20 July 2025 – The IAPD mourns the passing of Professor Sadahiro Yoshida, a visionary leader whose contributions helped shape the very foundations of our organization.

Professor Yoshida’s dedication to advancing children’s oral health was matched only by the humility and wisdom with which he served. A graduate of Osaka University, where he earned his Doctor of Medical Science in 1959, Professor Yoshida held key academic positions, including Associate Professor at Osaka University and later Professor at Gifu Dental College (now Asahi University). His early research experience included time at the University of Illinois and the Eastman Dental Center, reflecting the truly international scope of his work.

He will forever be remembered for chairing the 13th IAPD Congress in Kyoto in 1991, a turning point in our Association’s history. It was during this Congress that our organization officially transitioned from the International Association of Dentistry for Children (IADC) to the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) – a name that signified a renewed global vision and unity. The Kyoto Congress remains one of the most significant and successful in our collective memory, due in no small part to Professor Yoshida’s leadership.

From 1993 to 1995, he served as IAPD President, guiding the Association through a period of recovery and reinvigoration. His calm and thoughtful stewardship helped restore momentum and laid the groundwork for the IAPD’s continued growth in the decades that followed.

In 1999, in recognition of his extraordinary service, Professor Yoshida was named an Honorary Member of the IAPD—an honour reserved for those who have made truly exceptional contributions to the advancement of paediatric dentistry worldwide.

Above all, Professor Yoshida will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for who he was: a gracious, humble, and deeply respected mentor, whose quiet strength inspired colleagues across the globe. His legacy endures in every step we take toward better oral health for children.

Professor Yoshida was laid to rest this morning (Japan time) at a private funeral attended only by close family members. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and to the Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry.

His memory will forever remain a guiding light for the IAPD and the global paediatric dental community.