Kenji Shimizu, DMD 1979, has been an active member of the UBC Dentistry community for 49 years—as a student, an instructor, and recently as the dental representative to the alumni UBC Advisory Council, a unique role in which he provides feedback to the alumni UBC Board of Directors and acts as an advocate in the community. We connected with Dr. Shimizu to learn more about his passion for dentistry and teaching.

What have you enjoyed most about being a dentist?

My close connection with my patients. I’ve treated the children and grandchildren of some of the first patients I ever treated, and I’m very grateful to all my patients for placing their trust and confidence in me for so many years.

Tell us a bit about your broad work experience.

I joined the Faculty part-time almost immediately after graduation. Teaching dental students has helped me become a better dentist. UBC Dentistry has evolved into a world-class institution, and I love seeing all the friendly smiles and getting hugs every time I go there. It is truly my second home.

I’ve also served as a dental consultant to the insurance industry, a complaints reviewer for the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C., an independent dental examiner for the legal profession, and an expert witness in cases of personal injury litigation.

What are some of your favourite memories of your time at UBC Dentistry?

As a student, I enjoyed getting to know my dental and medical classmates, and we had excellent professors who supported us. I also remember beer nights at the Pit and producing a film (which we wrote and acted in ourselves) that premiered at the annual dental ball.

As a faculty member, it’s exciting to watch students undergo a metamorphosis from anxious but eager first year students to mature and confident graduates. I’m grateful that I play a part in this process to help them reach their full potential. I am also thrilled when I teach the children of former students or when some of my former students return to UBC to undertake comprehensive and demanding teaching positions, including Drs. Jeff Coil, Denise Carswell, Jim Richardson, Chris Wyatt and Mike Flunkert.

I also enjoyed participating in two exchange programs with Nippon Dental University. Each time, we hosted a Japanese professor and six students for two weeks in Vancouver and later, I took six UBC students to Tokyo and Niigata City. I’ve made lifelong friendships from these experiences.

Do you have any advice for current dental students?

Never stop learning—it’s a lifelong process. Always strive to improve yourself personally and professionally. Join study clubs, take courses, and come back to teach at UBC if you can.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I’ve studied judo since I was six years old. I’m an instructor and I hold a second-degree black belt. Also, I’ve landed roles in feature films and television shows and have a profile on IMDb.com. I’ve met some celebrities, including Ryan Gosling, George Takei and Maria Bello. However, I’m a dentist, definitely not an actor. I have the utmost respect for professionally trained actors who make it look so easy. I was just lucky to have a few brief onscreen moments!