Season's Greetings
2023 (the 5th year of Reiwa) marks the year of the rabbit. At Osaka Dental University, the new year started from January 5th. At our gathering held every year, the chairman and president gives an address in front of the faculty and staff. This event was held this year as part of the faculty/staff development program.
In the opening of his address, Chairman and President Takayoshi Kawazoe explained “what Osaka Dental University should do to open the way for the future.” He clarified the issues the school is facing now and presented the solutions to these problems. He further presented the following five specific goals.
- 1. Further improve the passing rate for the National Dentist Examination.
- 2. The realization of gender equality for incoming students.
- 3. The increase of applicants to each department.
- 4. Actively pursue the realization of SDGs goal 1 (no poverty), goal 4 (quality education), and goal 5 (gender equality) as well as other goals.
- 5. The strengthening of financial basis.
Chairman and President Kawazoe explained in detail the risks facing dental schools in the near future and the measures to be taken. He also presented with detailed targets, 5 mid-term plans concerning the following areas: education, research, clinics, Faculty of Oral Health Sciences, and foundation of a medical university. Dr. Kawazoe also introduced the keyword for the year, “innovation.” He wishes for Osaka Dental University to further develop through innovation in education, research, translational research, university hospital, and the new school of nursing. To do so, it is necessary to encourage innovation in all areas. In this way, we will be able to meet the changes occurring in our society.
