When the #40Under40, America’s Best Young Dentists, earn the designation from Incisal Edge dental lifestyle magazine each year, they rightly deserve a pat on the back (or several) for the dedication that helped them garner this accolade.

One of this year’s honorees, Dr. Fouy Chau, (shown here, third from right) turns the praise toward his family (shown.)

“I have been very fortunate in my life, from my upbringing until today.  It wasn’t so for my parents. They were refugees from the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia during the late 1970s. Today, they have raised four successful adults, a pharmacist, orthodontist, cardiologist, and a teacher. Much of what and why I do things is for my parents and siblings,” said the owner of two thriving practices. “I am forever grateful for my parents’ strength to never give up and growing up with the best siblings anyone can ask for. I have been blessed in this life.”

Dr. Chau, who purchased Encino Orthodontics, Encino, CA a year after he graduated from residency, describes his profession as a “privilege”.

“I have the privilege to provide that life-changing smile to all my patients. I love it!”

He elaborates on his career choice,  “My teeth were very crooked as a child, so I wanted braces but didn’t qualify under the Denti-Cal program. Finally at age 17, my dentist referred me to the Assistance League of Long Beach, which gave braces to underprivileged children. I was one of the lucky kids chosen. When I got my braces off in college, it changed my life and my self-confidence. I then switched from applying to medical school to dental school in a heartbeat, because I knew I only wanted to be an orthodontist.”

Learn more about Dr. Chau in the upcoming Fall Edition of Incisal Edge magazine, or visit him in person at Encino Orthodontics, www.encinoortho.com, or the pediatric and orthodontic practice he runs in conjunction with Dr. Dimitri Bizoumis, which is located in Huntington Beach, CA, www.childsdentist.com

Incisal Edge 40 Under 40 honoree Dr. Fouy Chau with his guest Dr. Mai Lam, at the 2016 40 Under 40 celebration hosted May 5 and 6 in NYC.