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In Memoriam: Dr. Preston D. Miller, Jr. (1938–2026)

It is with profound sadness that the International Academy of Contemporary Dentistry (iACD) announces the passing of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Preston Dallas Miller, Jr., at the age of 87, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Universally recognized as the “Father of Periodontal Plastic Surgery,” Dr. Miller was an influential giant in periodontics whose work reshaped clinical practice worldwide. His contributions, leadership, and mentorship left an enduring impact on our profession and on generations of clinicians.

A Life of Lasting Impact
Dr. Miller was born on September 6, 1938, in Norton, Virginia, to Dr. Preston Dallas Miller, Sr. and Cora Southerland Miller. Throughout a landmark career, he exemplified excellence in patient care, education, and innovation. Pioneering Contributions to Periodontics.
Among his many achievements, Dr. Miller:
• Introduced the universally accepted Miller Classification of Gingival Recession
• Was the first to present the free gingival graft as a predictable root coverage procedure

Leadership and Recognition
Dr. Miller served dentistry with distinction as:
• A Clinical Professor
• A former President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
• The 1999 recipient of the AAP’s prestigious Master Clinician Award.

Our Founding Chairman, Mentor, and Friend to the iACD family, Dr. Miller was far more than a world-renowned clinician and academic—he was our mentor, guiding force, and inspiration. He loved Asia deeply and traveled widely to share his knowledge, giving lectures alongside iACD and encouraging collaboration and lifelong learning across borders. His generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to education helped shape the heart and mission of iACD.

With Gratitude and Sympathy
We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Miller’s family, friends, students, and colleagues around the world.

We honor his extraordinary legacy and will remember him with enduring respect, gratitude, and affection. Dr. Miller will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Announcement: New Members Join the iACD Scientific Board of Directors

The International Academy of Contemporary Dentistry (iACD) is pleased to announce the appointment of the following distinguished professionals to our Scientific Board of Directors. These eminent scholars and clinicians bring exceptional expertise and leadership to advance our mission of excellence in contemporary dentistry.

Kei Tomihara, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan

Xiaoqiang Liu, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Prosthodontics

Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, China

Deputy Director of Outpatient Management Office

Hong-Keun Hyun, D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry

School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Korea

Baek Il Kim, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Department of Preventive Dentistry & Public Oral Health

Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Korea

Muhammad Ruslin, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.

Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry

Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs

Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Irfan Sugianto, D.D.S., M.Med.Ed., Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Dean, Faculty of Dentistry

Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Chandan Upadhyaya, M.D.S.

Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Nepal

Suvit Maskey, B.D.S., M.D.S.

Assistant Professor and Former Head, Department of Prosthodontics

Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

We extend a warmest welcome to these outstanding colleagues and look forward to their valuable contributions to the iACD community.

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 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 President Professor Peter Loomer was inducted as the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honorary Society on March 12, 2023 in Portland, Oregon USA.
Assisting in the induction was Professor Jon B. Suzuki, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of Omicron Kappa Upsilon. It should be noted that Professor Suzuki has served in this position for 33 years continuous.

OKU is a prestigious honor dental society in which only the top 12% of the dental school graduating class is selected for membership. Achieving a national officer position in the organization requires service and dedication to the profession and society.

Brian J. Suzuki, Esq was awarded an Honorary Membership In Omicron Kappa Upsilon, National Honor Dental Society. Brian is entering his 10th year as Executive Director of the national USA and Canadadian Organization. IACD President and OKU President Professor Peter Loomer presented the Honorary Membership award to Brian and assisted by Immediate Past- President Dean Kenneth Chance. The ceremony took place on March 12, 2023, in Portland, Oregon USA.

Portland, Oregon USA Convention Center where Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Society met with delegates from 70 USA and Canadian Dental Schools.

Dr. Kenzo Nishiyama, international founder and director of iACD, passed away on June 9, 2022.

On June 10, 2022, Prof. Jon B. Suzuki and Prof. Peter M. Loomer extended their message of condolences to Mrs. Kiyoko Nishiyama.

Dear Mrs. Nishiyama:
We are deeply saddened by the sudden news that your son Dr. Kenzo Nishiyama, Director of iACD, has passed away. On behalf of the members and iACD board of directors, we would like to express my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

While honoring the memory of Dr. Kenzo, who greatly contributed to the international dental education for iACD. We sincerely pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of Dr. Kenzo Nishiyama.

Sincerely yours
Jon B. Suzuki, Chairman of iACD
Peter M. Loomer. President of iACD

We would like to congratulate Dr. Jon Suzuki for his appointment to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Immunology Devices Panel and Medical Advisory Committee. This prestigious panel is responsible for evaluating the COVID-19 vaccine applications, interpreting the vaccine clinical trial data and ultimately approving the vaccines for use.

Prof. Suzuki is a world-renowned Immunologist. In addition, he is currently the Chairman of the Food and Drug Administration Dental Products Advisory Panel. Most recently, he has been at the forefront for the treatment regimens of peri-implant disease, especially with the
use of Nd:YAG lasers (Millenium).

Prof. Suzuki is one of the most published academicians in medicine and dentistry. He has published over 200 research papers, chapters, and symposia, abstracts, and 1 textbook in Medical Technology. Prof. Suzuki also holds Clinical Professorships at the University of Maryland, the University of Washington and Nova Southeastern University.

Prof. Suzuki is Professor Emeritus of Microbiology and Immunology (School of Medicine) and Professor Emeritus of Periodontology and Oral Implantology (School of Dentistry) at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. USA. He served as Chairman and Director of Graduate Periodontology and Oral Implantology, and Associate Dean for Graduate Education at Temple University. He also served as Dean, Chief of Hospital Dentistry, and CEO of the Faculty Practice Plan at the University of Pittsburgh, USA.