SALINAS VALLEY DENTAL CARE - Key Persons

Dr. Carolyn Chang received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from New York University School of Dentistry with honors in removable prosthodontics. She completed her residency at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA, where she was able to further enhance her skills in implant dentistry, oral surgery, and prosthodontics, while being able to provide the best care for our veterans. Dr. Chang is passionate about delivering the highest quality dental care to her patients and is actively pursuing continuing education. She is currently an active member in multiple dental societies including: Academy of Osseointegration, California Dental Association, and the Santa Clara County Dental Society. Dr. Chang enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and watching cooking shows in hopes that one day she will become a Star Baker.

Dr. Irving Chao was awarded high honors and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific's School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He continued to receive postgraduate training at UCLA School of Dentistry in areas of cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy, implant dentistry and invisalign® orthodontics. Dr. Chao is committed to giving back to Salinas Valley. He provides free dental care to the Elm Drug Rehabilitation House and is the Director of the Monterey Bay Dental Health Committee, organizing classroom dental presentations throughout the county. Dr. Chao takes pride in his work and is very patient and gentle. In his spare time, Dr. Chao loves to ballroom dance and hike with his two dogs, Tasha and Louie.

Dr. Madeline Nguyen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA and Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific's School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Dr. Nguyen enjoys developing relationships with her patients while providing them with comprehensive dental care. She is committed to providing high quality service to help her patients reach their dental goals. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her friends and family. She also loves trying new food, hiking, and staying active.

Dr. Ngoc Bui received her Bachelor of Science degree from UC San Diego and Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. To further advance her education and skills set, she went on to complete a hospital-based dentistry residency at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA. During residency, she had the opportunity to serve our veterans with personalized, gentle and the highest standard of care. Dr. Bui has always been passionate about giving back to her community. She dedicated much of her time serving both locally and abroad by managing a mobile free clinic in San Diego County and volunteering on humanitarian trips in Indonesia, Timor Leste, and Mexico. In her spare time, she enjoys catching up with friends over yummy foods, hiking new trails, and playing tennis.

Dr. Makan was born and raised in Southern California. He matriculated at the University of California, Riverside where he majored in biology. He then went on to attend the prestigious Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA, obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon completing his dental degree, Dr. Makan interned in Nashville, Tennessee at the Oral Surgical Institute. After interning in Nashville, Dr. Makan went on to spend 4 years in Washington D.C., completing his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). He is currently maintains his privileges at Stanford University. Dr. Makan is married to his beautiful wife, Rupa, who is completing a surgical fellowship in breast cancer surgery at Stanford University. They enjoy the outdoors, travelling and spending time with their friends and family.

Dr. Hashimoto was awarded honors and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific's School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He continued his postgraduate training at Highland General Hospital in Oakland. In the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, he developed his skills in root canal therapy, oral surgery, and implant dentistry. Dr. Hashimoto enjoys creating a fun, comfortable, and relaxing environment for patients while providing the highest quality of dentistry to meet patients' goals. He is an active member of the California Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Hawaii Dental Association. During his time off, he enjoys surfing, fishing, lifting weights, and eating. Dr. Hashimoto was born and raised in Hawaii but is excited to be back in California to provide the highest quality of dental care with an aloha spirit.