L. James Chau

Dr. L. James Chau: A Life of Dedication, Excellence, and Service

Dr. L. James Chau’s journey is a testament to unwavering dedication, remarkable achievement, and a profound commitment to serving others—both in his community and across the globe. Born in Vietnam and raised in the vibrant city of San Diego, California, Dr. Chau exhibited academic excellence from an early age, graduating as Valedictorian of his high school class in 2001. He continued his pursuit of knowledge at the University of California, San Diego, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with Provost’s Honors, laying the foundation for an extraordinary career in dentistry.

Recognized for his exceptional promise, Dr. Chau was awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry, one of the nation’s foremost institutions. His commitment to clinical excellence led him to NYU Langone Hospital, where he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency. There, his dedication to patient care earned him the Outstanding Service Award for Patient Care, a reflection of his compassion, skill, and pursuit of excellence. As past President of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) – NYU Chapter and a member of NYU’s Ethics Peer Review Board, he played a vital role in upholding the highest standards of integrity within the profession.

Dr. Chau’s passion for service extended beyond the clinic. As a National Health Service Corps Scholar, he fulfilled a significant service commitment with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, providing critical dental care to underserved communities. Upon returning to Southern California, he established his practice in Newport Beach, where he seamlessly blends his extensive expertise with a heartfelt dedication to patient care. His commitment to innovation and excellence recently earned him the distinction of Certified Fellow in BioMimetic Dentistry, making him the only dentist in Orange County—and one of just ten worldwide—to hold this prestigious title, awarded by the Academy of BioMimetic Dentistry.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Chau is a man of diverse passions. His artistic eye finds expression in photography, capturing breathtaking landscapes and high-fashion portraits. A fluent speaker of both Vietnamese and English, he fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for patients from all backgrounds. His humanitarian spirit has taken him across the world, where he has provided essential dental care to underserved communities, including Tibetan refugees, Nepalese monks, and Guatemalan farmworkers.

Dr. Chau’s interests extend far beyond dentistry. An aficionado of Broadway musicals, the Star Wars saga, and Frank Herbert’s Dune series, he also has a deep appreciation for history—particularly the Napoleonic era. His love of cuisine, shaped by his Vietnamese heritage, is reflected in his fondness for French-Vietnamese gastronomy. A dedicated advocate of health and wellness, he finds balance through weight training, reinforcing his commitment to a life of discipline and vitality.

Dr. L. James Chau’s story is one of passion, purpose, and an enduring dedication to bettering the lives of others. His remarkable career, artistic pursuits, and humanitarian efforts embody a rare fusion of excellence, creativity, and compassion—leaving a lasting impact on the world and the communities he serves.