Dr. Christine Cao, DMD

Dr. Christine calls Bellevue home now, but her story starts in Southern California, where she was born and raised as the youngest of five children. Her parents immigrated from Vietnam, and their example—a deep belief in hard work, discipline, and putting family first—shaped who she is today, both as a person and as a clinician.

Dr. Christine's path to dentistry began somewhere many people wouldn't expect: in the dentist's chair. As a fearful little girl facing anesthesia and fillings, she was cared for by a dentist whose gentleness and warmth completely changed how she saw the experience. That single relationship taught her something she's carried with her ever since — that a little compassion can make an enormous difference, not just in how someone feels in the moment, but in their comfort, their confidence, and their overall health for years to come. It's the reason she chose this profession, and it's the same feeling she strives to pass on to every patient who sits in her chair.

She went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, followed by an advanced general dentistry residency at UCLA — training that gave her a strong clinical foundation, but it's that childhood memory that still guides how she practices.

Outside the office, Dr. Christine is happiest outdoors — hiking, staying active, and adventuring around Washington with her two boys, who keep her on her toes and remind her daily what really matters. Whether she's exploring a new trail or catching up with a patient she's known for years, she brings the same warmth and genuine care to everything she does.

For Dr. Christine, dentistry has never just been about teeth — it's about people, and making sure every patient feels as cared for as she once did in that chair so many years ago.