Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S.
Dr. Chan is a general dentist, clinician, teacher, educator, innovator and leader. He is considered by his peers and dental profession to be the authority on Neuromuscular Occlusion and its application to Clinical Dentistry. Dr. Chan’s training and experience as a dental laboratory technician, along with training in the areas of gnathology, TMD, orthodontics and neuromuscular occlusion, has helped him communicate a unique three-fold clinical message to thousands of dentists, specialists and dental leaders nationally and internationally related to the OPTIMIZED BITE® Dental Training and techniques related to TMD, orthodontics, cosmetic rehabilitation and athletic performance at the CHAN Optimized Bite™ Dental Training Center .
Dr. Chan’s unparalleled passion for the bio-physiologic sciences and their applications to dental occlusion, bite management and bite transfer techniques, inspired him to develop the CHAN OPTIMIZED BITE™ Dental Training Center which offers clinician an opportunity to learn specific techniques designed to systematically find the physiologic bite position for his/her patients using computerized instrumentation to enhance and redefine the traditional neuromuscular bio-instrumentation techniques. His experience in treating his TMD paining and cranio-mandibular dysfunction patients as well as complex restorative cases helped him develop occlusion techniques that are now used by many trained neuromuscular clinicians in North America and abroad today.
In March 2003 while treating his complex patients, Dr. Chan began to recognize significant jaw resting patterns while tracking his patient’s jaw movements using computerized mandibular scanning techniques, low frequency TENS and electromyography (EMG) that caused him to further investigate and confirm his findings. The protocol and technique Dr. Chan implemented soon became known amongst his peers as the “Chan Scan”. A paper was written titled, “Clinical and Scientific Validation for Optimizing the Neuromuscular Trajectory using the Chan Protocol” and was published in the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics Anthology VII in 2005. Dr. Chan who has continued teaching and advocating this technique to dental professionals has authored further papers. His complex TMD and restorative patient’s who have come for treatments have found significant improvements in their health due to a corrected bite. Noted authorities in the medical, dental, chiropractic and kinesiology arena are now acknowledging the validity and connection of the optimized bite relationship of the human jaw position and its effects to the rest of the body. Athletes are seeking to have their occlusion scientifically determined at a physiologic position to enhance their performance. Clients have reported improvements in flexibility, range of motion, balance and endurance seemingly small measured changes in jaw closing patterns and positioning. The smallest changes are now being recognized as very significant when comparing other bite capturing techniques with measured objective tests. It is the small and seemingly insignificant difference that makes this optimized occlusion technique unique, truly physiologic and very significant as it relates to human body physiology and optimization in performance.
The Chan Optimized Bite is recognized, registered and trademarked with the United States Patent and Trademark Commission.
Dr. Chan is the Founder of Occlusion Connections™, Executive Director of the Clinical NM Research Group, holds Mastership status with the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics, Founding Member of the Appliance Therapy Group and member of several other dental organizations.
Dr. Chan’s unrivaled expertise and experience has been acknowledged by other dentists, professionals and athletes who seek him out for help and guidance in acquiring the understanding and skills in optimizing the bite as it relates to their patient’s in the dental practice and athletic performance.
Through Occlusion Connections™, Dr. Chan has developed a specific training and certification programs for dentists and other dental professionals who desire to learn how to provide optimal occlusion for their clients with TMJ/TMD problems, clients with cosmetic restorative bite problems, and to professional athletes seeking expertise in Dr. Chan’s techniques for optimal health and performance.
Dr. Chan has established a number of OC Regional Centers across North America comprising of qualified Chan-Certified clinicians who have advanced training to support those dentists wanting to learn more about Optimization through continuing education and hands-on practical training at the center.
