Takahiro Ogawa, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Dr. Takahiro Ogawa is widely recognized as an expert in designing and creating novel titanium and zirconia surfaces, implant biologic research, nanotechnology, and photoenergy-mediated activation of implant materials, known as UV-photofunctionalization. Dr. Ogawa is a professor in the Section of Prosthodontics, Division of Regenerative and Reconstructive Sciences, and Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology at UCLA School of Dentistry and a leader of Team Surface. He has published 230+ papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals with a total impact factor of 1,100+, total citations of 14,000+, and an h-index 69. He is ranked as a top 1% scientist across all fields in the Stanford World Scientist Ranking. He has spoken over 190 times as an invited lecturer at symposia worldwide. Dr. Ogawa and his team received over 90 scientific awards from the national and international meetings and societies. Dr Ogawa is a recipient of IADR/AADR William J. Gies Award (Journal of Dental Best Paper Award), American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) Researcher of Distinction Award, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) Ralph V. McKinney Jr., Award (Implant Dentistry Best Paper Award), and Academy of Osseointegration (AO) William R. Laney Award (International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants Best Paper Award), International Journal of Implant Dentistry Best Paper Award, and IADR Distinguished Scientist Award. He is a former president of the IADR Prosthodontic Group.

Research and Interests

Dr. Takahiro Ogawa’s research spans a broad and dynamic spectrum in biomaterials science and bone biology, with a particular focus on the biological and physicochemical interactions at the bone–titanium interface. His work includes pioneering studies on the genetic profiling of osseointegration, advanced surface science and engineering of titanium implants, and nano-scale design and functionalization of biomaterials. He has also contributed to the understanding and manipulation of redox-active biomaterials, including detoxification and bioactivation strategies for oxidant-generating surfaces.

Among his notable innovations is the development of a next-generation titanium surface design that integrates multi-scale topographies to significantly enhance and accelerate bone integration. This surface technology is directly applicable to commercial dental implants and represents a paradigm shift in implant surface engineering.

Dr. Ogawa also led the discovery and development of photofunctionalization, a UV-mediated surface treatment that dramatically improves the biological performance of titanium implants. Furthermore, his research into the biological aging of titanium surfaces has introduced new perspectives on time-dependent degradation in implant performance, influencing both basic science and clinical protocols in dentistry and orthopedics.

Dr. Ogawa’s work continues to shape the future of implantology by integrating molecular biology, surface engineering, and clinical innovation. His recent publications highlight major advances in implant science and regenerative dentistry, including:

• Neuro-Osseointegration: A new paradigm of neurobiologically informed implant biology
• Game-changing implant technology 
• A transformative design of microrough orthopedic PMMA bone cement
• A novel conceptual framework for osseointegration, Ogawa’s 3D Theory
• Missing link in implant design
• The application of nanotechnology in dental implants
• An updated perspective on photofunctionalization of dental implants
• A next-generation strategy for osseointegration incorporating energy-driven  strategy and multi-scale texturing
• A new strategy for establishing soft tissue barrier around implants
• A code of osseointegration

These contributions exemplify Dr. Ogawa’s commitment to translating cutting-edge science into transformative clinical solutions.

Additional Information

Courses Taught

• Course Co-Chair RFE219 Removable Partial Denture I
• Course Co-Chair RFE220 Removable Partial Denture II
• Course Co-Chair RFE221 Immediate Denture
• Course Chair RFE210 Clinical Occlusion
• Prosthodontics Consults Instructor
• Prosthodontics Clinic Instructor
• Bench instructor AS119 Removable Partial Denture
• Course Chair OB265A Fundamentals for Dental Research
• Course Chair DS300.17 Research Fundamentals for Dental Residents
• Provides research mentorship and supervision to interdisciplinary dental residents

Patient Care Activities

• UCLA Maxillofacial Prosthetics Clinic