Dr. John Chao

Smile Talk is innovative, informative and entertaining. Since its inception in February 2009, Dr. Chao’s popular radio show has received enthusiastic reviews not only by the general public, but also by leaders and prominent scientists in the dental profession. Dr. Chao’s approach that “a little bit of sugar makes the medicine go down” has served to attract a vast audience throughout the Southland. Sugar in the form of humor and lighthearted banter along with simple language has made Smile Talk a favorite program for an ever-expanding audience.

Dr. Chao and his popular co-host Sal Gaytan have been able to draw out the personal, warm, interesting sides of guests on his show, which have included well-respected leaders, educators and scientists as well as members of the general public and patients. Without exception the guests have been well-received by Dr. Chao’s regular audience, which spans across Los Angeles and Orange County.

Dr. Chao has served for over ten years as a member of the faculty of the Behavior Science Section at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, where he teaches student-doctors the art and science of pain/anxiety management. He is widely known in the dental community for his lectures on such subjects as professional responsibility, infection control and temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction.

Dr. Chao has been lauded for his work as a dental-health columnist for various newspapers in the San Gabriel Valley, including the community newspapers, “Around Alhambra,” “Spotlight on Montebello,” and “Monterey Park Cascades.” Dr. Chao has been featured on various shows, such as MDTV on cosmetic dentistry, KNBC on laser dentistry and Johnny Grant’s Show on cosmetic bonding.

Dr. Chao attended Los Angeles City College, Cal State L.A., and earned his D.D.S. at USC School of Dentistry. He pursued post-graduate studies with the Academy of General Dentistry and has been awarded Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. He has also been award fellowships in various professional societies, including those for implantology, Laser and TMJ.