Meet Our Team

Dr. Christopher Chow

Dr. Christopher Chow was born and raised here in Honolulu, an alumnus of Punahou School. He left Hawaii to attend the University of Southern California, where he received his bachelor’s degree in both Biology and Dental Hygiene. He went on to pursue his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Indiana University. He has been practicing dentistry since 2005 and loves creating relationships with his patients. Dr. Chow is a member of the Hawaii Dental Association and Pacific Dental. When he is not in the office, he is spending time with his wife, Leina, and their two daughters, Kailee and Aubrey. You can also find him surfing and diving around Oahu.

Dr. Dennis Nagata

Dr. Dennis Nagata was born and raised in Honolulu. He is a graduate of Iolani School. He was inspired to pursue dentistry by his mother, Nancy, who worked with the military at Schofield Barracks Dental Clinic as a dental assistant. Dr. Nagata received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California in 1979.

Founder of the Hawaii Center for Cosmetic and Laser Dentistry

Dr. Nagata founded the Hawaii Center for Cosmetic and Laser Dentistry in 1979. He was a former clinical instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where he helped dentists learn advanced and specialized techniques to help patients in need of complex treatment. He continues to lecture and present cases and participates in numerous post-graduate programs.

Experienced and Trusted

Dr. Nagata is a general and cosmetic dentist who has over 40 years of experience in his field. He is currently serving patients’ dental needs at Landmark Dental Group in Honolulu, Hawaii. Established in 1980, Landmark Dental Group offers numerous dental services, including biocompatible dentistry, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and TMJ treatment.

Mission Statement

“Our dental team is committed to excellent oral health for our patients. We offer comprehensive dental care and brilliant cosmetic dentistry to Honolulu, Hawaii, and the surrounding areas. Our facility is large, with 12 operatory rooms and a big waiting area, and is kept clean and fresh for your convenience and comfort. We do all that we can to keep you comfortable and relaxed at every stage of care, and we strive to engage with our patients on a personal level to meet your oral health needs.”

Comprehensive Approach to Solving Dental Concerns

Dr. Nagata takes a comprehensive approach to addressing dental concerns so his patients can smile with confidence. As part of this approach, he also specializes in the following fields:

• Cosmetic Dentistry
• TMJ Problems
• Dental Implantology
• Sleep Dentistry

Smile With Confidence

Dr. Nagata uses his expertise and dedication to combine artistry and technology and give his patients a smile that exudes confidence, beauty and well-being.

Dentistry Solutions for Quality Sleep

Dr. Nagata is also deeply involved with sleep dentistry and is trained and certified to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using oral appliances and NightLase® snoring reduction therapy. He has also completed a mini residency at Tuft’s University School of Dental Medicine in 2021.

Dr. Gary H. Morikawa

Dr. Gary Morikawa is a local and was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and the University of Hawaii before attending the University of Missouri School of Dentistry. Here, he completed his doctorate in dental science in 1987. His goal as a dentist today is to provide the best possible care for patients and share his knowledge of dentistry.

In order to provide better, improved services, Dr. Morikawa continues his education with the following study groups:

Dr. Morikawa has also participated in continuing training with the Kois Center in Seattle Washington. As a dental professional, he is a member of the following organizations:

• American Dental Association®
• Hawaii Dental Association
• Honolulu County Dental Association
• Academy of General Dentistry

When at home, Dr. Morikawa spends time with his wife, Dawn; his daughter, Alexis, and their dog, Daisy.

Dr. Richard H. Tamaru

Dr. Richard Tamaru was born and raised in Honolulu. After majoring in biology at the University of Southern California, he earned his dental degree from Oregon Health & Science University, where he graduated with honors as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. He went on to receive additional training through the St. Francis Medical Center General Practice Residency program. He currently serves as an attending dentist at The Queen’s Medical Center’s dental residency program, where he shares his experience with new dentists entering the field as a way of paying forward the mentorship he once received.

His philosophy of care focuses on providing compassionate, tailored, and attentive treatment to all his patients. He deeply values his relationships with his patients and is grateful that they have trusted him with their dental care over many years.

Outside the office, Dr. Tamaru enjoys spending time with his wife, Lena, and their son and daughter, particularly on the golf course or when traveling to new places.

Association and Memberships:

Dr. Robert Cardales-Stearns

Dr. Robert Cardales-Stearns was born in the Misawa Air Base in Japan and moved with his family around the world until they settled in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. He then moved to New England to attend Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and graduated with the honorable distinction of magna cum laude. His treatment philosophy is to treat every patient as if they are a family member. He strives to have meaningful relationships with all his patients to ensure they have the upmost comfort during their dental care and is often heard at the office laughing with his patients throughout the day. When he is not in the office he enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, exercising, reading a good book, or trying new restaurants.