Dr. Chen is an Assistant Professor of Orthodontics at University of Pacific. His research is centered on a specific early interceptive treatment protocol that UCSF has implemented at a local community clinic, which is aimed at improving the existing malocclusion and making later phase II orthodontic treatment elective rather than necessary for patients from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The goal of his research is to show that early interceptive care using a standardized removable appliance protocol is just as effective as fixed appliance early treatment, and offers a cost-efficient means of reducing later orthodontic need for patients from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, Dr. Chen has interest in understanding how orthodontists make clinical decisions given available diagnostic information and available literature.