Inaugural Greetings from the Chair
Harnessing the Strength of Academic Societies for People and Society and for the Advancement of Universities

The Japanese Dental Science Federation (JDSF) (a General Incorporated Association) was established on April 1, 2016. Nine years have elapsed since then, and this year, in 2025, the first election for board members was conducted.

In accordance with rules for board candidate election, established on December 11, 2024, six directors were selected from among JDSF regular members. Then, pursuant to regulations for the appointment of officers, the six elected directors and the four appointed by the board were formally approved as a total of 10 directors at a General Meeting. Subsequently, at the General Meeting on June 30, 2025, the 10 directors were confirmed, and the first board meeting was held on the same day. With the assembly of 10 directors and two auditors, I was nominated as Chair and formally assumed the role.

The inaugural Chair of the JDSF has been Dr. Masahito SUMITOMO, President of the Japanese Association for Dental Science. Our organization's board and other roles were determined through Dr. Sumitomo's decisive leadership. Dr. Sumitomo served as President of the Japanese Association for Dental Science, an internal body of the Japan Dental Association (a Public Interest Incorporated Association), for 12 years. He broadly oversaw the activities of our societies, founded the JDSF as a new legal entity, and led with guidance until it was firmly established. I offer my deepest respect for the profound dedication he has shown.

The 10 directors, elected for the first time this term, form a mixed board comprising four directors who have previously led the JDSF’s operations and six directors elected in this election.

The JDSF's Articles of Incorporation stipulate in Article 3 that this corporation aims to contribute to the advancement of dental care and the welfare of the people and humanity through the promotion of dentistry. Article 5 provides that, to conduct social activities related to dental care, this corporation shall promote collaboration with the Japan Dental Association and other medical organizations. Although it goes without saying, it is essential for the Japan Dental Association and the Japanese Association for Dental Science to collaborate in their endeavors.

The Japan Dental Association (a Public Interest Incorporated Association) represents the dental practitioner community of Japan. It works to elevate medical ethics, establish national dental care, promote public health and dental hygiene awareness, conduct academic training, advance dental medicine, and undertake initiatives to enhance the health and welfare of the nation of Japan. To achieve this, the JDSF must collaborate with the Japanese Association for Dental Science to conduct global activities promoting SDGs within Japanese society and internationally, and it is vital that these efforts continue to earn the public’s understanding and support.

We consider public education regarding dentistry, dental care, and dental health to be one of the important tasks entrusted to the JDSF.

Moreover, if the society’s professors strive to conduct thorough research in basic, clinical, and social sciences, share their findings, and achieve social implementation, we consider the stability of their affiliated universities to be one of the key foundations.

Having been appointed Chair this term, I propose to address the establishment of a platform for member societies’ outreach to society and a platform for university support as key challenges.

Furthermore, we aim to prioritize enhancing our financial balance sheet to ensure the stability of the JDSF’s operations.

For the present, we will further enhance our public awareness efforts and revenue-generating initiatives to draw the attention of many in the dental community, and I humbly request your generous support and valuable guidance.

June 30, 2025