History of Sapporo Dental College

Tribute to the Founding Spirits of Sapporo Dental College

(A Journey of Vision, Devotion and Legacy)

 

Sapporo Dental College has stepped into 25th year of establishment, it is really a matter of great memorable day for the founding members of SDC. By the grace of the Almighty and through our collective dedication and perseverance, the humble seed we once planted has grown into what we today proudly know as Sapporo Dental College & Hospital. This beloved institution stands committed to academic excellence, quality healthcare, and the nurturing of compassionate and competent dental professionals. As we step into the 25th year of our journey, our hearts overflow with pride and gratitude. With a sense of responsibility, I share this memoir to honor the visionaries whose unwavering efforts shaped the identity of this institution.

 Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed and Prof. Dr. M.A Hannan had been close friends since their student days at Dhaka Dental College. Dr. Hannan first went to Japan to pursue his PhD at Hokkaido University, and later Dr. Mohiuddin also followed the same path for his PhD at the same university. I vividly recall the year 1990, the day I landed Japan for my higher study. Since my student days at Dhaka Dental College, I had a very good relationship with Mohiuddin Bhai. He had a strong understanding about my academic performance, and based on that relationship, he sincerely supported me in pursuing higher study at Hokkaido University in Japan. From that moment, he became not only a respected senior, but a guardian-like elder brother to us all; whom we affectionately call “Mainu Bhai”.
 

In time, through Dr. Mohiuddin’s guidance, several of us, including Dr. M.A Sikder, Dr. M.U Chowdhury, Dr. Lamiya Chowdhury, and Dr. Md. Abul Hassan Mahmud became involved with Hokkaido University. His affection, mentorship, and leadership shaped our professional journeys and established the foundation of the past 25 years of progress. Mohiuddin Bhai during his study in Hokkaido University was able to convince Prof. Dr. Masaaki Kawamura and Prof. Dr. Akira Amemiya, that without developing skilled dental professionals, the standard of dentistry in Bangladesh could not improve. As a result, many of us received the opportunity to pursue higher education in Japan.

 

While studying abroad, our common thought was how we could return and elevate the standards of dentistry in our homeland. In 1991, motivated by Dr. Mohiuddin, Prof. Kawamura and Prof. Amemiya proposed establishing a Japan-funded dental college in Bangladesh. As a part of funding from Japan to uplift Dhaka Dental College to a fully fledged institution, JICA arranged visit. The JICA team surveyed Dhaka Dental College multiple times and initially selected it as the project. However, due to unforeseen reasons, the project was eventually shifted to Sri Lanka, where the dental faculty was established at Premadasa University. When this plan moved away, Dr. Mohiuddin began to envision creating a private dental college in Bangladesh, while maintaining academic ties with Hokkaido University.

 

Before returning to Bangladesh in 1993, Dr. Mohiuddin Bhai met with us (myself and Dr. Mosharraf) at Dr. Sikder’s residence. He shared his dream of returning home to establish a clinic based on a multidisciplinary approach, and we all agreed. Meanwhile, Dr. Hannan was in the United States, but it was again Dr. Mohiuddin who encouraged him to return for the greater good of our country and our profession. Together, they started “Sapporo Dental Care.” The name Sapporo indicate our love, relation with Hokkaido University and city of Sapporo. Gradually, others joined: Dr. Sikder Bhai in 1994, Dr. Mosharraf in 1995, and I myself returned after completing my PhD in 1996.

During this time, Dr. Mohiuddin continued working tirelessly to transform the dream of a dental college into reality. With guidance from renowned Professor of Surgery Prof. Dr. Ali Ashraf and Mr. N. H. Khan (former chairman of NBR). In fact, Mr. Khan became deeply connected with us from his days as a patient of Dr. Mohiuddin, and his support was invaluable. ANM Yusuf (Former Principal Secretary, Government of Bangladesh) also provided continuous overall guidance and support to Mohiuddin Bhai from the very beginning in obtaining approval for the college.

 

In 1996-97, when the government allocated land for private hospitals in Uttara, we decided to apply for the land. Dr. Mohiuddin placed a deposit by borrowing two lakh taka from his friend to secure land in the name of Sapporo Dental Hospital. Thus, the foundation was laid. We applied to the Ministry of Heath in 1998 for permission to establish Sapporo Dental College & Hospital. In 1999, with the intention of establishing the college, we rented a three-storied building in Sector 9, Uttara. Prof. Dr. Salahuddin Ahmed helped us to find out a rented house in Uttara.

 

As a result of this continuous hard work, Sapporo Dental College received official approval in the year 2000, and academic activities commenced in 2001. The contributions of Professor Dr. Ali Ashraf Sir (Prof. of Surgery) and Mr. N. H. Khan were particularly significant and truly undeniable in obtaining this approval. The dignified personal image and reputation of Professor Dr. Ali Ashraf greatly facilitated the approval process. In truth, we remain deeply indebted to him. When various obstacles began to arise from the Ministry, the person who ultimately helped us secure the final approval was Safiqul Aziz Mukul (a renowned journalist). It was because of the personal relationship between Mohiuddin Bhai and Mukul Bhai that this crucial support became possible.

Father Manfred, a priest in Hokkaido, Japan, run a charitable Organization called “House Friendship” in Sapporo, Japan. He also provide support to foreign students studying at Hokkaido University. He had a good relationship with the Sikder Bhai, and later, through that connection, he developed a warm relationship with Mohiuddin Bhai and with us as well. When he visited Sapporo Dental College, he was highly impressed and thereafter continued to extend his cooperation in many valuable ways.

 We also gratefully remember the contributions of others who played notable roles in the establishment of the college, including: Mr. M. Asafuddowlah, Mr. Zakir Ahmed Khan, Mr. Monowar Hossain, Mr. A. N. A. H. Siddiqui, Mr. A. Q. Siddiqui, Alamgir Faruque Chowdhury, ENT Professor Dr. Abdullah, and Md. Ashadul Islam. In 2001, the academic journey of our college began with just nine students. The first Principal of the institution was Professor Dr. Ali Ashraf, who served with great dedication as our founding principal without any remuneration. He was supported wholeheartedly by Hannan Bhai and Mosharrrof Uddin Chowdhury. Initially, our story began in a three-storied rented building at Sector 9, Uttara. Later, in 2005, the college moved to its own permanent campus at Plot no 24, Sector 8, Uttara, marking a significant milestone in our development.
 From the very beginning, we have been firmly committed to maintaining strong academic standards and providing advanced, modern dental care. Our primary goal has always been to nurture our students into skilled and compassionate dental professionals. Along with the cherished memories of our 25-year journey, we also carry the deep sorrow of losing Professor Dr. Mosharraf, N.H. Khan, Safiqul Aziz Mukul and Professor Dr. Ali Ashraf. Their passing has left our hearts heavy with grief.
 

I believe that the achievements of Sapporo Dental College over the past 25 years are only the foundation of what is yet to come. I have full faith that our students and colleagues will continue to cherish and uphold our vision. May they always preserve a non-political, principled academic environment, nurturing skilled, compassionate, and globally competent dental surgeons dedicated to the service of humanity. May Sapporo Dental College & Hospital continue to thrive with dignity and honor, living forever in the hearts of the people.

 

Prof. Dr. Asad-Uz-Zaman 
Academic Adviser

Ex- Principal (Sapporo Dental College & Hospital)