Dr. Dennis Daizo Shinbori ’75, a giant in our profession, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2020 at the age of 69.
Since graduating from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 1975, he touched the lives of more than 7,000 graduates and mentored many in the profession. He was a 45-year faculty member, Medallion of Distinction recipient (the highest honor of the Alumni Association), chair of the Annual Meeting Committee, supporter and friend. He built and maintained a thriving dental practice in San Francisco’s Japantown for 40 years and consistently gave back to the school, the profession and the community.
“He was a role model, not just in every educational and leadership position he held, but also in how he ‘walked the talk’ throughout his life—an example of true humanism.”
In 2006, he began helping recruit speakers for the California Dental Association and American Dental Association, and took on numerous leadership roles for both organizations, helping to create inspiring continuing education opportunities around the country. For many years, Dr. Shinbori also spearheaded the San Francisco Dental Society’s Children’s Poster Contest, which sparked the imagination of thousands of schoolchildren and raised awareness about the importance of good oral health.
“Whether you knew him as a classmate, colleague, faculty member, mentor or friend, you undoubtedly were inspired by his devotion to the school, the profession and the community,” said Dean Nader A. Nadershahi ’94. “He was a role model, not just in every educational and leadership position he held, but also in how he ‘walked the talk’ throughout his life—an example of true humanism.”
Shinbori was a rare and extremely valued member of the profession of dentistry.
For the many ways he shaped the profession, Shinbori was recognized with the status of faculty emeritus, an official designation bestowed by University of the Pacific. The Alumni Association has created the Dennis D. Shinbori Endowed Lectureship Series, underscoring his impact on the profession and school. And in December, the Dental Faculty Council (DFC) awarded him the 2019 Distinguished Faculty Award—the highest award given by the DFC.
Shinbori was a rare and extremely valued member of the profession of dentistry. He was also an avid golfer, foodie, ballroom dancer and fan of the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors.
He is survived by his wife Wendy, their sons James and Kristopher, daughter Nicki ’10, three grandchildren, Leo, Avery and Ayla, and the many others who loved him throughout our communities. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to the Dennis D. Shinbori Endowed Lectureship at the Dugoni School.
