Born and raised in Okayama, Japan, Dr. Yuko moved to Pasadena, TX when she was sponsored by the Pasadena Rotary Club as a high school exchange student. She decided to continue her education in the U.S. and subsequently attended Texas A&M University where she earned her B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. After living in Texas for six years, Dr. Yuko decided to attend Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Becoming a dentist was a dream of hers since she was six years old when she had an unforgettable experience at her dentist who inspired her to become a dentist just like him. Immediately after she graduated from dental school in 2001, she was recruited by one of the most respected professors at Boston University to become a full-time associate dentist at Chestnut Hill Dental where she built her foundation as a caring and compassionate dentist for over fourteen years.
In 2014, Dr. Yuko and her husband moved to Chicago for a year. In Chicago, she met Dr. Janet Stopka, who taught her about the dangers of mercury use in dentistry and also introduced her to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). After learning how she could offer her patients a safer approach through biocompatible dentistry, Dr. Yuko became a member of IAOMT. Dr. Yuko worked alongside Dr. Stopka for one year and this work led Dr. Yuko to become a proud Accredited Member of IAOMT. Dr. Yuko is one of two accredited IAOMT member in the Boston area (Dr. Mayr is the other one). Dr. Yuko is passionate about improving patients overall health through safer and kinder approaches to dentistry.
When she’s not caring for her patients, Dr. Yuko enjoys cooking, yoga, meditation, outdoor activities, travel and trail running. She has completed many marathon races including the Honolulu Marathon.
Professional Experience:
-Former Clinical Instructor at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine – 2015-2019
-Onsite Dental Care (mobile dental service to assisted living communities), – 2015-2016
-Dr. James Schulte, Associate Dentist – 2014-2015
-Chestnut Hill Dental, Full-time Associate Dentist – 2001-2014
Professional Affiliations and Additional Experience:
-Member of Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry
-Biomimetic Dentist: Levels I, II and III trained
-Accredited Member of IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology • https://iaomt.org/)
-S.M.A.R.T. Certified (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
-Member IAMSD (International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists)
-Member of SPEAR Study Club
-Member of Oral Surgery South Study Club
-Volunteered at CommunityHealth (a leader in comprehensive care for low-income, uninsured adults)
-Completed Live Implant Course
-Certified Invisalign® Provider since 2007
-Associate Fellowship from World Clinical Laser Institute
-Certified Yoga Teacher
-Certified CrossFit Level One Trainer
Education:
-Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA – Doctor of Dental Medicine, May 2001
Cum Laude (graduated with honor)
-American Academy of Periodontology Award, 2001
-Texas A&M University, College Station, TX – Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, May 1997