Dr Lao completed his general dental degree in 1998. He entered general dentistry in the following year and continued to practise up until 2004.

During this period Dr Lao under took a 3 year doctorate of dental surgery. He completed his periodontics training in 2005.

His clinical supervisor was Dr Kardachi during his periodontal specialty program. He has worked with Dr Kardachi and Dr Soukoulis since the beginning of 2006.

He is currently a member of the International Team of Implantology (ITI) and the current President of the Australian Society of Periodontology (ASP).

He is a member of the ADA (SA branch) and is accredited by the SA Dental board.