Dr. Lei Luo: Dental Migration

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN BRUNO — When Dr. Lei Luo came to the United States to learn about new techniques in dentistry, he hadn’t planned on becoming a permanent resident, but that’s exactly what happened. “I began my dentistry career in China in the early 1980s,” he recounts. “I originally got into dentistry on the advice of my father, who was a doctor. He thought it would be a good profession for me to pursue, especially since dentists were in high demand. In 1996, after practicing for more than a decade, I wanted to increase my skills and knowledge, so I came to the U.S. to learn about oral surgery and dental implants. I really liked the state of the dental industry here, and eventually I decided to stay. I officially began practicing dentistry in the Bay Area in 2003 and have been here ever since.”

Today, Dr. Luo says his favorite part of his job is bringing relief to patients with tooth pain. “It’s amazing what a quick difference you can make for a patient who’s experiencing discomfort. One minute, they’re doubled over in pain; the next, they’re smiling with relief. It’s very satisfying to provide that for a patient.”

A resident of the San Francisco Peninsula, Dr. Luo spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I enjoy spending time with my kids, Nina and Willie,” he says. “I also like watching sports, going to concerts at the San Francisco Opera House and fellowshipping with friends at church.”

In regard to his professional career, Dr. Luo says it’s all about his patients. “First and foremost, I’m dedicated to improving my patients’ quality of life. It’s very rewarding to have a positive impact on the lives of others. There’s nothing better than seeing a smile come to a patient’s face after their problem has been resolved.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Dr. Luo says he’d book a trip. “I plan to do a lot of traveling in retirement. The first stop would be Paris to visit all the museums there. I’ve actually been there a couple of times already, but I haven’t had a chance to do that. I’d also like to visit some other areas of Europe, as well as travel through some regions of China I’ve never seen before.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: New England Lobster Market & Eatery in Burlingame.

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “The X-Files.”

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Golden State Warriors.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Thanksgiving.

Dr. William Schneider: An Early Intuition

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

WALNUT CREEK — While many people remain in search of their professional callings well into adulthood, Dr. William Schneider says he was one of the “lucky ones” who know exactly what they want to do at a young age. “I knew early on that I wanted to be a dentist. My dad was a dentist, and I always heard him talking about how much he enjoyed his work. When I was in high school, I started volunteering at his office so I could get a closer look at what dentistry was all about. Interacting one-on-one with patients only served to confirm that this was what I wanted to do.”

Twenty-five years later, Dr. Schneider says his favorite part of his job is still interacting with patients. “I really enjoy maintaining long-term relationships with my patients. I find that aspect of the profession very rewarding—in fact, it’s why I became a family dentist instead of a specialist.”

Born and raised in Danville, Dr. Schneider currently resides in Alamo with his wife, Valerie, and expresses his appreciation for the temperate Bay Area weather. “I spend a lot of time pursuing outdoor activities like golfing and fishing, and our wonderful climate allows me to do these things all year long.” In addition to golfing and fishing locally, Dr. Schneider enjoys taking his favorite hobbies to new locations. “I like river fishing for salmon in Alaska and fly fishing in Utah,” he says. “I’ve also had the privilege of playing golf in places like Scotland, England and Hawaii.”

In his life and career, Dr. Schneider subscribes to the idea that what goes around comes around. “I believe if you work hard and treat people honestly, good karma will come back to you,” he says. “Whether or not you believe in the concept of karma, these attributes are the keys to being successful in business and life.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Dr. Schneider says he’d hop on a plane headed to an unfamiliar destination. “I’d probably travel to a place I haven’t yet seen, like Australia. Of course, I wouldn’t forget to bring along my fishing gear and golf clubs!”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite band?
A: The Eagles.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The University of Arizona Wildcats basketball team.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Esin Restaurant & Bar in Danville.

Q: What’s your earliest memory?
A: Playing with blocks in nursery school.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Blueberries.

Dr. Daniel Pestana: Tooth and Nail

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

WALNUT CREEK — Having a family background in construction, Daniel Pestana learned how to use a hammer at an early age. However, following a revelatory experience, he found himself gravitating toward a profession that employed a very different set of tools. “When I was about 10 years old, I watched Dr. Goodman, our family dentist, install a crown for my mom, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” he remembers. “From that point on, whenever someone asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I told them I wanted to be a dentist.”

