Transforming Dentistry in the Philippines: CEO Awards Honoree, Dr. Steve Mark Gan

The Business Manual celebrates Dr. Steve Mark Gan’s innovative contributions in its second CEO Awards

Dr. Steve Mark Gan, the visionary behind the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), has revolutionized dentistry in the Philippines. His journey from a modest clinic to leading a comprehensive dental empire, demonstrates grit, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Years of Struggle

Dr. Gan’s early dental career, had a rough start. Coming home from studying in the United States, he was eager to reintroduce dental implants in the country, but did not have enough capital to launch. Instead, he had to make do with a third hand dental chair, and limited resources in a small clinic in Binondo, with hardly any clients.

To save enough money to expand his practice, he was constantly working odd jobs while exploring collaborations with other practitioners. He eventually opened another clinic at Saint Luke’s Quezon City with more senior partners, which helped him establish his practice in the country.

In 2001, his dream to set up a clinic at the heart of Makati, the country’s central business district finally came true, giving birth to the first Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC).

Although his dream was finally coming to fruition, it came with even bigger challenges. Gan overspent and invested Php 6.5 million on his 60 square meter Makati clinic– more than 20 times more, than the usual cost at that time. He was heavily in heavy debt and had to resort to loan sharks to keep his business afloat.

Establishing a Name

Fortunately, his gamble paid off. His investment in cutting edge technology and equipment, particularly to pioneer dental implants in the country, at a time when implants were largely unknown, eventually gained ground. He set a new standard in restorative dentistry, and made GAOC synonymous with premium dental care.

Leveraging Celebrity and Market Leadership

Despite being in the medical field, Gan actually started as an entrepreneur— a skill that had always stayed with him. He knew the power of marketing, and got his celebrity friend, Lindsay Custodio to refer him to her talent manager, who in turn connected him to other celebrities like Albert Martinez, Roselle Nava, and Angel Aquino.

But his biggest break came when Boy Abunda became a paying client, and would promote his clinic at the end of every show. The generous mentions, gave his name recall, and brought people lining up at his door.

Building a Dental Empire

Today,what started as a single clinic has expanded into a network of 10 premium centers under GAOC and 14 more under its sister brand, Novodental, catering to the middle market.

In 2025, Novodental is projected to operate 30-35 centers, reflecting GAOC’s commitment to growth and accessibility.

At present, Gan has expanded into other businesses, including Samurai Dental Lab, which serves both GAOC and external dentists; Gantech Industries which supplies dental equipment and technology; The GAOC Dental Academy which trains future dental professionals; CREATIVE 300 STUDIO which provides full-service media production requirements; and the GAOC Foundation, which contributes to communities through scholarships and partnerships.

Championing Dental Tourism

Dr. Gan envisions the Philippines as a premier destination for dental tourism. GAOC became the first dental clinic accredited by the Department of Tourism, a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation. Dr. Gan’s efforts in promoting the country’s expertise and hospitality, have now opened more economic opportunities for the Philippines, through dental tourism.

Shaping the Future of Dentistry

Dr. Gan has successfully combined his dental expertise with his strong business sense, to give birth to a corporation whose gains redound to the country. His leadership has not only elevated the industry but also positioned the Philippines on the global stage for dental care.

The Business Manual CEO Awards 2025: Honoring Industry Disruptors

The Business Manual is proud to hold its second CEO Awards. With the theme “Honoring Industry Disruptors,” this year’s The CEO Awards honors visionary leaders who are reshaping business landscapes, pushing boundaries, challenging the norm, and setting new standards of success. 

Criteria for Excellence

This year’s awardees have been selected from a pool of nominations that include business leaders from both startups and industry giants. Each nomination has been carefully assessed in order to determine if the nominee exhibits the following qualifications in order to be considered for the award:

Innovation, Adaptability, and Disruptive Leadership 

• Measures the CEO’s ability to drive innovation, adapt to market changes, and lead the company like industry disruptors who challenge norms and leave a lasting impact.

Effective Management and Strategic Governance 

• Assesses the candidate’s business achievements. This includes how the CEO steers the company toward revenue growth and how he or she scales the business (both locally and internationally).

Brand Influence and Recognition in their Industry

• Considers how the CEO has built the credibility and reputation of the company. It gauges how known and recognizable the company is and whether it has attained brand awareness within a wide range of audiences.

Personal Image and Credibility 

• Evaluates the CEO’s reputation and how well he or she is perceived by business partners, employees, stakeholders, and consumers. This also includes how he or she applies ethics as a leader, as well as how his or her image contributes to both brand and company representation. 

Contribution to Society 

• Determines how a CEO has effectively led his or her company and its overall contribution—not just to its respective industry, but to society as a whole. This includes how he or she has implemented corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs or social causes, attained local and/or international recognition, partnered with government initiatives, or exerted efforts for the country.

For this year, The Business Manual’s esteemed panel of judges include: 

• Eric Pike Caeg (International Council for Small Business)
• Jay Fajardo (Ideaspace Ventures)
• Mina Akram (Go Negosyo)
• Rhoda Castro-Caliwara (Women Business Council)
• Ronn Astillas (Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce)
• Consul Sergio Ortiz Luis (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

Stay updated with the full coverage of The Business Manual CEO Awards 2025 via The Business Manual’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.