We are pleased to present some background information on our team members. Together, we have the knowledge and training, skill sets, experience and drive to provide an honest approach to excellence in dental care. Let us help you achieve and maintain optimum dental health for the rest of your life. We can make a difference! The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff's training, professional credentials and work experience.
Lawrence M. Fujioka, DDS, MAGD
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Lawrence Fujioka graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1971 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Marquette University in 1975 and his DDS degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1979. He returned home that year to join his father, John Fujioka, DDS in private practice. Greatly benefitting from the mentorship of his father, “Dr. Larry” followed the professional creed of continuing education by enrolling in numerous post-graduate dental education courses and joining local and international dental study clubs. He earned his Fellowship award (1986), Mastership award (1996), and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (2008) from the Academy of General Dentistry. Also active in organized dentistry, Dr. Fujioka served as president of the Honolulu County Dental Society (1988) and the Hawaii Dental Association (1998). In 2005, he concluded 7 years of serving on the National Advisory Committee for the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Fujioka has also been awarded Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the Academy of Dentistry International.
In addition to a full-time private practice, Dr. Fujioka was invited to become a Clinical Instructor with the Kois Center in Seattle, WA and volunteers as an attending at the Queen’s Medical Center’s General Practice Dental Residency Program here in Honolulu and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry where he also served as a Trustee on the Aumni Board from 2012-2017. Dr. Fujioka also sits on Hawaii Dental Service's (HDS) Clinical Advisory Committee where he has served since 2007.
Member:
American Dental Association (1979 - present)
Hawaii Dental Association (1979 - present)
Honolulu County Dental Society (1979 - present)
Academy of General Dentistry (1980 - present)
Hui O Hawaii Dental Study Club (1983 - present)
Academy of RV Tucker Study Clubs (1999 - present)
Academy of Osseointegration (2001 - present)
Hawaii Terry Tanaka Advanced Prosthodontic and Restorative Study Group (2003 - present)
Hawaii Dental Implant Study Club (2005 - present)
Hawaii Dental Forum- an affiliate of the Seattle Study Club (2005 - present)
Fellow:
Academy of General Dentistry (1986 - present)
Pierre Fauchard Academy (1992 - present)
American College of Dentists (1995 - present)
International College of Dentists (1996 - present)
Academy of Dentistry International (1999 - present)
Master:
Academy of General Dentistry (1996 - present)
Medical Staff:
Queen's Medical Center (2009 - present)
Clinical Assistant Professor:
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry (2009 - present)
Clinical Instructor:
Kois Center (2018 - present)
As an active member of AO (Academy of Osseointegration) since 2001, this dental practice offers advanced specialized knowledge about the science and clinical applications of implant dentistry.
Learn more about dental implants and AO
.
Your dentist has earned Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). To earn Mastership in the AGD, dentists must take more than 1,100 hours of educational courses in various disciplines. The award is then presented to general dentists in a formal ceremony. Dr. Lawrence Fujioka is one of the less than 1 percent of general dentists who have achieved this honor. To learn more about this award or the AGD, visit
http:// www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=G&iid=779&aid=7057
.
Sharon Hiranaga
Office Manager
A friendly face, a pleasing voice, a cheerful smile, and a caring heart characterize Sharon who celebrates her 48th year of employment with Fujioka Dental Group, Inc.. A graduate of Kaimuki High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Sharon is committed to promoting high quality dental care to all of our patients and finds joy in interacting with them as they become part of our dental family. A self-described "high energy" type of person, Sharon brings good judgement, a strong work ethic, and excellent communication and organizational skills to her position. Knowledgeable in all phases of dental insurance, patients trust her to demystify the technical jargon and present their options, costs and coverage benefits in a clear, understandable fashion.
In her spare time, Sharon stays active with tennis league play, travel, and comfort time with her family, including 2 grandchildren.
Trifonia Savellano
Dental Assistant
Trif comes to us via the Philippines where she was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. She graduated from Lyceum Northwestern University with her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1991. She moved to Hawaii with her husband and joined Fujioka Dental Group, Inc. in 2001. During her 20 years working for our firm, Trif became a naturalized American citizen on December 13, 2006. Trif subscribes to the idea of continuous learning, has a willingness to work hard, and strives to make our patients as comfortable as possible during all dental procedures.
Out of the office, Trif enjoys cooking, singing, dancing, and listening to music as well as time with her family.
Mary Takegami, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Even though she works full-time at another dental practice, Mary continues to devote her Saturdays to our practice as she has for the past 27 years, for which we are most grateful. Mary is the consumate professional and takes great pride in her role to counsel and improve our patient's oral health.
Mary leads an active lifestyle and you may find her doing aerobics, participating in triathalons, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, snow skiing, or even golfing her ball out on the links.
Sherylyn Tanouye, RDH
Dental Hygienist
A graduate of Waiakea High School on the Big Island, Sherry travelled to the west coast to attend Oregon Institute of Technology where she earned an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene in 1984. She then returned home to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 1986. She has worked as a dental hygienist ever since with her last 33 years with Fujioka Dental Group, Inc. where she puts forth her best effort to do what is best for every one of our patients.
Sherry shares her love of dark chocolate, reading, and arts and crafts with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and three chinchillas.