Preserving his professional aspirations through high school, Daniel went on to study dentistry in college, during which time he interned with Dr. Goodman, the man who sparked his initial inspiration. However, as he neared the end of his college career, he knew he had to make a final decision regarding his profession. “My dad wanted me to join the family construction business, so when I graduated from college, I had to fish or cut bait, so to speak,” he explains. “In the end, I decided to follow my heart and become a dentist.”

Today, as a seasoned dental practitioner, Dr. Pestana says his favorite part of his job is building relationships with his patients. “One of my professors in dental school said, ‘You’ll never have a tooth walk into your office, only patients.’ That really emphasized the relational aspect of dentistry, which is why I take a patient-centered approach in my practice.”

A resident of Concord (where he lives with his “sweetheart,” Lisa, and his son, Lucas), Dr. Pestana expresses his appreciation for its small-town vibe. “A lot of the East Bay towns I’ve lived in have a close-knit feel, and Concord is no different,” he says. “We have a lot parades, festivals, and other events where the community comes together and hangs out, and I enjoy being a part of that.”

Outside of work, Dr. Pestana spends most of his free time with his family. “We’re a pretty active family, so we enjoy things like hiking, golfing, biking and swimming,” he says. “Lucas and I also like to wrestle and watch movies—just your typical guy stuff.” Daniel says he also enjoys working on his house. “Since I come from a family of contractors, I’ve always maintained an interest in construction. I even remodeled my home about 10 years ago.”

In his life and career, Dr. Pestana espouses the virtues of giving back. “I have a passion for helping people, both in my profession and personal life,” he explains. “As a member of the Knights of Columbus, I volunteer my time to charity drives and similar events that benefit the community. To me, it’s just a rewarding way to live my life.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Dr. Pestana says he’d go on a cruise. “I would take everybody on a cruise to the Bahamas. There’s a resort there called Atlantis, and I would love to just hang out with my family and play for a while.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: I have a few, but the first one that comes to mind is “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Digger’s Diner in Concord.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: It depends on the season. In the summer, I tend to prefer music, but in the winter I lean more toward talk radio. Usually, though, it’s a combination of both.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Coffee mugs with family pictures printed on them. I get a new one every year, usually for Father’s Day.

Q: Who’s your favorite superhero?
A: The Hulk.

Dr. William Hummer: An Early Calling

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN LEANDRO — Many people find their professional callings in adulthood, but Dr. William Hummer knew much earlier what he wanted to do with his life. “I was 13 years old when I decided I wanted to be a dentist,” he affirms. “Around that time, a lot of my peers were talking about what they wanted to do when they grew up. I had just gotten braces, so I naturally thought of my orthodontist. He had his own business, made his own schedule and earned a nice income; plus, he got to work with his hands and take care of people for a living. It seemed like a good life and career, so I decided to pursue that path and ultimately became a general dentist.”

Today, after more than 30 years of professional practice, Dr. Hummer says his favorite part of his job is the relationships. “As a 13-year-old deciding to become a dentist, I never considered the relational aspects of the job, like interacting with patients. Turns out, that was the best part! I love the fact that I have friends, relatives and neighbors who come to visit me every three to six months. It’s very rewarding to care for someone’s health for their lifetime.”

When Dr. Hummer isn’t caring for patients’ teeth, he can often be found at his second job as a ski patrolman. “I’ve been skiing my entire life, and I was actually a professional ski instructor at the age of 14,” he recounts. “Nowadays, I work for the ski patrol during the winters. We do everything from rescuing trapped and injured skiers to handling avalanche control. Suffice it to say, between dentistry and ski patrol, my winters are pretty busy!” When Dr. Hummer does get some free time, he enjoys traveling the globe with his wife, Bettina, and catching up with his two grown children, Tori and Bryce.

In his life and career, Dr. Hummer espouses the rewards that come with caring for others. “For me, being a dentist, as well as a ski patrolman, is all about taking care of people,” he explains. “When you take care of someone and solve a problem for them, you get paid more in gratitude than you do in money. Whether I’m fixing a patient’s teeth or coming to the rescue of a stranded skier, the gratitude I receive is definitely the most rewarding part.”

When asked what his future retirement might look like, Dr. Hummer says he’ll continue to be involved with dentistry, even if only in a volunteer capacity. “Right now, my plan is to work as hard as I can from age 55 to 60, work a little less hard from 60 to 65 and work hardly at all from 65 onward. I’ll still come in, talk to patients and do some procedures—at least, the ones that are easy on my back. Even if I don’t get paid, I’m sure I’ll still appreciate the personal rewards of helping others.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Port of Spain.

Q: What was your first job?
A: Polishing shoes in a barbershop at the age of 13.

Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted?
A: Doing avalanche control with the ski patrol. You’re detonating charges while wearing a concrete suit, and when that wall of snow hits you, it hits surprisingly hard.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The future. I really believe life is better now than it was 200 years ago, and I think that trend is going to continue as time goes on.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Go skiing.

Dr. Lovely Manlapaz: From Manila to the Bay

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

HERCULES — While she first began practicing dentistry in her home city of Manila, Philippines, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz later relocated to the California Bay Area, which gave her an opportunity to broaden her professional horizons. “In the Philippines, dentists and other professionals are limited in terms of resources and technology, whereas in the United States, they have access to all of the latest innovations,” she explains. “As someone who’s passionate about science and technology, coming to the U.S. was huge because it enabled me to further my capabilities and stay on the cutting edge of my field.”

Dr. Manlapaz has been in the dental field for the last 20 years, but her initial interest developed out of an early fascination with science. “I’ve always been interested in science and medicine, and I decided early on to pursue a career in the medical field,” she says. “Originally, I thought I’d become a doctor, but my mother advised me to consider dentistry. Looking back, it was some of the best advice I’ve ever received.”

Outside of work, Dr. Manlapaz spends most of her time with her husband, Ted, and their boys, Gabriel and Samuel. “My job keeps me very busy, so whenever I’m not working, my first priority is having quality time with my family,” she affirms. “We like going to the park, watching movies and playing video games together. We also enjoy going to Disneyland when the opportunity arises.”

In her life and career, Dr. Manlapaz espouses the importance of having a sincere motivation. “My professional philosophy is to always do my best and be honest with everybody,” she says. “That way, at the end of the day, I can sleep peacefully knowing I’ve treated my patients and performed my job to the best of my ability.”

When asked the first thing she’d do if she were to retire tomorrow, Dr. Manlapaz says she’d retreat to a more peaceful setting. “I would buy my dream house, where I’d have a large flower garden. When I think of retirement, I envision myself taking care of my orchids and relaxing under a gazebo.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could visit any country, where would you go?
A: China—I’ve always wanted to see the Great Wall.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Happy Sashimi in Pinole.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Cook something good to eat. In the Philippines, there’s a chocolate-flavored porridge called Champorado, which is something I like to make for my family.

Q: If you could live in the city or country, what would you choose?
A: The country, because of the natural beauty—plus, it’s more relaxing.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “Tears of the Sun” with Bruce Willis.

Dr. Josh Hammer: A Handy Healer

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA ROSA — When Josh Hammer was learning how to build and repair things as a young man, he never thought he’d one day be applying his skills in the dental field. “My dad was a machinist, and he taught me a lot about working with my hands and fixing things,” he remembers. “When I started to consider my future career, I thought I might become a physician, but as time went on, I decided dentistry would be a better choice because it involved a lot of hands-on work. Since graduating from dental school, I’m now in my 13th year of professional practice.”

Today, as owner of Hammer & Bonin Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Dr. Hammer says he enjoys making a positive impact on his patients’ lives. “I get a lot of satisfaction from working with patients who have missing, broken or discolored teeth and repairing those issues for them. It’s very rewarding to see how happy and excited a patient gets when they see how their smile has been restored.”

A lifetime resident of Santa Rosa (where he lives with wife, Cindy, and their children, Alyssa and Jacob), Dr. Hammer says he appreciates the opportunity to treat familiar faces. “Since I’ve lived here my whole life, a lot of my patients are people I’ve known for many years. From family friends to past teachers and schoolmates, that’s been a really neat aspect of practicing in my hometown.”

Outside of work, Josh engages in a variety of active pastimes. “During the winter, I really enjoy skiing, which is something I’ve been doing since I was five years old,” he says. “I also do a lot of mountain and road biking throughout the year.” When he’s not on the slopes or a mountain trail, Josh enjoys spending time with his family. “We stay pretty busy with the kids, especially with all the sports activities they’re involved in. One thing we really enjoy is going on camping trips, both locally and at national parks like Yellowstone.”

In regard to his career, Dr. Hammer says the key to professional success is anything but one-dimensional. “For us, patient satisfaction consists of a number of aspects. One is being honest with our patients and building relationships of trust with them. Another is treating each patient as we would want to be treated ourselves. Additionally, we always strive to give our patients a high value. We know dental work can be expensive, so we want them to be totally satisfied with what they’re receiving.”

When asked how his life might look if he were to retire tomorrow, Josh says he’d find new avenues by which to serve others. “I would want to get more involved with helping people in the community. There are a lot of people with needs out there, so I think that would be a really rewarding way to invest my time.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy…for the food, culture and historical sites of interest.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I have a coin collection.

