Mr Mark A. Kujiraoka

I am passionate about three things in my life: Long distance running, playing the piano, and dentistry. However, while running and playing classical music are two of my personal avocations, working as a dentist and creating beautiful smiles is where I feel I make the most meaningful difference in the lives of others. I was born and raised in the tiny San Joaquin Valley town of Dos Palos, California. My father was a rice farmer who worked long hours often in difficult weather conditions. At the age of 16 I began working for him during summer vacations from school, and for three months I would work alongside him as he tended the fields. I enjoyed the experiences I shared with him, and will always remember the joy and love that my father had for his work. It never really seemed like work to him, though, as he thoroughly enjoyed what he did, each and every day. Today, after four years at UC Davis, and another four years at the UCSF School of Dentistry, I am now a dentist who enjoys creating beautiful smiles and meaningful relationships with our patients. Like with my father and his chosen profession, dentistry isn`t just a job to me, it`s my passion. I am a member of many different dental organizations, and along with my devoted staff, make it a point to attend multiple seminars, conferences, and classes each year, to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality, and up-to-date advancements in innovative dental care. I love all the wonderful people who have chosen our office to take care of their dental needs. It is a great honor, and I feel blessed to have met so many kind, intelligent, witty, caring, and devoted people who have felt comfortable enough to share their dreams, their passions, their fears, and their stories with us. Life is about the connections that we make with others. Thank you all so much for what you have given me.