Why He Was Nominated:

His sights set on expansion, Dr. Yen is soon to open his third location after practicing for only five years. He credits his success to his “two-pillar” approach of “ethical dentistry and practicing perfect”: He will never sell any patient unnecessary dental work or imaging, and from the complex to the routine, he and his team complete every procedure as close to perfection as possible. Dr. Yen is a member of the Mid-Peninsula Dental Society, a committee that evaluates industry ethical breaches.

Tool He Can’t Live Without:

“Cavitron. I enjoy prophies not so much for the procedural aspect but because it gives me the chance to truly get to know the patient.”

Inspiration:

“My parents. I feel like I have the business sense and work ethic of my mother and the kindness of my father.”

Most Memorable Patient:

“His name was G. I did my first cleaning on him with an ultrasonic, and it absolutely drenched him. It also lasted more than an hour, but he had the best attitude.”

Philosophy:

“Educate patients; don’t try to ‘sell’ treatment. Demonstration of understanding usually does the trick.”