Q: What’s one website you visit on a daily basis?
A: MSN.com, just to get an overview of the day’s news.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Pistachios.

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: Football. I played quarterback and wide receiver.

Dr. Alfred dela Cruz: Helping Hands

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN RAMON — When asked how he came to be a dentist, Dr. Alfred dela Cruz cites the influence of a family member. “My uncle was a dentist, and he helped me and my sisters with dental work and braces,” he remembers. “I thought it was neat how he was able to help people through his work. Plus, I really liked working with my hands and building things like model cars and airplanes, so it just seemed like a good career for me to pursue.”

After he graduated dental school, Dr. dela Cruz began practicing professionally in 2000. Fourteen years later, he says his favorite part of his job is providing a comfortable experience for patients with anxiety. “Often, I’ll get patients that have a fear of being in the dentist’s chair, whether due to bad past experiences or other reasons. In most cases, after I’ve worked on their teeth, they’re amazed at how comfortable it was. I find it very satisfying to give people a new perspective of how easy and pain-free dental work can be.”

Originally from the Philippines, Alfred came to the United States at the age of four, where he spent his childhood living in and around San Francisco before eventually settling in Castro Valley. Overall, he regards the Bay Area as an ideal location for a dental professional. “I think most people here have a proper concern about the health and appearance of their teeth, and they’re willing to invest in aesthetic improvements, which makes my job all the more enjoyable.”

Outside of work, most of Dr. dela Cruz’s time is devoted to his family, which consists of his wife, Leslie, and their three sons. “Raising three young boys, we have our hands full to say the least, so we try to keep them as active as possible,” he says. “A couple of weeks ago, for instance, we took them to Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods and sequoias, which was a lot of fun.” When he gets some time to himself, Alfred likes to exercise his love of hands-on work by performing automotive maintenance. “I maintain my own cars, including my 1963 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, which I’m currently restoring.”

In his life and career, Dr. dela Cruz espouses the importance of honesty. “I think being honest is at the core of my professional philosophy,” he affirms. “I always make sure to tell my patients what their options are—even if they request a more expensive treatment upfront, I’ll let them know if there’s a cheaper alternative. While I may end up making less of a profit, that fact that I’m able to sleep peacefully at night is priceless.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Dr. dela Cruz says he’d take a trip to a tropical locale. “I’d probably go to the Caribbean and soak up some sunshine.” However, he says he’d also invest some time toward charity work. “For the last couple of years, I’ve been going to the Philippines on dental missions and providing free dental work for those who can’t afford it. That’s something I’d definitely like to do more of in retirement.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Do you have a favorite sports team?
A: I’m a diehard fan of the San Francisco 49ers, the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors.

Q: What was your first car?
A: Actually, it was the ’63 Karmann Ghia that I’m restoring right now.

Q: What’s your favorite type of food?
A: Italian.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: “A Few Good Men.”

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Autographed baseballs. I have one signed by Willie Mays, but my favorite is the one signed by Buster Posey.

Dr. James R. Mattingly, DDS: Destined for Dentistry

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

WALNUT CREEK — Many people don’t discover their professional proclivities until later in life, but Dr. James R. Mattingly, DDS seemed predisposed for dental work from a young age. “Unlike a lot of kids who grew up with a fear of being in the dentist’s chair, going to the dentist was always a positive experience for me,” he remembers. “Later, during my undergrad years at UC Davis, I was debating whether to go into medicine or dentistry. It wasn’t until I did some volunteer work in the dental field that I decided it was the path I wanted to take.”

Dr. Mattingly graduated from dental school in 1997 with high honors in the top 10% of his class and immediately began working in Walnut Creek, CA. Today, after nearly two decades in the field, he says his favorite part of his job is the opportunity to impact his patients’ lives. “I get a lot of satisfaction from helping my patients, whether it’s curing them of their fears or improving their smiles. A restored smile can really change a person’s outlook on their day-to-day life, so that’s a pretty remarkable thing.”

A lifetime resident of Northern California, Dr. Mattingly lives in Walnut Creek with his wife, Tracy, and their children, Grace and J.J. When asked his favorite part about living and working in the Bay Area, he cites the region’s vast diversity. “In the Bay Area, you get to meet people from all over the world, and they all have different cultures, backgrounds, and careers,” he says. “It really keeps my job fresh and exciting because I never know who I’m going to meet next and what stories they’ll share.”

