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In Memoriam
Dr. Peter F. Chase, D.D.S., M.A.
May 3, 1945 – January 16, 2025
Dr. Peter Chase was more than a dentist, educator, and innovator—he was a pioneer in the field of orofacial pain, TMD, and sleep medicine, a mentor to countless students, and a man whose insatiable curiosity and passion for learning shaped an entire industry.
Born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon, Peter’s early years were marked by frequent moves as his father pursued a career in school administration. Despite the constant change, one thing remained certain—Peter knew he wanted to be a dentist. No one quite knows where that ambition came from, but it was unwavering.
After earning his undergraduate degree in History from the University of California, Davis, in 1967, Peter pursued dentistry at Creighton University in Nebraska, graduating in 1971. But dentistry alone wasn’t enough—he wanted to see the world, understand history, and explore civilizations firsthand.
A Life of Adventure
Peter enlisted as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps, where he completed a hospital-based General Practice Residency in 1972. His service took him from Turkey to Travis Air Force Base, exposing him to different cultures and fueling his love for collecting art and antiquities.
After his military service, Peter traveled through the Middle East and Asia, immersing himself in history, even attempting to climb Mt. Ararat in search of Noah’s Ark. That particular adventure was cut short when local bandits opened fire on his group, forcing them to retreat. Always one for humor and pragmatism, he later joked that perhaps a more relaxing alpine experience in California would be the wiser choice.
Settling in South Lake Tahoe in 1975, Peter built a thriving private practice near the lake. If he wasn’t in the office, you could find him on the slopes—a dedicated National Ski Patrolman at Heavenly Valley Ski Resort—or out on the water, sailing his 22’ Santa Cruz sailboat, Mashallah (God has willed it).
It was in Tahoe that he met Susanne, the love of his life, at a Bank of America branch. Along with Susanne came two pre-teen children, whom Peter embraced as his own, always believing in the importance of being a present and dedicated father. He was deeply involved in the community, serving as President of the South Tahoe Unified School District Board and an active member of Toastmasters International.
A Visionary in Dentistry and Sleep Medicine
Even in his early career, Peter saw that general dentistry needed a paradigm shift. He began exploring orthodontics and oral appliance therapy, despite the skepticism of some colleagues. His stepchildren were among his earliest “test subjects”, though they didn’t always share his enthusiasm for bite corrections.
With a relentless curiosity and a growing passion for airway-focused dentistry, Peter made a bold decision in 1990—he sold his practice and moved to the Bay Area to further his studies at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco (UOP).
For the next two decades, Dr. Chase redefined the field. As the Director of the Orofacial Disorders Center at UOP’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry from 1990–2010, he pioneered multidisciplinary approaches to treating Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). His passion for education extended beyond clinical work—he earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling in 1994, shaping the way future dentists approached the integration of sleep medicine and oral health.
During his tenure, over 3,000 dental students passed through his program, many of whom went on to incorporate his progressive airway, sleep, and musculoskeletal philosophies into their own practices.
A Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Chase was not just an educator—he was a luminary in the field of musculoskeletal pathology involving the orthognathic complex. His credentials, fellowships, and professional contributions are too extensive to list in full, but his impact on the sleep medicine industry is undeniable.
He was a founding and credentialing board member of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, and his research and clinical expertise influenced every corner of the industry. He authored over 20 scientific articles and contributed to multiple textbooks, including:
These publications continue to guide practitioners seeking to understand the intersection of airway, sleep, and craniofacial development.
Beyond academia, Peter was a trusted medical-legal consultant for insurance companies, law firms, and government organizations.
In 2008, he opened a private practice in Walnut Creek, California, providing oral appliance therapy for OSA and TMD/TMJ conditions. His expertise was recognized by Contra Costa Sleep Center, where he was the lead oral appliance provider, and he worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between dentistry and medicine in airway health.
Remembering Dr. Chase
Peter Chase will be remembered not only for his clinical brilliance and fearless innovation, but for his endless curiosity, his devotion to his students and colleagues, and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
He had a unique ability to challenge traditional thinking, not for the sake of disruption, but because he believed in pushing the boundaries of what was possible in patient care. He never stopped learning, and he never stopped sharing his knowledge with those willing to listen.
Peter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, four grandchildren, and his beloved hybrid-wolf dogs—a testament to his love for both family and the wild spirit he carried throughout his life.
His legacy lives on through his longtime colleague and mentee, Dr. Toshi Hart (UOP 1992), whom Peter hand-selected to continue his work in Walnut Creek. Through Dr. Hart, and through all those he mentored, Dr. Chase’s mission will endure.
Rest in peace, Dr. Chase. Your work has shaped generations, and your impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Written by Dr. Toshi Hart & Mark Bottini
