John Chao, DDS

Alhambra, United States

3.5

18 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 626-308-9104
Website:
www.alhambradental.com
Address:
100 S First St, Alhambra, CA, 91801
Alhambra
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.3 miMetro
0.3 miMontebello
0.3 miMetro 78
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Today

Today –
Local time (Alhambra) 11:31 AM Saturday, May 31, 2025

Business hours

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Description

Specialties

The Pinhole Surgical Technique was created by Dr. John Chao, the founder of Alhambra Dental which was established in 1983.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique, also know as Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is the latest procedure for restoring receded gums without conventional grafting. Its Scalpel-​free, suture-​free and conventional graft free. Typically, only ice and 2 (otc) pain pills are required after the procedure. Patients are typically back in action the next day with a healthy beautiful gum line.

Alhambra Dental also cater to fearful and/​or sensitive patients. This means that Patients are in control of selecting desired treatment options and the patient always maintains the option of modifying the pace of a procedure to suit comfort levels. Alhambra Dental is a full service office with one of the most patient friendly interiors. Call or stop by and our staff will take extra special care of you.

History

Established in 1983.

Dr. John Chao the founder of Alhambra Dental is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry.

Dr. Chao began his private practice in Monterey Park in a small office with 1 – 2 assistants. Over the years, Dr. Chao

emphasized quality dentistry and patient comfort combined with the latest procedures. This allowed Dr. Chao to build a very loyal following as he expanded over the years to help more patients with their dental needs. Today, Alhambra dental

accommodates its patients in a beautiful and friendly 5000

square foot office with state of the art technology. Dr. Chao is also known world wide for teaching doctors the Pinhole Surgical Technique which is a non-​invasive method for restoring receded gums.

Meet the Manager

Sal G.

Manager

Sal is the Director of the office and the Pinhole Academy which organizes seminars for teaching the Pinhole Surgical Technique to Dentists world wide. Sal has a B.S. in Psychology

and a 25 year history in real estate sales of Foreclosure properties and apartment buildings.

From 2009 – 2013, Sal hosted the radio show, Smile talk on KFWB featuring Dr. Chao and many of his most prolific cases. In 2012, Sal also hosted the cable TV show Dentistry Impossible which featured Dr. Chao and many of his incredible full mouth restorations.

Outside of business, Sal is an accomplished golfer with a 0 handicap and numerous amateur tournament victories.

Vicinity

Near this location:
1
ft
Organ Stanley A DDS
100 S 1st St
1
ft
Alhambra Dental Building
100 S 1st St
1
ft
Organ Stanley DDS
100 S 1st St
1
ft
Alhambra Dental
100 S First St
30
ft
Chamber of Commerce of Alhambra
104 S 1st St
50
ft
Carol’s Nail Salon
106 S 1st St

