different needs, interests, and preferences of people. The most common forms of tourism include leisure and adventure where individuals travel for the purpose of exploring destinations that give the much sought after distraction from monotonous routines. 

Cultural tourism is also popular to those who want to immerse and indulge in the rich local traditions of certain communities. This experience likewise comes with the opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of a place’s way of life, particularly through the language of food. 

Meanwhile, medical tourism is gaining ground among people who are seeking quality healthcare services that are either more affordable or not available in their home country. 

In fact, dental tourism is increasingly becoming a trend because of the same reason. Many travelers nowadays are personalizing their tourism experience by combining the act of finding relaxing pleasures with getting the necessary dental procedures.

In the Philippines, one of the pioneers to provide this unique tourism journey is the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC). 

‘Dentist to the Stars’ 

You might have heard of the GAOC dental clinic from one of your favorite local celebrities. It has been the go-to place of well-known personalities for their key dental needs, placing the Philippine dental scene into the industry map. 

Dr. Steve Mark Gan, the President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chairperson of GAOC Group of Companies, has been paving the way for the advancement of the country’s dental care system since 1998. 

“I’ve always had the passion to bring the highest level of dentistry in the world to the country,” Dr. Gan stressed. 

GAOC is a state-of-the-art dental treatment center that offers a broad range of technologically-advanced dental care from oral diagnostic, surgical, and rehabilitation procedures, implantology, and reconstruction. 

By integrating modern technologies to dental practice, GAOC was able to leverage the dental tourism landscape of the country. 

“Patients from all over the world visit the Philippines not just for travel and leisure but for medical procedures. Even with airfare charges, the cost of going to the Philippines for medical procedures is remarkably low,” GAOC cited. 

Apart from providing quality dental care, the treatment center also supports the promotion of Philippine tourism by offering to help their clients craft the best holiday experience while they visit the country to get dental procedures done. 

“Based on your preferences and needs, we will assist you in organizing a fantastic holiday around your dental schedule,” it added, specifying GAOC’s network of accommodation as well as retail and travel partners. 

The commitment of GAOC in providing the highest standard of dental care also gained various international recognition. Dr. Gan secured the "Master Entrepreneur Award" during the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) for two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023. GAOC was likewise hailed “Inspirational Brand” in the 2022 APEA. 

On the other hand, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, GAOC was the very first dental clinic to reopen under the new normal. Dr. Gan recognized the importance of providing emergency dental services to those who need it despite the threats on public health safety. 

Dr. Gan particularly led the development of aerosol boxes to establish the safest dental clinic environment possible for both dentists and patients. He also helped study the technology of extraoral dental suction machines to ensure respiratory health protection. 

How can you achieve healthy teeth? 

Contrary to popular belief, brushing your teeth is not enough. According to Dr. Gan, it is better to combine brushing with flossing and choosing the right mouthwash. It would also help to consult a dentist regarding the proper way of brushing your teeth. 

As aesthetics become a vital part of contemporary dentistry, there is no need to fear the idea of going to the dentist anymore. 

“Dentistry has changed, definitely. Nowadays, when you go to a dentist, it has more of a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. The reception is welcoming and more connected to lifestyle,” said Dr. Gan. 

“Technology has also changed, there are many different ways that dental science has already geared to painless dentistry. It doesn’t have the feel anymore of going to a regular hospital or medical clinic,” he added. 

How important is oral health according to Dr. Gan? 

“Oral Health is important because of its connection to our general health, to aesthetics and function. Healthy teeth also means healthy bodies. If you don’t keep a clean oral health hygiene, then it can lead to other systemic diseases like heart problems and many more,” Dr. Gan explained. 

This February, the country is collectively observing the celebration of “Oral Health Month” as a way of encouraging Filipinos to discern the importance of prioritizing oral health. 

Related Article: 

Celebrating Oral Health Month with a smile-ready Philippines 

For his part, Dr. Gan reminded everyone that it is ideal to visit a dentist every six months to receive optimal dental care. Meanwhile, for people with dental implants, it is best to make dental visits every three months. 

“Always remember that your dentist is part of your family,” Dr. Gan highlighted. 

Dental care is often neglected and overlooked among any other types of healthcare. As a result, many oral health issues became extensive and expensive to treat. 

Preventive care is also better than curative care. By fostering good dental care habits, you can exude more healthy smiles. (JMP/PIA-NCR)