Norman R.Chu,DDS,FACD,FICD
Kathleen L.Dreher,DDS,MPH,MS
Welcome to our practice! We endeavor to provide our patients with the highest level of comprehensive care in dentistry available today. Our areas of expertise include conservative, esthetic and functional restorative dentistry. Our dental team has made it their goal to ensure our patient’s every need be considered in delivering comprehensive dental care in a compassionate environment with cleanliness standards exceeding ADA / OSHA requirements. The entire restorative team believes in the philosophy, “…. there is nothing more valuable than your natural teeth….” If it is possible to save teeth or preserve natural tooth structure we will exhaust all measures to help achieve this goal. This includes the comprehensive dental examination with appropriate imaging, head and neck examination, intraoral occlusal and temporomandibular joint evaluation with mounted diagnostic models to evaluate the function and health of the muscles, skeletal system and teeth; and gentle, thorough dental periodic examination and prophylaxis performed by the dentist. When restorative dentistry is required Dr. Chu and Dr. Dreher understand the importance of precision and accuracy necessary for conservation of tooth structure. Dr. Chu has been in private practice restorative dentistry for over thirty four years. His forte is conservative, cast gold or esthetic bonded porcelain restorations and management of the temporomandibular joints with occlusal splint therapy. Dr. Chu is founder of the Houston Pankey / Tanner study club and National Pankey / Tanner Learning Groups and has been Associate Clinical Professor at The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston for the past twelve years. Dr. Dreher works as a specialist in Dental Public Health as director of El Franco Lee Dental Clinic for Harris Health. Dr. Dreher is a true humanitarian and dental public health specialist who has worked with the indigent care population for over thirty four years. To achieve the highest standard it is essential to work with a team of experts who demand a similar level of quality. Our experienced staff and referral specialists are nationally and internationally known in the profession. We are proud to work with one of the world’s leading authorities in cast gold restorations, Dr. Larry Cloetta, from Jackson, Wyoming. Gold is less often used in 2019 due to cost and lack of technical expertise by instructors in our current dental schools due to esthetic demand of less ideal restorative materials. However gold is still the restorative material of choice when accuracy, conservation of tooth structure, precision, marginal fit, occlusal stability, longevity and wear characteristics are considered. When esthetic but more aggressive and fragile porcelain restorations are required the talented Mr. Gilbert Young C. D. T. from Plano, Texas is our world class porcelain ceramist. We also are advocates of occlusal splint therapy, occlusal equilibration when indicated. Our recognized specialist in orthodontics is Dr. George Schudy; periodontics Drs. Michael McGuire and E. Todd Scheyer; endodontics Dr. Manish Garala; and oral surgery Dr. Steven Koo. Whichever treatment you may require, we are committed to providing you with all of your options, professional recommendation and the highest level of quality dental healthcare possible; in a gentle and compassionate environment.
Making smiles in Houston healthier and brighter since 1984.
Norman R. Chu, D.D.S., F.A.C.D., F.I.C.D.
Kathleen L. Dreher, D.D.S., M.P.H., M.S.
Emily, R. D. A. , Office Coordinator
Emily has been with our dental practice since the year 2000 when she discovered her talent in the field of dentistry rather than nursing. She is skilled, experienced and professional in all aspects of our dental practice from assisting in the clinic to ensuring the office functions smoothly for your entire dental visit. She is able to facilitate all of your scheduling and financial needs, as well as assist in helping with your insurance obligations. Emily understands the nuances of complex restorative dentistry and will facilitate the coordination of your appointments if other dental specialists need to be involved. Emily is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters; Courtney, Avyn and Briston, and an essential part of your dental family.
Brenda, R. D. A. , Clinic Coordinator
Brenda first signed up with our practice in 1994 as one of Dr. Chu’s first dental assistants since moving into Houston private practice. She brings her expertise from many of the most significant restorative dental offices in the Houston area and acts as Dr. Chu’s ‘right hand’ when performing technical dental procedures. We are glad she has claimed a home with ‘our’ dental family and know you will appreciate the compassion and gentle touch she brings to your dental appointments. Her vast knowledge and experience are indispensable in providing you with the highest quality of dentistry in a most caring and compassionate environment. Brenda is a passionate and talented musician and flutist for the Texas Medical Center Symphony when her skills are not required for your dental needs.
Angela, Dental Intern, R. D. A.
Angela is part of our full-time dental intern program and a recent graduate of Houston Baptist University. She has been a joy to work with and hopes to apply for dental school in the coming year.
Priscilla, Dental Intern, R. D. A.
Priscilla is our part-time dental intern and a senior year collegiate student from The University of St. Thomas. Priscilla plans to be an applicant for dental school beginning 2019-2020.
Ercellia, Laboratory Coordinator, R. D. A.
Elsie is our laboratory coordinator who has been our most faithful employee for the past 25 years. She is responsible for coordinating all of your laboratory work and especially mounted diagnostic models which are essential for your diagnostic dental needs. Elsie’s exquisitely groomed and polished model work is her trademark and rivals any laboratory or dental practice in the nation. In addition to laboratory skills, Elsie was Dr. Dreher’s main dental assistant when she began her public health career in dental public health for Harris County. We are truly blessed to have Elsie’s talent, skill and commitment with our practice for so many years. Elsie has a son and two daughters; Juan, Xiamara and Lourna. She is also a cancer survivor from M.D. Anderson!
Covid-19 Aerosol / Infection Control
Negative pressure operatories with Nederman source capture aerosol extraction arms vented to outside air and IQAir purifier.
Negative pressure operatories with Nederman source/capture aerosol extraction arms….Negative pressure operatories ....dentistry generates aerosol that remains suspended in the air if left untreated. This means contaminated air for the next patient. We have glassed-in operatories with Nederman source capture arms to remove aerosol contamination at its source and vent to outside air. IQAir purifiers filter operatory air down to .003 microns up to 300cfm which means air is purified approximately every four minutes in our 1250 cubic foot operatories.
Nederman exhaust fan /Air-Water Separator/HVAC ductwork vented to Outside Air with enclosed water drainage.
Nederman Exhaust Fan/Air-Water Separator/HVAC vented to Outside Air
Air-Water Separator ….high speed vacuum systems HVAC collect 90 percent of air-water contaminants at its source. The problem with most dental offices is that the contaminated air-water is atomized in the equipment room by the vacuum pump and dumped into an open drain. This leaves contaminated aerosol and contaminated water splatter in the equipment room of every dental office without an Air-Water separator. We have installed an air-water separator to separate the contaminated air from the water and vent this outside the building via a Nederman Exhaust Fan. Contaminated water remains in droplet form and dumps into a covered drain.
Nederman Aerosol Extraction Arm
Nederman Aerosol Extraction Arm ….
Nederman Aerosol Extraction Arms ….have been installed in each operatory because dentistry generates an aerosol cloud around the patient’s mouth. Source-capture is the key to dental infection control. The most effective means of source-capture is with HVAC high speed suction used by the dental assistant. The remaining aerosol cloud is removed by the Nederman Aerosol Extraction Arm which is essential for source-capture aerosol extraction.