Congratulations to Dr. Eric Yao!
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional association of more than 40,000 general dentists who are dedicated to professional excellence through the pursuit of continuing education, is pleased to announce that Eric S. Yao, DDS, MAGD, LLSR of Shoreline, WA, has earned the 2020 Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition award for his commitment to lifelong learning, volunteering his services to communities in need, mentoring associates and new dentists, and participating in organized dentistry. According to AGD, since its inception in 2005, only 354 of the AGD’s over 40,000 members have received the prestigious Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition. Congratulations Dr. Eric Yao!!!
The Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) is presented only to AGD members who have gone above and beyond earning the association’s highest honor of Mastership (MAGD). Dr Eric Yao has earned his Mastership in AGD (MAGD) in 2012. To accomplish Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) recognition, Dr. Eric Yao completed more than 1,600 hours of continuing dental education in 16 different dental disciplines. In addition, Dr. Yao has completed more than 150 hours of dental-related community/volunteer service (100 hours required). “I believe continuing education is essential to staying current and on the cutting edge of dentistry. We owe it to our patients to provide them the best care possible, and it is through continuing education that I am able to offer patients my best.” said Dr. Eric Yao.
“Recipients of AGD’s Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition truly exemplify leadership, perseverance and embrace the AGD’s core principles and ideals,” says AGD President Connie L. White, DDS, FAGD. “Dr. Eric Yao is to be commended for his commitment to dentistry. This award symbolizes lifelong learning, leadership, mentorship and the drive for excellence in dentistry.”
More About Dr Eric Yao
I have been practicing dentistry for more than 20 years. I have been with my current practice in Shoreline since 2003. I grew up in Seattle and spent more than half of my life living in Shoreline. It is my honor to serve the community of Shoreline, the community in which I live and raise my family!
It is always my goal to treat all my patients like my own family. I am determined to create a friendly and welcoming environment that is committed to providing the highest caliber of dental care to all my patients.
I love practicing dentistry because it offers me an opportunity to be an artist, engineer, and problem solver. I am able to meet new challenges each day and figure out the best possible solution for my patients.
I believe continuing education is essential to staying current and on the cutting edge of dentistry. We owe it to our patients to provide them the best care possible, and it is through continuing education that I am able to offer patients my best. I also enjoy going to dental conventions, so that I can always look for the latest technologies and most effective ways to treat my patients. In 2012, I took more than 1,100 hours of advanced educational courses and passed a rigorous test to earn Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD award). It is an honor achieved by less than one percent of general dentists. I have to say that it was a wonderful learning journey.
What I love most about dentistry, though, are the relationships I’ve developed with my patients. I enjoy coming to the office every day, chatting with patients as friends, and solving problems for them. Seeing them out of pain and smiling is the best reward for my job. It’s especially satisfying when I see all my Six Month Smiles orthodontic patients smile beautifully and confidently after completing their orthodontic treatment!
I currently teach at the University of Washington Dental School on Fridays as an affiliate professor when I am not working at the office. I enjoy giving back to my school, and teaching and mentoring the next generation of dentists. I also love to give back to our community through our many office events throughout the year. Over the years, we have done fundraising for Horse Rescue, food drive for Food Lifeline, and toy drives for Shoreline Fire Department. I also really enjoy going to different elementary schools to talk about dental health with kids. They always came up with the most creative questions for me.
The entire staff at our office shares the same vision: treating our patients like our own family. This makes my job much easier. My entire staff is friendly, experienced, knowledgeable, professional, and fun. They don’t mind making silly and entertaining birthday and holiday videos for patients. Our meetings are usually effective and full of laughter. I feel grateful to have this amazing team!
I have three boys who are heavily involved in basketball. I have coached my boys’ youth basketball teams through the years, and have really enjoyed it. Through the years, I have also made free sports mouthguards for youth basketball teams and Tae Kwon Do schools. During our spare time, we enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, movies, golf, basketball, and cheering on all the Seattle sports teams!
Education
- Bachelor of Science in psychology – University of Washington, 1994
- Bachelor of Art in zoology – University of Washington, 1994
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery – University of Washington School of Dentistry, 1998
Continuing Education
- 2020 Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition Award Winner
- Mastership, Washington Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD)
- Academy of General Dentistry, fellow
- American Dental Implant Association, fellow
- World Clinical Laser Institute, fellow
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Washington State Dental Association
- Seattle-King County Dental Society
- American Dental Implant Association
- World Clinical Laser Institute
