Meet Santa Cruz Periodontist, Dr. Michael Ha

Dr. Michael Ha was born and raised in Rosemead, California. He attended the University of California Berkeley for his undergraduate education graduating with departmental honors in Biology. Next, he received his dental training at Oregon Health Sciences University, graduating with great honors. Having a special interest in helping patients keep and rebuild their natural smiles, Dr. Ha continued his training through a residency in periodontics, laser, and implant dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. There he served as chief resident, completed a Master of Science in Dentistry, and obtained a specialty certificate in Periodontics. This advanced training covered all aspects of the treatment of periodontal disease, soft tissue, and bone grafting, implant placement, as well as oral and IV sedation. He then achieved diplomate status in the American Board of Periodontology.

While at VCU, his research earned an award in the Southern Academy of Periodontology Billy M. Pennel Research Competition and was selected to present his research at the American Academy of Periodontology meeting & Academy of osseointegration. Dr. Ha regularly attends continuing education courses and lectures as he strives to refine his skills and educate himself in order to provide the highest level of care to his patients. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the Santa Clara County Dental Society the California Society of Periodontists, the Academy of Osseointegration, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesia.

In his free time, Dr. Ha loves to spend time traveling and hiking. His goal is to hike a mountain in every country he visits with his most recent hike at the snow-capped Patagonian mountains of Argentina. He has volunteered for several dental missions in Guatemala, the Philippines, Oregon, and in Virginia.