Dr. Clayton A. Chan, DDS: Pioneer of GNM Dentistry

Introduction

Dr. Clayton A. Chan, DDS, is recognized internationally as a visionary in occlusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and gneuromuscular (GNM) dentistry. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, he is both a practicing clinician and the founder of Occlusion Connections™, a postgraduate training center that has redefined dentistry through objective measurement of the physiology of the masticatory system, reproducible protocols, and a comprehensive curriculum.

Career Milestones

  • 2001–2006: Director of Neuromuscular Occlusion Dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI).
  • July 31, 2006: Resigned from LVI over philosophical differences, honoring a two-year non-compete contract.
  • November 8, 2008: Founded Occlusion Connections™ in Las Vegas, launching the first Level 1 course.
  • 2008–Present: Expanded OC into a full curriculum of Levels 1–9, orthodontic modules, orthotic fabrication courses, and advanced K7 training.

Education and Training

  • DDS: Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.
  • Dual Training: Dentist and dental laboratory technician (graduated from Dental Technology Institute (DTI) Orange, CA, blending clinical precision with technical craftsmanship.
  • Mentors:
  • Dr. Philip Taylor (Gnathologist): Early influence, instilling gnathologic rigor.
  • Dr. James F. Garry (Airway Pioneer): Advocate of upper airway obstruction concepts, emphasizing physiology.
  • Dr. Robert Jankelson (NM Occlusion Mentor): Introduced NM occlusion and K7 diagnostics; taught alongside Dr. Chan at LVI.

Clinical Practice

Dr. Chan’s practice emphasizes:

  • Phase I stabilization: Orthotic therapy to relieve symptoms and establish physiologic balance.
  • Phase II completion: Restorative and orthodontic treatment guided by objective measurements.
  • Diagnostics: Computerized jaw tracking, electromyography (EMG), and sonography to ensure reproducible outcomes.

Contributions to Dentistry

  • Curriculum Development: Created a structured pathway of Levels 1–9, orthodontic courses, orthotic fabrication training, and advanced K7 instruction.
  • GNM Dentistry: Advanced NM concepts into GNM, integrating gnathologic precision, airway physiology, and neuromuscular measurement into a unified system.
  • Educational Leadership: Built Occlusion Connections™ into a global hub for dentists seeking clarity, reproducibility, and physiologic truths to dental occlusion and TMD.

Influence and Recognition

  • Global Reach: Dentists from North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, India and Palestine/Israel travel to Las Vegas to study with him.
  • Community Building: Through OC Study Club, he has fostered a network of practitioners committed to physiologic GNM occlusion.
  • Peer Recognition: Admired for integrity, clarity, and courage in standing tall against entrenched dogma.

Resistance and Vindication

Dr. Chan’s advocacy for NM and K7 concepts initially faced resistance. Many leaders in dentistry disparaged his teachings, clinging to outdated frameworks. Yet patients found relief, and dentists trained under him achieved reproducible success.

Over time, critics acknowledged that his teachings were scientifically right, objectively measured, and sound. Their own methods proved flawed. Dr. Chan was vindicated, establishing himself as a pioneer and leader in GNM and NM dentistry.

Legacy of Dr. Clayton A. Chan, DDS

Dr. Clayton A. Chan’s legacy is rooted in his ability to synthesize three distinct yet complementary streams of dental philosophy:

  • Gnathology (Philip Taylor): Precision in occlusal mechanics and structural rigor.
  • Airway Physiology (James F. Garry): Recognition of upper airway obstruction as a critical factor in dental health.
  • Neuromuscular Measurement (Robert Jankelson): Objective diagnostics through jaw tracking, electromyography, and sonography.

From these foundations, Dr. Chan created Gneuromuscular (GNM) Dentistry, now recognized as the profession’s standard in physiologic, unstrained occlusion.

Advancing Beyond NM

Dr. Chan’s greatest contribution is the advancement of GNM dentistry — a system that integrates gnathologic precision, airway physiology, and neuromuscular measurement into a unified, teachable framework. By honoring his mentors yet building beyond them, he developed a curriculum that ensures future generations of dentists can practice with clarity, reproducibility, and integrity.

Occlusion Connections: A Beacon in Las Vegas

Founded in 2008, Occlusion Connections™ has become the beacon of physiologic dentistry. Uniquely based in Las Vegas, it offers the most comprehensive curriculum in occlusion and TMD care, guiding dentists through Levels 1–9, orthodontic modules, orthotic fabrication, and advanced K7 training.

Here, Dr. Chan continues to mentor and inspire, equipping practitioners with the tools to achieve predictable outcomes and elevate patient care.

Restoring Discipline to Dentistry

While the NM profession in many ways lost its original discipline, GNM — as taught by Dr. Chan — restores it. It is the measured science of dentistry, the pathway to unstrained function, and the enduring standard for occlusion and TMD care.

A Pioneer and Steward of Truth

Dr. Clayton A. Chan is not just a dentist. He is a pioneer, leader, and steward of physiologic truth — a man who stood tall against resistance, transformed skepticism into respect, and built a legacy that will endure. His work ensures that dentistry remains grounded in science, measurement, and integrity, shaping the profession for generations to come.

Conclusion

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Legacy and Stewardship

Dr. Clayton A. Chan is more than a clinician and educator — he is a steward of physiologic truth. His career reflects courage, vision, and integrity: standing tall against resistance, transforming skepticism into respect, and building a lasting educational system that continues to shape the profession.

This journey has never been his alone. His wife, Jane, has been a steadfast partner throughout — managing the rhythms of home life, supporting schedules, administrating the teaching program of Occlusion Connections™, overseeing finances, and providing the quiet strength that allowed Dr. Chan to dedicate himself fully to his mission. Her commitment to balance and health has grounded his vision, ensuring that the work of Occlusion Connections™ could flourish without compromise.

Together, their support, advocacy, and dedicated vision have secured Dr. Chan’s place as a pioneer in dentistry. Today, Occlusion Connections™ thrives as the beacon of GNM teachings, uniquely in Las Vegas, guiding the profession toward a future grounded in science, objective measurements, and unstrained function.

Dr. Chan’s legacy endures not only in the curriculum he built and the community he mentors, but also in the partnership that sustains it — a testament to the power of conviction, stewardship, and shared purpose among his OC colleagues.

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