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Meet the Team

Meet Our Team of Dental Experts at San Mateo Dental Care

Get to Know the Faces Behind Your Beautiful Smile

At San Mateo Dental Care, we pride ourselves on having a team of dental experts who are passionate about providing the highest quality dental care to our patients. Our team consists of experienced and knowledgeable dental professionals who are dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

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Led by our experienced dentist, Dr. Taw, our team is committed to providing personalized care to each and every patient. From our friendly front office staff to our skilled dental hygienists and assistants, our team is focused on making your dental experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

We believe that building a strong relationship with our patients is key to providing the best possible care. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. We are committed to keeping you informed and involved in your dental care every step of the way.

We invite you to get to know our team and see for yourself why we are one of the most trusted dental practices in San Mateo. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and meet our team in person!

Dr. Taw, DMD, MS

Dr. Daniel Taw is a Bay Area native, raised in the East Bay communities of Concord and Walnut Creek before moving to the Peninsula (Pacifica) for high school. He met his wife, Dr. Huong Tran, while attending dental school. Together, they have two border collies, Remy and Emile, and a daughter named Alyson. The family enjoys cooking and exploring new cuisines, often shopping at local farmers markets for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Taw has a passion for woodworking and frequently takes on DIY furniture projects. They also love spending time camping and backpacking together.

Education & Training
  • Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
    Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Arizona
    Years Attended: 2015–2019

  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Sciences
    Midwestern University

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
    University of California, Santa Cruz
    Years Attended: 2007–2011

Residency
  • Implant Residency
    Location: Puerto Rico
    Years Attended: April 2022 – January 2023

Professional Associations

Dr. Taw is an active member of several respected dental organizations, including:

  • California Dental Association (CDA)

  • American Dental Association (ADA)

  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)

  • American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists (ASDA)

  • The Kois Center

Continuing Education

Committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements, Dr. Taw regularly completes advanced training, including:

  • Surgical and sedation courses at The Kois Center with Dr. John Kois

  • Advanced oral surgery and sedation training with Dr. Heath Hendrickson

  • Advanced wisdom teeth removal and intravenous sedation courses

  • All-On-X digital workflows and implant education with Dr. Rick Demson and Dr. Jose Pedroza

  • Bone augmentation certifications (completed twice, latest in 2024)

  • Implant residency training in Puerto Rico (2022–2023)

Certifications & Awards
  • Certified in oral conscious and intravenous moderate sedation (2023)

  • Awarded for excellence in advanced implant techniques and digital workflows

Volunteer Experience

Dr. Taw dedicates time to giving back through various volunteer missions, including:

  • Medical and dental mission trips to the Kingdom of Tonga (2017) and Guatemala (2021)

  • Volunteering with the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation throughout California (2012–2014)

  • Participating in Care Harbor events across multiple locations in California

Academic Role

Dr. Taw serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where he mentors dental students and contributes to clinical education.

Favorite Quote

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou

Dr. Phuong Tran, DMD

Dr. Phuong Tran grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and attended the University of Utah, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. She then moved to Arizona to attend Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and met her husband, Dr. Daniel Taw. After graduation, they began their careers and family in Oklahoma City before deciding to return to California to be closer to family and friends in Pacifica.

Inspired by her father’s footsteps in dentistry, Dr. Tran’s passion for the field began at a young age. She recalls following her father to volunteer events and witnessing the profound impact oral surgeons from Operation Smile had on children in a small Vietnamese village, correcting cleft lips and palates. This early experience motivated her to understand the power of a smile and to dedicate herself to providing the best care for her patients. Dr. Tran strives to treat not only the mouth but also the whole person, making every patient feel like family and involved in their treatment decisions. She is committed to lifelong learning to provide the highest quality of comprehensive dental care.

Education & Training
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
    Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Arizona
    Years Attended: 2015–2019

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology & Chemistry
    University of Utah
    Years Attended: 2009–2013

Professional Associations
  • Kois Center

  • Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)

Continuing Education
  • Invisalign (2023–2025)

  • Molis Coding (2024)

  • Advanced Occlusion & Treatment Planning – John Kois

  • Advanced Porcelain Veneer Workshop – David Hornbrook

Volunteer Experience
  • Mission trip to Tonga (2017)

  • Free Dental Days in Oklahoma (2020, 2021, 2022)

Favorite Quote

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Personal Interests

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Tran enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and exploring the outdoors with her family and friends.

Bio Coming Soon

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