Message from the Dean

Hokkaido University School of Dental Medicine is located facing the ginkgo trees which line our Sapporo Campus and is surrounded by beautiful scenery which changes with each of the four seasons. As it is conveniently located near Sapporo Station, not only does the location boost a rich natural environment, but one that is also perfect for many students and international students to easily come and go.

2022 marks the 55th year since Hokkaido University School of Dental Medicine was founded in June 1967. Within this period, the Graduate School of Dental Medicine was restructured into a macro-chair system due to increased prioritization of graduate schools in 2000, and in 2017, the Graduate School of Dental Medicine was reorganized into the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine. Our University has produced many excellent dentists and dental researchers with the aim of furthering development of the dental industry. Also, based on “Frontier Spirit”, “Global Perspectives”, “All-round Education”, and “Practical Learning”, the four education and research principles of Hokkaido University, we have made efforts to develop human resources who value cooperation and have abundant leadership skills.

The goal of Hokkaido University Faculty of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, and School of Dental Medicine is to contribute widely to local communities and participate in international collaboration while focusing on dental education, research, and clinical practice. In addition to developing cutting-edge science and medical technology, we strive to work on social needs and SGDs such as AI utilization, digital transformation, as well as diversity inclusion, regional symbiosis, and the regional bio-community. As times are changing from one moment to the next, it is necessary for us to contribute as a University to achieve future-oriented dentistry, research, education, and social implementation.

At Hokkaido University Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, we have promoted the research and development of new dental materials and treatment equipment by fusing the technological and development capabilities of companies with the various seeds of the University’s dentistry and medical knowledge. From this year, under the Dental Innovation Initiative, which has promoted collaboration between industry and academia, a dental innovation space will be operated with the goals of deepening joint research with companies, clinical development, and developing young human resources between companies and universities. We will also be contributing to the creation of a regional bio-community by through focusing on dentistry for handicapped individuals and promoting in-home dental treatments and oral care. To promote international cooperation, the School of Dental Medicine will establish short-term study abroad programs so that we can develop globally minded human resources and provide opportunities for students to bring information and technologies they have learned overseas back to Japan. This knowledge will then be passed on to future students, creating a constant cycle of inbound and outbound human resources with access to new advancements and techniques. In this way, the University aims for international collaboration to provide high-quality dentistry and dental education worldwide.

We are invariably aware that “through oral health management, we can contribute to the health management of the whole body and, by extension, to the health and welfare of humankind.” We highly value both the constant efforts of our faculty and staff, as well as the sincere learning efforts of our students. As a part of that, we have implanted a four-semester system with a new curriculum that delves into specialized education such as related medicine and professionalism team medical care in addition to dentistry. Even after graduation from the School of Dental Medicine, we will continue to enhance clinical training and subsequent recurrent education for students.

In conclusion, what is important is not just the acquisition of dental treatment technology, but to develop into a medical professional who has both rich ideas and compassion. Even if the progress of life science and medical technology, or an ever-shifting society and medical system, change with the times, “people” are the ones who pave the way through it all. Hokkaido University Faculty of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, and School of Dental Medicine will continue to strive for further development of the dental industry, as well as develop medical professionals who can be entrusted with our future.

We ask for your continued support of Hokkaido University Faculty of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, and School of Dental Medicine.