My Experience in Medical–Dental Collaboration at Okayama University

Abstract

Dr Yamanaka-Kohno is a Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Preventive Dentistry at Okayama University, Japan. She is a qualified dentist and holds a PhD in Dentistry from Okayama University Graduate School. She has over 15 years of experience in multidisciplinary clinical practice, education, and research at Okayama University Hospital. Dr Yamanaka-Kohno and Associate Professor Akhter previously worked at Okayama University during overlapping periods, and this visit provides an opportunity to renew academic connections and explore potential areas of collaboration.

Her research focuses on perioperative oral management and its impact on systemic outcomes in cancer patients. She has published several peer-reviewed papers as first and corresponding authors in leading international journals, including Scientific Reports (IF 3.8; Top 10% journal according to Scopus), Nutrients (IF 5.0; Q1 journal), and Esophagus (IF 3.1; Q1 journal). Her research outcomes have been widely introduced in Japan, including coverage by multiple national newspapers, and were also introduced in a post on Nature Japan’s X account. In recognition of her contributions, she received three academic society awards between 2025 and 2026, including awards in the fields of oral health and medical rehabilitation.

Dr Yamanaka-Kohno is currently supported by the Japanese government’s “Initiative for Realizing Diversity in the Research Environment” program administered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan, and by a grant from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) to investigate the systemic oral microbiome in perioperative colorectal cancer patients. During her visit, she is keen to explore opportunities for future research collaboration and educational exchange between the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney and Okayama University.