Mr. Masahiro Kuwata

It is with deep sorrow that on July 16, 2021, we lost one of the icons of international dentistry.  Masahiro Kuwata was a gracious, humble gentleman. At professional meetings, to which he would bring his colleagues and students, he always touted their accomplishments, never his own.  His warm endearing smile was contagious.

An acclaimed international lecturer, he had published over 100 articles in the field of dental technology and authored several books, including: Theory and Practice for Ceramo-Metal Restorations; The Ceramo-Metal Technology; Ceramo-Metal Design and Structure; and The Harmonized Ceramic Graffiti, which have been translated into several languages.  Mr. Kuwata was born and educated in Japan which has rigid requirements in order to be licensed by the Japanese government as a dental technician. After completing his graduate education at Aishi College, he received a scholarship to study in the United States. When he returned, he founded the acclaimed Kuwata College, a school for Post Graduate Dental Technology.

Masahiro Kuwata is considered a living legend in the dental industry. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and the American Society for Dental Esthetics. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to dentistry. He received the

American Prosthodontic Society’s Kenneth D. Rudd Award and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s Outstanding Contribution to the Art & Science of Cosmetic Dentistry Award. In addition, he was awarded Master Dental Technologist by the Japan Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Mr. Kuwata holds Honorary Fellowship in the Academy of Prosthodontics, is an Honorary Member in the International College of Dentists and the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and is a Visiting Professor at Boston University Goldman School of Dental  Medicine and Tianjin Medical University.

Dr. Yataro Komiyama wrote “A Japanese proverb says, SANSHO (pepper in Asia) is a small grain that has a sharp stimulation and compliments foods. Mr. Kuwata demonstrated the spirit he had cultivated in Japanese martial arts (KENDO), which he started in his childhood, in his specialized field. It is well known that he not only improved himself with his skill and inquisitiveness, but also focused on training the next generation of dentists and dental technicians. He was a true educator who generously passed on the knowledge and skills he had acquired.”

Dr. Harold Preiskel recalled, “Masahiro was the epitome of the perfect gentleman, small in stature but a giant in every other respect. His love of the arts brought him into contact with my family; having been surprised to discover that the lady he was chatting with at one function was my mother! His artistic talents blended perfectly with his scientific approach to technology - that is what made him so special. Masahiro's textbook is in a class of its own, as were his lectures. The

accolades showered upon him did not go to his head, as he was always modest and polite. We will all miss his mischievous grin."

Mr. Kuwata’s dedication to teaching, mentoring, and research has influenced many dentists and dental technologists globally. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Prepared by Academy Life Fellow,
Dr. Gary R. Goldstein

In memory of a true gentleman and a passionate person Mr. Kuwata  (October 07, 1936 ~ July 16, 2021)