About Us
Eden Smile Design
Meet Dr. Chau
L. James Chau DDS, AEGD, FIADFE
Pioneering Dental Excellence, Artistic Passion, and Humanitarian Commitment
Born in Vietnam and nurtured in the vibrant community of San Diego, California, Dr. L. James Chau’s life journey is a symphony of achievement, creativity, and a deep dedication to serving the global community. From his earliest days, Dr. Chau showcased his academic prowess by ascending to the position of high school Valedictorian for the Class of 2001. This foreshadowed his remarkable journey, culminating in his graduation from the University of California, San Diego, adorned with the distinctions of Provost’s Honor and Magna Cum Laude.
With unwavering determination, Dr. Chau secured a full scholarship to the renowned New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry, widely regarded as a paragon of dental education. His pursuit of excellence found its zenith during his residency in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program within the prestigious NYU Langone Hospital Network. His dedication to patient care earned him the Outstanding Service Award for Patient Care, a testament to his commitment and compassion.
Dr. Chau’s influence radiated beyond his practice, evidenced by his leadership as the past President of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) – NYU Chapter. Moreover, his appointment to the Ethics Peer Review Board for NYU College of Dentistry exemplified his commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards within the profession. Having fulfilled a significant service commitment with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Chau earned the distinguished title of National Health Service Corps Scholar. Returning to his roots in Southern California, he established his practice in Newport Beach, infusing his expertise with a profound desire to positively impact his community.
His affinity for art and aesthetics found eloquent expression through his fervor for photography, encapsulated in his captivating portfolio of landscapes and high fashion photoshoots. Fluent in Vietnamese and English, he effortlessly bridged cultural divides, fostering a sense of belonging for diverse patients.Complementing his professional pursuits, Dr. Chau’s humanitarian spirit blazed brightly. Embarking on medical expeditions to distant corners of the world, he provided essential dental care to vulnerable communities, including Tibetan refugees, Nepalese monks, and Guatemalan farm workers.
His multifaceted personality extended to his personal interests, ranging from Broadway musicals and the Star Wars universe to a fascination with Frank Herbert’s Dune series and a deep intrigue for the Napoleonic period. His culinary curiosity led him to savor French Vietnamese cuisine, while his dedication to fitness manifested in his passion for weight training.
In summation, Dr. L. James Chau’s story is a testament to a life lived with purpose, ardor, and a commitment to uplifting others. His journey resonates as a celebration of dentistry, creativity, and the boundless potential of humanitarianism, leaving an indelible mark on the global community he serves.
Awards
- Class Valedictorian (Mira Mesa High, San Diego)
- Trident Provost’s Honor and Magna Cum Laude Award (University of California, San Diego)
- National Health Service Corps Scholar (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). One of the very few recipients of this prestigious award with only less than 1% of the U.S. dentists received this honor (2 dental awards were given in 2012 with over 10,000 applicants, Dr. Chau was one of the 2 dental recipients)
- Citizen School Presidential Recognition for Community Outreach (American Dental Education Association 2014)
- Henry Schein Care Service Recognition for Humanitarian Commitment (Tibetan Refugee Medical Mission 2015, Kathmandu Nepal)
- Outstanding Service Award for Patient Care 2017 (NYU Langone Hospital Network, Manhattan New York)
- Doctor of the Year 2018 for Exceptional Patient Care (United Health Centers)
- Thomas Murphy Service Recognition for Humanitarian Service (Mayan Base Camp Dental Expedition 2019, Tikal Guatemala)
- America's Best Dentist Recognition 2021 in Invisalign & Facial Esthetics (National Consumer Advisory Board)
- Core Doctor Certification in Anterior & Posterior Composite Esthetics 2022 (BioClear Center, Tacoma)
- America's Best Dentist Recognition 2022 in Painless Anesthesia & Laser Dentistry (National Consumer Advisory Board)
- Orange County Top Medical Professional 2023 (Orange Coast Magazine)
- Diamond-rated Dental Practice (Top 1%) Recognition 2023 (American Academy of Clear Aligner)
- Fellowship Award in Esthetics 2023 (International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics, New York City, New York)
- Advanced Doctor Certification in Veneers and Smile Makeover 2023 (Bioclear Center, Tacoma)
- America's Best Dentist Recognition 2023 in Facially Guided Custom Ceramic Veneers (National Consumer Advisory Board)
- America's Best Dentist Recognition 2024 in Invisalign & Biomimetic Dentistry (National Consumer Advisory Board)
Professional Affiliation
- Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
- Member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE)
- Member of the prestigious Frank Spear Faculty Club (FSFC)
- Member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Member of the American Dental Association (ADA)
- Member of the California Dental Association (CDA)
- Member of the Orange County Dental Association (OCDA)
- Member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA)
- Member of the International Society for Laser Dentistry (ISLD)
- Member of the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics (IADFE)
Scientific Publication
- Provisional Splinting in the Global Management of Prosthetic Rehabilitation – Dr. Rituanjali Kumar, Dr. L. James Chau and Dr. Peter Mychajliw Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care, New York University College of Dentistry, NY; April 19th 2017
Dr. L. James Chau’s Photography
Meet Our Team
Gina - Registered Dental Assistant
Gina is a Registered Dental Assistant and has been in dentistry since 2000. She is passionate about connecting with and educating our patients, as well as helping them feel comfortable in all of their dental care needs. Outside of work, Gina enjoys spending time with her family, taking trips to Big Bear, and bike rides to the beach.
Jennie - Registered Dental Assistant
Jennie is one of our registered dental assistants and has been in the dental field for over 10 years. Her favorite part about working in dentistry is that she can be part of helping people achieve their dream smiles. When she’s not working, she enjoys cooking, working out, and spending quality time with her family.
Jessica - Registered Dental Hygienist
Jessica started in the dental field as a dental assistant and worked as an instructional assistant for microbiology courses at Santa Ana college. She later graduated from Moreno Valley College’s Dental Hygiene Program with distinction, and continues to further her education aiming to become a dental hygiene instructor. Jessica enjoys all aspects of dental healthcare, especially helping patients to overcome their fear of the dental office. She is very dedicated to the dental profession; making sure all her patients feel comfortable and leave her chair loving their clean sparkling smile. When she is not at work, Jessica enjoys various outdoor activities such as fishing, snowboarding, camping, and traveling.
