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  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • Dr. Brian Schabel
    • Dr. Vivian Chan
    • Community Involvement
    • Patient Smile Gallery
    • Patient Reviews
  • Orthodontics
    • Braces
      • Types of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
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      • Invisalign For Teens
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      • Invisalign FAQ
    • Other Treatments
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Airway Orthodontics
      • TMJ/TMD Treatment
      • Surgical Orthodontics
      • Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
      • Interdisciplinary Orthodontics
      • Common Appliances
    • Resources
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Portrait Of Dr Vivian Chan

Meet Dr. Vivian Chan: An Advocate for Evidence-Based Treatment

Patient Care Approach

As a widely respected dental professional, Dr. Chan is committed to delivering compassionate and efficient orthodontic care. She connects strongly with patients and their families, and she is skilled at putting others at ease and building their confidence through personalized treatment, open communication, and a welcoming experience at every visit.

Expertise

Having earned two Master’s degrees, Dr. Chan combines advanced clinical expertise with a passion for evidence-based orthodontics. She stays at the forefront of the orthodontics field while providing personalized, expert-level care for Invisalign® and braces to help patients achieve healthy, confident, and lasting smiles.

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Invested in the Santa Cruz Community

Dr. Chan is honored to care for families across Santa Cruz, a community she has proudly called home for over 20 years. Dr. Chan and Dr. Brian Schabel established North Coast Orthodontics in 2006. Together, they have built their practice around the values of trust, compassion, and exceptional patient care.

As a mother raising her own kids in Santa Cruz, Dr. Chan understands the importance of finding a healthcare provider who listens, communicates clearly, and treats every patient like family. She is passionate about creating positive orthodontic experiences and helping children, teens, and adults throughout the community achieve healthy, confident smiles in a welcoming and supportive environment. 

Dr. Chan speaks English, French, and Chinese (Mandarin and basic Cantonese), and she has started learning Spanish as well. You can visit her at one of North Coast Orthodontics’ offices in Capitola and Scotts Valley.

Dr Chan Working At A Computer With A Patient S Teeth Displayed

Education, Training, and Professional Involvement

A native of Canada, Dr. Chan received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Calgary, then completed a Master of Science degree in neuroscience at McMaster University. At New York University, she graduated at the top of her class with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society.

Dr. Chan subsequently moved to Ann Arbor, where she received her Master of Science degree from the world-renowned Department of Orthodontics at the University of Michigan. She has also been the recipient of numerous prestigious scholarships and awards during her extensive academic career.

Today, Dr. Chan is committed to furthering her expertise in orthodontics. She participates in continuing education seminars and, along with Dr. Schabel, hosts courses on a variety of topics related to treatment timing in orthodontics, Invisalign®, and interdisciplinary treatment. She is also an active member of many professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association, among others.

A row of exam stations
Learn More About Dr. Chan’s Experience
Education, Honors, & Awards

Undergraduate Degree

BSc, University of Calgary

Master’s Degree

  • MSc (Neuroscience), McMaster University
  • DDS, New York University
  • MS (Orthodontics), University of Michigan

Residency

Department of Orthodontics, University of Michigan

Graduate Level Honors & Awards

  • Charley Schultz Resident Scholar Award
  • Inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Dental Honor Society (grade point average in top 10% of graduating class)
  • American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) Award
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada Postgraduate Scholarship
  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
  • Douglas C. Russell Memorial Entrance Scholarship
Associations
  • The American Association of Orthodontists
  • The American Dental Association
  • The Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
  • California Association of Orthodontists
  • California Dental Association
  • Monterey Bay Dental Society
  • Omicron Kappa Upsilon
Specialities
  • Invisalign®
  • Braces
  • Phase 1 Treatment for Kids
  • Surgical Orthodontics
  • TMJ/TMD

The Dream Team Working Alongside Dr. Chan

Working alongside her husband and fellow orthodontist, Dr. Brian Schabel, Dr. Chan is part of a collaborative team dedicated to exceptional patient care. Together, they create a welcoming, supportive environment where patients and families feel valued and respected. From the front desk to the clinical team, each member of North Coast Orthodontics makes every visit comfortable and efficient.

Learn More About the Team
Nco Team

Contributions to Orthodontic Research

Dr. Chan’s commitment to evidence-based orthodontics began as she prepared for graduate school at McMaster University, and continued until her orthodontic residency training. She was awarded numerous prestigious awards, including entrance scholarships for her research potential, and awards for research, academic achievements and teaching potential. Her research at the University of Michigan, which focused on “The Role of Female Reproductive Hormones on the Etiopathogenesis of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Women,” was selected to be presented at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session.

Today, Dr. Chan continues to apply the latest research and proven techniques to provide personalized, evidence-based care for every patient.

A Doctor On A Tablet
Two girls smiling and laughing
Young woman hugging little girl
What Patients Are Saying

Patients appreciate Dr. Chan’s gentle, compassionate approach and the confidence she inspires throughout treatment. Known for taking the time to explain every step and making patients feel comfortable, she has earned the trust of countless families throughout Santa Cruz.

Life Outside the Office

Dr. Chan is married to Dr. Schabel, her partner at North Coast Orthodontics. She shares their home with their two sons and a boxer named Cruz, who still acts like a puppy (far beyond his first year).

An accomplished pianist, Dr. Chan began playing at age six and went on to receive her performer’s degree from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. She enjoys being active, so you’ll often find her running, rowing, cycling, and doing free weights. In 2024, she was a top-five age-group finisher in the She.is.Beautiful 10K. She is also a foodie who has been known to plan entire days around meals.

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Dr Chan With Her Sons Dressed Up And In The City
Dr. Schabel and Dr. Chan stand with their sons on the beach smiling into camera
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Visit One of Our Convenient Locations

Whether you visit our Capitola or Scotts Valley office, you can expect the same friendly team, advanced technology, and personalized orthodontic care that we’re known for.

The front of the North Coast Orthodontics office building on a sunny day

Location

Scotts Valley, CA
  • 223 Mt. Hermon Rd, Ste. A
    Scotts Valley, CA 95966
Capitola, CA
  • 1830 41st Ave.
    Capitola, CA 95010

Call / Text

  • (831) 427-2237
  • (831) 427-2237

Contact Hours

Scotts Valley, CA
Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
 
Capitola, CA
Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 7:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 7:00am – 4:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:30pm
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