18 reviews of John Chao, DDS

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Place rating: 1
Monterey Park, CA
I’ve had work done by Dr. Chao in the past when I was working. I had good Dental Insurance then but I was injured and unfortunately I’m no longer employed. Now Disabled, Diabetic and having TMJ Issues, I need a lot of work done. On SSI and have Denti-​Cal Insurance I needed to find a Dentist who was Patient as well as gentle due to my TMJ (Jaw issue. Can’t keep mouth open long. Very painful) I wrote a hand written letter to Dr. Chao hoping that he would respond one way or another. I did acknowledge to him that I knew he was in high demand, a very busy Dr., teaching as well as having his office to attend to. And on the radio at times from what I recall as well as writing articles in our local Monterey Park, Cascades. My letter was reaching out to him for help. If he were able to somehow help me with my dental issues or if he could refer me to someone. I really didn’t expect him to offer his services for free but I thought maybe he would refer me to someone that could possibly help me who was willing to accept my Dental Insurance. I left my Cell number, my Home number and my Address. Well it’s week number 3 since I sent that letter and still no response. What am I saying, he did respond didn’t he. He responded by not responding. So disappointed. I was hopeful :(
Place rating: 5
Spring Valley, Las Vegas, NV
Dr. Chao and his staff are wonderful people. They are passionate about teeth and dental hygiene. They are even more passionate about their patients and really want them to be happy and satisfied. They are always working hard to make that possible.
Place rating: 5
Yorba Linda, CA
I was referred to Dr. Chao for the pinhole procedure by my dentist. Let me start by saying I do not care for most dentists. For the past few years every one I saw was like a used car salesman telling me I need something and it was not covered by insurance. So when I went in to see Dr. Chao my guard was up. The staff was AMAZING! They were very nice and helpful. When Dr. Chao came in he educated me about his procedure and gave me all the facts. There was no hard sell or pressure to get it done. When I decided to go thought the procedure the staff (Joy) worked with my insurance and saved me a lot of money. (Thank you) Fast forward one year and I could not be happier. My gums look better than I could have ever thought. I live in OC and it was well worth the hour plus drive to have it all done. I only wish I live closer Dr. Chao would be my full time dentist.
Place rating: 5
Monterey Park, CA
Dr Chao & all the staff are all wonderful especially my hygienist she is excellent. I would recommend this office all my friends an family!
Place rating: 4
Los Angeles, CA
I’ve been coming to Alhambra Dental for about 30 years. I’ve had cavities filled, crowns done and general cleanings galore. I can say without reserve that the quality and care are superb, and that includes the billing staff (on several occasions my insurance has covered everything and so the dental office sent me a check for the estimated co-​pay.) I’ve never had a long wait, either. Loses one star only because they are a bit pricier than some other dentists I’ve been to. But the work has been superior. I can highly recommend them.
Place rating: 5
Arcadia, CA
Been coming here for 9 years now. Came in with gum disease. Dr Chao did a great job treating it and all of my other dental needs. Gia always does a great job cleaning my teeth. Amalia, Joy, Sarah, Karen and especially Deanna are always a pleasure to come see!!!
Place rating: 5
Montebello, CA
I’ve been a patient at this office for the past six years, I love this place. The doctor is superb and the staff are amazing. I’m not a fan of dental work, most of us aren’t, but this place makes the experience so much better. I feel informed, I’m given every tool to maintain my dental hygiene at home, including an electric toothbrush and a water pick. I tried several offices before coming here and I’m so happy I found this place.
I’m very disappointed some ratings are based on pricing alone. There is truth to paying for what you get. This place provides excellent services, including the pin hole procedure that Dr. Chao invented. Finally, for those whose results aren’t what was desired, I question whether they may be responsible for some of their undesired results. I get so much attention and follow up appointments, that it’s hard to understand why a patient that followed the post treatment instructions would inevitably end up with bad results.
Place rating: 2
San Diego, CA
While the review is low, it is not because of the staff. The support staff have always been wonderful and I loved going there for my regular cleanings and check ups. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.
The low rating is for a variety of other procedures. I agree with the other reviews that the procedures are quite costly. They are really good at helping you get financing for the dental work. I had the pinhole procedure in 2010 to help my receding gum line and after about 4 years, my gums seem to be back where they started.
The biggest issue I have with this procedure and the office is that I was told the process was complete after the pinhole procedure, but that was not the case. At one of my follow up visits, when I mentioned how much my upper right bicuspid was still not covered by the gum line, I was told that was OK because they were going to drill out a section and fill it in with a filling. I was NOT OK with this but felt like I did not have a choice! My concern was that unnecessary drilling was being done and that there was a high likelihood for the filling to fall out (due to its nature & location).
About a year and a half later it did fall out & then developed a cavity in that location. If I had been able to afford it, I should have gone back and gotten it filled again, but I couldn’t so, that part is on me. Now I am worried about needing a root canal or losing the tooth.
Place rating: 5
Temecula, CA
Every time I leave their office I feel taken care of, in the best way. Wonderful staff, all of them, and Dr. Chao is brilliant, intelligent, and GENTLE. I’ve had too many (dozens!) of bad trips to a dentist in my life. But you know, if any trip to the dentist can be something you don’t dread, then you know you have found the right dentist .Dr Chao is my choice and my recommendation to anybody who wants to be taking care of in best way possible. He has all new technology possible to help his patients and staff absolutely loving and caring.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
In my personal experience, Dr. Chao and all of his staff are pretty amazing. I’ve never been to a friendlier office. They talk with you as friends, and provide what I feel is genuinely great and careful dental work, from the regular cleanings to the more advanced procedures like the pinhole gum surgery, which I’ve had twice on my upper and lower teeth. With the careful maintenance they outline I haven’t had any issues with the procedure. The office never feels overcrowded or overbooked. While it’s true there are likely more inexpensive practices out there, I feel the most comfortable and confident here by far.
