After graduating from the University of California, San Diego, Jonathan Gao studied at UCSF where he was very active in research, receiving a grant award with other team members to develop bluetooth enabled Hawley retainers to increase patient compliance. He was also a UCSF Summer Research Fellow, selected by faculty committee based on the scientific merit of his research proposal and awarded funds to support his research. In addition to his research interests, Dr. Gao was very active in community service and has also been acknowledged for his dedication to community care, receiving several awards for Distinguished Volunteer and Provider of the Year for the UC San Francisco Community Dental Clinic.