News

In Memoriam

Dr. Hiroshi Kawazu

The International Academy of Contemporary Dentistry (iACD) mourns the passing of Dr. Hiroshi Kawazu, who served as the Scientific Advisor of iACD and provided invaluable support to our organization and its academic dental journal from their very inception. We announce with deep sorrow that Dr. Kawazu passed away on January 22.

Dr. Kawazu served as the Scientific Advisor of iACD and was a pillar of our academic foundation. From the very beginning of our organization and the launch of our academic dental journal, he offered his unwavering support, guidance, and wisdom. His belief in our mission gave us strength, credibility, and direction during our earliest and most challenging days. Widely respected as one of Japan’s finest dentists and most distinguished educators, Dr. Kawazu dedicated his life to advancing dentistry through clinical excellence, education, and mentorship. His contributions extended far beyond his own achievements—he inspired generations of clinicians and educators, both in Japan and internationally.

Beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, Dr. Kawazu was a man of deep kindness, humility, and generosity. To many of us, he was not only a respected colleague and advisor, but also a mentor, a trusted friend, and a guiding presence whose influence will remain with us always.

The iACD community has lost a visionary leader and a treasured member of our family. We honor his legacy with profound gratitude and respect, and we will continue our work inspired by the values he embodied throughout his life.

Dr. Kawazu will be deeply missed and forever remembered. With deepest respect and remembrance,

追悼

河津寛先生（Dr. Hiroshi Kawazu）

河津先生には、iACDサイエンティフィック・アドバイザーをお務め頂き、本会および学術歯科ジャーナルの創設当初より多大なるご支援を賜りました 。河津寛先生が、1月22日にご逝去されましたことを深い悲しみとともにご報告申し上げます。

河津先生は、iACDの学術的基盤を支える重要な存在であり、学会設立初期から、常に的確な助言と温かい励ましをもって私たちを導いてくださいました。先生の揺るぎないご支援と本会の理念への深いご理解は、iACDが歩みを進める上で大きな力となりました。

日本を代表する優れた歯科医師、そして卓越した教育者として、河津先生は生涯を通じて歯科医療の発展と後進の育成に尽力されました。そのご功績は、日本国内にとどまらず、国際的にも高く評価され、多くの歯科医師・教育者に多大な影響を与えてこられました。

また、先生は卓越した専門性のみならず、深い思いやりと謙虚さ、そして人を包み込むような温かさを併せ持ったお人柄でもありました。私たちにとって河津先生は、尊敬すべき指導者であると同時に、信頼できる友人であり、常に寄り添い導いてくださる存在でした。

iACDは、かけがえのない指導者であり、学会の家族の一員であった河津を失いました。先生の遺された理念と精神を胸に刻み、私たちは今後も歯科医療と教育の発展に努めてまいります。

河津先生のご冥福を心よりお祈り申し上げるとともに、そのご功績を永遠に讃え、深い感謝と敬意を表します。

Kate E. Matsumoto

Executive Director of iACD

iACD Announcement by Executive Director Kate E. Matsumoto: New leadership in the Asia Pacific region.

Professor Shohei Kasugai Assumes 2025 iACD Asia Pacific Section Presidency; Dr. Wang Yuming Elected 2026 AP Section President-Elect; Dr. Suguro Tsujimura Elected 2027 AP Section President-Elect; and Mr. Sun Junbo Appointed Strategic Advisor for Dental Education Development.

iACD Asia Pacific Vice presidents 

Prof. Kwon Taeho, Dr. Chung Hyeok, Prof. MaoSuan Huang, Dr. ChihChu Chen, Dr. Yutaka Ikeda, Dr. Akitoshi Hayashi, and Dr. Songtao Wu Elected 2026 AP Section Vice Presidents

iACD Korea New Leadership

Prof. Kwon Taeho Appointed President of iACD Korea; Dr. Chung Hyeok and Dr. Min Koungho Appointed Vice Presidents of iACD Korea; Dr. Lee Jin Ho Appointed Secretary-General of iACD Korea

The International Academy of Contemporary Dentistry (iACD) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Asia Pacific leadership team, marking a significant step toward strengthening international partnerships and advancing innovation in dentistry.

2025 ~ President of iACD Asia Pacific 

Professor Shohei Kasugai, DDS, PhD — a renowned implantology expert and former Chair of Tokyo Medical and Dental University — has assumed the role of President of the iACD Asia Pacific Section. He brings unparalleled academic and clinical expertise to his new role, including– Over 60 international publications in oral implantology and regenerative medicine; Leadership of the Department of Oral Implantology at Tokyo Medical and Dental University; Mentorship of 12 professor-appointed protégés, including 5 international scholars now leading institutions abroad

2026 President-Elect: Dr. Wang Yuming

Dr. Wang Yuming, a celebrated Chinese dental innovator and educator, has been elected President-Elect for 2026. Dr. Wang is widely recognized for his contributions to advancing clinical practice, dental research, and professional education in China and across Asia.