Place rating: 5
Pasadena, CA
I can’t quite figure out why the reviews are so bad. They all seem related to pricing, which I can not speak to in my review, but it’s hard to see how that could cause so many 1 star reviews.
This was my first time coming, upon the recommendation of a good friend and coworker who had the pinhole gum procedure done (which Dr. Chao invented!). All of the staff were extremely helpful from the minute I walked in. One of the doctors even stopped what she was doing to ask me if I needed help with my paperwork and answered a few of my questions. As I waited in the lobby area, I witnessed them take in 3 – 4 of their regulars as if they were family. The staff greeted them all by name and chatted with them the same way as one would with a friend they hadn’t seen in a few months. The patients seemed just as happy and relaxed to be there.
I went in for a consultation for my recessing gums and to ask about his pinhole procedure. Dr. Chao was very friendly and explained to me what he thought of my gum situation. There was absolutely no feelings of being pressured into any procedures. He actually advised me that I may not need anything done at all and gave me recommendations for making sure it doesn’t get to the point where I may need surgery! Again, not quite sure about the other reviews.
All in all it was a pleasant experience and everyone was very professional and friendly. They even gave me hi-​res print outs of my teeth and gums to take with me. I’ll do everything I can to keep my dental hygiene top notch but if for some reason I do end up needing work, I have a good idea where to make my first stop.
Place rating: 5
Sierra Madre, CA
Dr Chow and his staff are very helpful and professional. Dr. Chow has helped with multiple dental issues and also performed his new gum procedure which prevents surgery. He stays informed of and develops leading edge dentistry procedures.
Place rating: 2
Los Angeles, CA
My front gums receded after getting bacteria/​infection. Although it does not really show when I smile, I don’t like the fact that I have an exposed tooth and gums that are obviously unhealthy. I know that gum grafting is very painful so I went online to look for other solutions and came across Dr. Chao’s website and interview re pinhole surgery. The surgery went well and I was pleased with the results right after the surgery. However, after approximately 1 month, my gums started to recede again. It’s not as bad as before. It’s probably 50% better for now but it might even recede some more. Overall, I think Dr. Chao and his staff are nice but I’m just disappointed with the outcome of my gums specially after paying $ 3,000.
Update: March 17, 2014
I gave Dr. Chao 2 stars, one for refunding my $ 3,000 and another star for offering to give me free follow up visits and cleaning. Unfortunately, my gums are back to where it used to be. It’s nice I got the refund but the fact is, I have missed work, went through all the trouble and experienced discomfort for nothing. Also, I didn’t like the fact that the office kept on calling me and sending me e-​mails to update my review.
Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
This dental office is very expensive. They make recommendations for pricey procedures that you most likely do not need or that you can get for a better value elsewhere. I had a cleaning done here was encouraged by Dr. Chao to replace all my silver fillings with porcelain and to do so using the laser method. He quoted some hideous amount for the work and suggested some other cosmetic dentistry work. I had to pay $ 100 for some deposit and was supposed to get it back, but his staff conveniently «forgot» to and said they would do so but didn’t until I said I would dispute the charge with my credit card company. I will credit them with having some great technology in the office for dentistry, but it’s not worth it when they recommend work that you don’t necessarily need.
Place rating: 5
Monterey Park, CA
I have been seeing Dr. Chao for a few years and he has been doing really great work on my teeth – he has been working on my gums to help them be more healthy, and saving them!!! I originally started seeing Dr. Chao because of my loose teeth and the other dentists I was seeing were recommending extractions for the loose teeth as well as the teeth surrounding the loose teeth. I cried and cried when I was told I needed to loose teeth and wanted to see if there were any other options.
I read one of Dr. Chao’s ads regarding saving loose teeth and felt it applied to my situation directly. I called and the office and scheduled an appointment, and here I am years later, with all my teeth still in my mouth, very happy with the services I received. I really appreciate all the staff and the fact that I’m never nervous or scared to come to the office. I use to be really afraid to come to the dentist, but now I fall asleep (on my own) while they are working on my teeth, and I don’t need Atavan anymore like I use to. Everyone is very professional.
I appreciate that Dr. Chao has taken the time to work with me in making my treatment affordable for my situation. Money doesn’t grow on trees and their office is very willing to work with me and others on their various situations. I appreciate that greatly. DEFINTIELY WORTH IT!
Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
I saw his TV show so I thought I might just visit but then before I did that I read all the reviews
I will stick to my dentist. He is an ordinary guy with ordinary life style with ordinary prices which keeps my teeth just regular
Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
The last time I was in his office for a consultation, there were cockroaches crawling around the walls. There maybe more, you know how cockroaches multiply.
Imagining the roaches crawling around hid dental instruments which go inside your mouth is not very pleasant. Who knows what kind of germs and diseases are thriving in that office
I rather have bad teeth than catchingn some incurable disease from this dentist
Place rating: 1
Pasadena, CA
DO NOT GO TO THIS DENTIST
The whole experience was terrible so unsettleing just a mistake from the minute i walked in from the work done to amount i paid. The moment i walked in i felt something was not right first visit i was there for 5 hr and had to wait to be seen for about 45 minutes. Dentist teaches all his staff to treat paitents like a high presurred sale, very impersonal, strange, but i did get cought up in a stiuation i would normally never would have. Big mistake, not very good. Pleas4e go some where else trust me something is terrible wrong with this business. Although the staff is kind probably only following directions from dentist but do no go in at all.