What started as a conversation between Dr. Okuda and his practice manager Julie Brum turned into a national charitable organization, through much hard work and big hearts. The Give Back A Smileâ„¢ Program helps eligible survivors of domestic violence by restoring their smile, self-esteem and their lives. Dr. Okuda presented this program to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) which wholeheartedly embraced the program. From this beginning, a charitable foundation was started to make his dream program become a reality.

As National Chairperson, Dr. Okuda spent countless hours creating the charitable foundation for the program. Miss America 1992 and former Miss Hawaii Carolyn Sapp graciously agreed to become the National Spokesperson for the program, because of her strong commitment and personal experience with this cause. The program was introduced in May 1999,and now over 1000 volunteer dentists nationwide participate. Thanks to these generous dentist volunteers, dental laboratories and corporations, the program continues to grow and reach more survivors. Per patient, thousands of dollars of cosmetic dental treatment is provided.

The National Coalition on Domestic Violence is a partner with the AACD, and can be reached toll-free at (800) 773-GBAS (4227) for more information, or visit the Give Back A Smile™ Website at www.aacd.com.”

Dr. Okuda was featured at the annual ADA Dental convention.  The American Dental Association is one of the largest in the world with over 150,000  members.  Dr. Okuda was honored when he was asked to be one of only 6 dentists selected to work on a live patient.  The cosmetic dental procedure was broadcasted to dental schools thorough out the country and the students could interact with Dr. Okuda and ask questions while he was working on the patient.  It is the first of it’s kind and Dr. Okuda was honored to be selected.

Whereas many people may choose to rest and play during their time away from work, Dr. Okuda of Okuda Cosmetic Dental Day Spa in Hawaii spends much of his time sharing his knowledge about cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and restorative dental procedures by lecturing to other dentists. Among the organizations he has lectured for are the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the International Federation of Esthetic Dentists (IFED), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Minnesota, University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Japan Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, and the Asian Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.

His lectures have taken him to Singapore for the Singapore Biennial Symposium of Dental Education, to Korea for the Korean Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Conference, to Japan, to San Francisco and Chicago, and many more places. He was honored to be the only cosmetic dentist to lecture to cosmetic and plastic surgeons from around the world at the International Society of Aesthetic Surgery/ Japan Society of Aesthetic Surgery Congress, in Tokyo, Japan. At this conference he was also honored as one of the “Best Aesthetic Doctors in North America”. Because of his love of cosmetic dentistry, he enjoys sharing information with other dentists and physicians, either in a formal lecture or hands-on workshop.

Dr. Okuda is also the co-founder of the Pan Pacific Dental Institute, which provides professional education in cosmetic and implant dentistry for practitioners in the United States and around the world.

Dr. Okuda was appointed to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Expert Advisory Board. He is the only cosmetic dentist to sit on this ten member board. The Academy of General Dentistry has over 37, 000 members nationwide.

Lucky participants in the television program, “Dream Makeover Hawaii” will be getting a smile makeover. Dr. Okuda was selected to participate as the official cosmetic dentist to the television program, “Dream Makeover Hawaii”, debuting Spring 2005 on NBC-KHNL Channel 8, OC16 and K5. Dream Makeover Hawaii focuses on the aloha spirit and brings together the talents of a plastic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, fitness trainer, nutritionist, esthetician, stylist and life coach to help transform someone into the person they’ve always wanted to be, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Dr. Okuda was selected for the Best Dentists in America List 2004 – 2005, a national directory by the research firm Woodward/White, Inc. This is the first time this publication included dentists. He was also once again selected for the Best Dentists in Hawaii List 2005 – 2006, listed in Honolulu Magazine.

The Rev. Cheng Imm Tan Award for Outstanding Visionary was presented to Dr. Wynn Okuda by the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, at the 2003 Silk Road Gala Fundraiser, Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Okuda is the founder of the “Give Back a Smile Program,” a charitable foundation which helps survivors of domestic violence throughout the nation restore their smiles and lives.

Dr. Okuda’s Dental Day Spa was awarded the 2003 Renaissance Building and Remodeling Overall Grand Award by the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Hawaii, in the category of Commercial Remodeling.

Dr. Okuda was interviewed for an article on cosmetic dental procedures which was printed in the Wall Street Journal on September 10, 2002. This article showcased Dr. Okuda’s Dental Day Spa and illustrated how patients are pampered in this relaxing environment.

At the 2002 Annual Scientific Session of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) held in his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Wynn Okuda was elected National President by his international colleagues. The AACD is largest cosmetic dental organization in the world, with 5000 members. He previously served as a National Board Director for three years, as editor of the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, National Vice President, and National President-Elect.