2027 President-Elect: Dr. Suguro Tsujimura

Dr. Suguro Tsujimura, President of the International Dental Hygienist Association, has been elected President-Elect for 2027. Dr. Tsujimura has delivered an exceptional number of professional dental hygienist training courses across numerous Asian countries, significantly advancing dental hygiene education and elevating professional standards throughout the region.

2025~ Strategic Advisor for Dental Education Development.

Mr. Sun Junbo has been appointed Strategic Advisor for Dental Education Development. He is a highly skilled and results-driven professional with extensive experience in project execution and team leadership. Among his notable achievements in 2023 is his work in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he advanced cooperation with Riyadh Elm University’s Dental College to jointly establish a dental medical school — a project now in the implementation phase.

Dr. Steven Xue, co-founder of the International Academy of Contemporary Dentistry (iACD), recently delivered a well-received lecture at New York University (NYU), sharing his expertise in implant dentistry and soft tissue augmentation.

A graduate of Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Stomatology, Dr. Xue earned his DDS from the University of Southern California and has been practicing in Houston, Texas, since 2001. With nearly 20,000 implants placed and restored, he is a highly respected clinician and educator.

Dr. Xue has taught extensively in the U.S. and China, leading live surgery courses at UFM Guatemala and other institutions. A former Vice President of ICOI AP and an Ambassador, he now serves as an international visiting professor for UFM.

iACD congratulates Dr. Xue on his impactful NYU lecture and his continued contributions to dental education worldwide.

iACD Announcement:
By Prof. Jon B. Suzuki Chairman
November 5, 2024

Requirements and Pathway for Reciprocity of Diplomate and Fellowship to iACD Diplomate and Fellowship:

1. 1. Diplomate and/or Fellowship Certificates or both certificates signed by Dr. Randy Resnik (USA) or Dr. Mark Lin (Canada)
   2. Submission of PDF applications for iACD Diplomate and/or Fellowship or both which are available on iACDentistry.org website. Click on the link for Diplomate – Fellowship
   3. Submission of current CV
   4. Submission of 5 well documented clinical cases by power points of treated Periodontal, Implant, Prosthetic, Aesthetic dental patients, recognizing HIPPAA, patient confidentiality.
   5. Review of submitted materials by both President Peter Loomer (Univ Texas San Antonio) and Professor Jon B. Suzuki must be approved. Additional documentation, including but not limited to clinical cases, attendance at national and international conferences within the past 5 years.
   6. After approval of the application, attendance at the iADC World Congress is required to receive the awards (San Antonio, Texas USA April 24-25, 2025).
   7. Payment of iACD annual dues is required to maintain current status as a Diplomate – Fellow.

Please submit your application document to: application@iacdentistry.info
iACD membership: https://iacdentistry.info/nonmember/newmember.aspx

Any questions, please contact:
Kate Matsumoto, Executive Director: kate.office2012@gmail.com

iACD Announcement by Executive Director Kate E. Matsumoto to iACD members

Date: November 8, 2024

Subject: Board Approval – Reciprocity of Diplomate and Fellowship Status with Approved U.S. and Canadian Institutions

Dear iACD Members,

We are pleased to announce that the iACD Board has approved a reciprocity agreement with the NYU College of Dentistry Linhart Continuing Education Programs for Japan, China, and Korea. This new arrangement allows participants in these NYU Linhart programs to qualify for iACD’s Diplomate and Fellowship status, under specific conditions.

The iACD has approved the NYU Linhart program’s requirements, including both written reports and oral presentations conducted at NYU, as meeting our criteria for recognition. To complete the reciprocity process, candidates need only to participate in an oral interview at the upcoming iACD World Congress.

This reciprocity program builds on our commitment to expand professional development opportunities for our members and strengthen connections with leading dental institutions. We believe this collaboration with NYU’s Linhart Continuing Education Programs will further enhance our organization’s reach and support dental professionals across Asia.

For any questions or additional information regarding this program, please feel free to reach out to the iACD Board.

Sincerely,

The iACD Board

IACD News Today:
Dr. Tsujimura, President of IACD Japan, was interviewed by one of Japan’s major newspapers, Asahi News, about the importance of oral health (preventive dentistry) in our daily lives on June 4th, June 4th is Japan’s Cavity Prevention Day.

Dr. Tsujimura is internationally renowned for his expertise in total oral health. Over the past 15 years, he has trained many dental hygienists clinically in Japan and China.

2024.6.4 Tokyo