43 Years of Chan Family Commitment to Cumberland

From a family restaurant to a family dental practice-how one philosophy became three generations of care

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The Philosophy

Where It All Started: A Family Restaurant

Dr. William Chan's father owned "Chan's" in Woonsocket, RI that served this community for decades.

He taught his son that business isn't about transactions, it's about becoming part of people's lives.

In a restaurant, you see the same customers week after week, year after year.

You learn their names. You remember their orders. You know their families.

You become part of their rhythm.

When Dr. William opened Cumberland Dental Specialists in 1982, he brought that same mentality with him.

Every patient was a guest. Every visit was about relationship, not transaction.

That philosophy is still alive in this practice 43 years later.

1982

Starting From Scratch

Dr. William Chan graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1981.

He could have gone anywhere, big cities, corporate practices, prestigious neighborhoods.

Instead, he chose Cumberland, Rhode Island.

He opened a small practice guided by simple values:

• Treat every patient like family

• Be present and consistent

• Don't practice what you don't believe in

• Stay rooted in the community

• Build trust that lasts generations

The early years weren't glamorous.

He was the dentist, hygienist, receptionist, and marketer - often all in the same day.

But he stayed. Because Cumberland was home.

And he wasn't building a quick exit - he was building a family practice.

1982–2010

Building Trust Across Decades

Over three decades, Dr. William built something rare: trust that lasted across generations.

Not through flashy marketing.

Not by chasing trends.

But through consistency:

• Showing up, year after year

• Remembering the details that mattered

• Being honest about treatment recommendations

• Treating his team like family — many stayed 20+ years

• Staying invested in the community

Families returned.

They brought their children.

Those children grew up and brought their own kids.

During this time, Dr. William also trained his son, in dentistry, and in how to care for families with genuine intention.

2026

Why This Story Matters Now

Rhode Island is losing dentists.

Nearly half are over age 55, and many will retire in the next five years.

Practices will close. Patients will lose long-term relationships.

In that uncertainty, there is something rare:

a practice that isn't going anywhere.

The Chan family chose continuity over expansion.

Stability over short-term growth.

Community over corporate scale.

For families who've been coming here for 43 years, that feels familiar.

For parents choosing a dentist for their child's lifetime, it feels like peace of mind.

This isn't marketing.

It's just who we are.

And we're not going anywhere.

Three Generations of the Chan Family

Generation One

The Grandfather

He believed business wasn't about transactions.

It was about people, relationships, and showing up every day.

Those values became the foundation for everything that followed.

Generation two

Dr. William Chan

He brought those values into dentistry.

Built trust by staying consistent, honest, and present.

Turned a small practice into a lifelong relationship with families.

Generation three

Dr. Benjamin Chan

He carries the tradition forward while building a team of leaders.

Adds modern expertise without losing what matters.

Commits to Cumberland families for the long run.

Same values. Different generation.

Unwavering commitment to Cumberland families

What Families Say

"Fear-free"

"My son has always been terrified of the dentist, to the point of tears in the parking lot. From the very first visit, Dr. Ben's team completely transformed that for us. They took their time, never rushed him, and explained everything so he felt in control. He's actually excited to go back now. As a mom, that peace of mind is everything."

Sarah M., Cumberland, RI

Pediatric Patient, Age 7

"No-brainer"

"When it was time to talk about m,y daughter's braces at age nine, it was a complete no-brainer to stay right here. The fact that Dr. Ben is board-certified in orthodontics AND Dr. Chan had been her pediatric dentist her whole life, that continuity is something you just can't put a price on. She finishes treatment next month and her smile is incredible."

Jennifer & Tom K., Lincoln, RI

Orthodontic Patient, Age 13

"Multi-Generational"

"Dr. William saw my kids when they were small. Now Dr. Goodman and Dr. Ben see my grandchildren. The same practice, the same values, caring for three generations of my family, it's just rare to find that anymore. The Chans know us and our trust in them was built over decades and it means everything."