Why He Was Nominated

The son of refugees, Dr. Chau is dedicated to giving back. He has two clinics, Encino Orthodontics and Bizoumis & Chau Dental Group. He volunteers with Smiles Change Lives to provide free orthodontic services to needy families; he’s also a provider for Denti-Cal, California’s dental Medicaid program. Last year, he co-opened Elite Care Treatment Center, a facility for people recovering from substance abuse and addiction.

Inspiration

Dr. Chau had crooked teeth from toddlerhood, but he didn’t get braces until he was 17, when a local philanthropic group called Assistance League of Long Beach stepped in to help his family pay for them. “When I got my braces off in college, it changed my life and my self-confidence,” he remembers — and at that moment he shifted his medical studies in the direction of dentistry.

Philosophy

Dr. Chau hopes to help all his patients similarly transform themselves: “The patient’s reaction when the braces come off reminds me of the life-changing smile I received years ago. It doesn’t get old.”

Sage Advice

“Never give up. What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”