Dr. Okuda was interviewed for an article on cosmetic dental procedures which was printed in the New York Times on June 13, 1999. The New York Times article covered various state-of-the-art cosmetic dental procedures. The article showcased photos from Dr. Okuda to illustrate the before and after smiles of several of his patients.

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.”

In the July 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), Dr. Okuda’s restorative dentistry article, titled “Using a modified subopaquing technique to treat highly discolored dentition” was featured. This landmark article discussed and illustrated the corrective treatment for patients with extensive tooth staining (darkened teeth) due to trauma, decay, medication-related (tetracycline, etc.), or birth-related causes. This article teaches dentists how to recreate a “natural” esthetic end result using Dr. Okuda’s conservative treatment. JADA is the scientific publication for the 145,000 member dentists of the American Dental Association.

For his role in creating the Give Back A Smile™ Program, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) awarded Dr. Okuda with the Humanitarian of the Year Award for 2000, at the AACD Annual Session in San Francisco. This award is given out by the AACD, the largest cosmetic dental organization worldwide with 5000 members.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.