To start the New Year, Osaka Dental University held a gathering on January 5. Chairman and President Takayoshi Kawazoe addresses the faculty and staff at this gathering held every year. The event was also held as a faculty and staff development seminar. This year, attendants were limited to the faculty members as part of presentation measures against COVID-19.

The main topic of Dr. Kawazoe's presentation was "What Osaka Dental University should aim for in the age to come." With the official establishment of the Faculty of Health Sciences this coming April and the marking of the 110th anniversary, 2021 will be a turning point for the organization.
In the beginning, the president explained "in the age to come," many colleges and universities will not meet their quota because of the decreasing under 18 population making the situation increasingly serious for colleges and small universities. With this in mind, our university needs to aim for the following three goals: 1) increasing the pass rate for the National Dentist Examination, 2) increasing the number of candidates for admission and overseas students, 3) establishing profiability at the university hospital and both schools. In addition, the president introduced mid-term plans for growth in five areas: education skills, research skills, clinical skills, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and status as a comprehensive medical university. Each plan was explained with specific data.

The president continued, "Osaka Dental University aims for sustainable expansion and development. This year's ambition is 'ichiyoraifuku' (return of spring). I hope that winter will be gone, and spring will come back just like this word." Chairman and President Kawazoe concluded his speech with his New Year resolution.