Outside of work, Dr. Mattingly spends most of his time hanging out with his family and pursuing outdoor activities. “Whether it’s winter or summer, I love being outdoors,” he affirms. “Some of my favorite pastimes include hiking, skiing, dirt and mountain biking, and playing tennis and golf.” In addition to these active pursuits, Dr. Mattingly appreciates the opportunity to settle in with a good book. “I love to read when I have some quiet downtime.”

As a dental professional, Dr. Mattingly espouses the importance of empowering his patients. “I’m not here to twist anyone’s arm or lecture them,” he says. “Rather, I provide my patients with good information, keep the lines of communication open and let them decide what’s best for their situations. I always give them my recommendations, but I think it’s important for patients to feel confident about the decisions they’re making.”

When asked what his future retirement might look like, Dr. Mattingly says he’ll continue to stay involved in the field even after retiring from full-time practice. “I’d still want to keep a hand in dentistry, and I’d love to do it on a purely volunteer basis. It would be a great way to give back to the community, so that’s something I look forward to.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Do you have a favorite sports team?
A: I have a favorite team or player in just about every sport. In football, it’s the San Francisco 49ers; in baseball, it’s the San Francisco Giants; and in golf, it’s Phil Mickelson.

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: I played basketball, tennis and soccer.

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: Montecatini Ristorante in Walnut Creek.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: From a faith standpoint, it’s Easter, but the 4th of July is a close second—it’s a neat time to celebrate our great nation, plus there’s good food and company!

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: Definitely an early bird. I thoroughly enjoy getting up when things are still quiet and calm, having a cup of coffee,and going for a morning walk.

Dr. Ka-Wing Chew: An Honorable Achievement

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO — When choosing a career path, the expectations of a parent can be a highly influential factor, as was the case for Dr. Ka-Wing Chew. By selecting a vocation that struck a balance between honoring parental expectations and fulfilling his personal aspirations, he was able to achieve an optimal level of success. “While still in high school, I started thinking about my options for a future career,” he remembers. “I’d always enjoyed working with my hands, but my father expressed a desire for me to be in a profession. Dentistry seemed to be a field that would satisfy both my interests and my father’s wishes, so I decided to become a dentist.”

Since founding Richmond Neighborhood Family Dental in 1992, Dr. Chew says his favorite part of dental work continues to be helping his patients look and feel their best. “I get great satisfaction from meeting the needs of my patients, whether they’re experiencing pain or have cosmetic issues. I have patients who tell me, ‘I try not to smile because my teeth look bad.’ After I’ve corrected the problem, they see their beautiful smile in the mirror and their faces just light up, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than the feeling that gives me.”

Originally from Hong Kong, Dr. Chew came to the United States when he was 11 years old and has resided in his adopted home of San Francisco ever since. Having spent four years attending dental school in Chicago, he says the Bay Area climate can’t be beat. “San Francisco can be cold, but compared to Chicago, it’s paradise.” Dr. Chew also appreciates the cultural diversity found within the city. “We have so many different neighborhoods in San Francisco, from Chinatown to Haight-Ashbury, and it’s neat to go from one area to the next and enjoy the unique things each has to offer.”

Outside of work, Dr. Chew engages in a variety of hobbies that include fishing in the San Francisco Bay and building computers. “Ever since childhood, I’ve enjoyed putting things together, and I’ve since applied that to computer technology,” he says. “I recently needed a new computer at my office, so instead of buying one, I built it myself.” In addition to his personal interests, Dr. Chew enjoys spending time with his wife, Connie, as well as keeping up with his two children, Renee and Brian, both of whom are pursuing their respective academic goals at California colleges.

In regard to his career, Dr. Chew says there’s only one way to treat patients: like family. “There’s no other way about it. Regardless of who’s sitting in my chair, I make it a point to treat that person with the utmost compassion and give them the same level of care I’d give to a close friend or family member.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Dr. Chew says he’d take a few days to relax before embarking on his next dentistry-related venture. “After resting a bit and maybe going on a fishing trip, I’d look into doing some volunteering, whether teaching at a dental school or helping out at a local health center. That would enable me to both give back to my community and keep myself occupied.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite animal?
A: The bald eagle. It’s a very magnificent animal, and it’s amazing how they can see fish from such incredible heights and then dive in for the catch.

Q: What country would you most like to visit?
A: I’d like to go to Israel to see the various sites of Biblical history.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Read a book or watch TV in bed.

Q: What’s your favorite genre of movies?
A: Science fiction, particularly “Star Trek.”

Q: Kirk or Picard?
A: Kirk.