My History
At Kiwakai, as the meaning of our Japanese name suggests — “to value harmony above all” — we practice team-based dental care grounded in that very principle. Our clinics in Ginza and Shin-Osaka provide comprehensive dental services with a focus on periodontal treatment and implant therapy, while our Uehonmachi clinic in Osaka specializes in pediatric dentistry, offering care that families can rely on together. Within our organization, not only dentists but also dental hygienists and dental technicians are employed in-house, allowing them to actively participate in treatment planning from their respective professional perspectives. Team-based care is at the very core of how Kiwakai operates, and it brings numerous benefits. For example, even among dentists, each individual has their own area of expertise. By forming teams based on the patient’s symptoms and treatment needs, each staff member is able to maximize their strengths in providing care.
We have also handled many complex cases that are difficult to treat at other clinics. This is made possible through the presence of JIADS (The Japan Institute for Advanced Dental Studies), a research institute dedicated to advancing dental care, where I serve as Chairman. JIADS has a history spanning nearly 40 years and over 10,000 students. Through this extensive network, we occasionally receive referrals of patients with particularly complex conditions. In addition to our team-based approach, our organization’s strengths lie in our high level of technical skill and extensive knowledge.
Daily clinical practice is a treasure trove of learning opportunities for each of our staff. For example, in the treatments I perform, not only do we take X-rays, but we also record photos and videos during surgery. Twice a month, I take time to explain these cases in detail and communicate directly with the team.
Moreover, communication with patients is just as important as communication among staff. My belief is that our team should always aim to exceed patients’ expectations. To achieve this, I have shared three guiding principles with our staff: do what benefits the patient, do what benefits the clinic, and do what benefits themselves. I encourage everyone to take action without hesitation when all three of these principles are fulfilled.
The Present
As a dentist, I believe we must never lose sight of the true essence of healthcare—especially because our work involves direct contact with the human body. Dental treatment can sometimes require a significant financial commitment from patients. That means they often have to make decisions and payments before they fully know the outcome. This is precisely why we must respond to their trust with both responsibility and pride. While it’s important for patients to be happy with the immediate results of treatment, our responsibility goes further—we should strive to deliver results that last 10 or even 20 years. True value in dental care is only realized when that kind of long-term success is achieved. That’s why we never compromise, even on the smallest, seemingly invisible details. Take, for example, the process of taking dental impressions. We work closely with patients to ensure the impression is captured perfectly, then examine it under a microscope at approximately 20x magnification. It’s this kind of attention to detail that ensures precision and leads to better treatment outcomes. While such meticulous work can sometimes place a burden on patients, it also strengthens the foundation of trust. When patients feel, “They’re doing all this just for me,” that sense of care becomes trust—and eventually, that trust grows into gratitude and respect.
In dental care, where patient relationships often span many years, it is essential to be both a skilled clinician and a compassionate caregiver. To ensure long-lasting treatment results and provide peace of mind, one must possess advanced techniques and up-to-date knowledge—in other words, one must be a master of the craft. At the same time, because these relationships may continue for 10 or even 20 years, building trust and fostering meaningful communication is equally vital. That is why we must also strive to be a doctor with heart—someone who genuinely cares and connects with patients on a human level. I continue to share this philosophy, not only with my staff but also with the students of JIADS.
For the Future
In addition to my role at our clinics, I am also deeply involved in the work of JIADS. At its foundation, JIADS is driven by a clear mission: to nurture the next generation of dental professionals and to promote better dental care for a wider patient population. As an organization with strong global connections, we take pride in the advanced level of skills and knowledge developed through our programs. Our participants include dentists, dental hygienists, and dental technicians. As their abilities grow, the ultimate beneficiaries are the patients. While JIADS may appear to operate in a B2B (business-to-business) context, I personally view our impact as fundamentally B2C (business-to-consumer). The knowledge and techniques acquired by professionals through JIADS ultimately flow directly to each individual patient. That is why I believe patients themselves should know about JIADS as well. Dental care can be difficult for patients to fully understand—what procedures are being performed, how they work, and how healing progresses are often unclear. That’s exactly why I believe an institution like JIADS, one that is earnestly committed to improving dental care, can provide patients with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Looking ahead, I believe that JIADS will continue to grow—not just within Japan, but internationally. If we reflect on the past: the 20th century saw the Wright brothers eliminate the barrier of physical distance through flight. In the 21st century, the internet removed the barrier of communication. I believe the next barrier to fall will be language. As real-time translation devices become more widely available, the anxiety of traveling abroad will be reduced—for both Japanese people going overseas and international visitors coming to Japan. This opens the door for more patients to come to Japan for dental treatment. If they are aware of JIADS, I believe they will feel even more assured about the care they receive. I’m optimistic about a future where dental care truly becomes global. As Chairman of both Kiwakai and JIADS, I will continue working to deliver better care and contribute to the happiness of patients—both in Japan and around the world.