Dr. Kenneth Alan Shimizu, DDS

Meet Dr. Kenneth A. Shimizu
“I have the best job in the world! Having practiced orthodontics for over 20 years, I love what I do even more now than when I started. Each day, I have the opportunity to meet interesting parents, neat kids and to be a part of some wonderful families. I find it extremely rewarding whenever I see the positive changes that a beautiful and healthy smile can give our patients. Your smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you! Let us help you take good care of this wonderful gift.”
Education
Dr. Shimizu originally studied to be an engineer like his father. After two and a half years of math, physics and technical courses, he decided that a more “hands-on” and people-oriented career was more to his liking. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 1980 with a degree in Biology but had no plans on entering the dental profession. A few years after graduation, he visited his brother who was in dental school and decided that this might be an …ideal career direction.
Dr. Shimizu attended the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and graduated as class valedictorian in 1985 with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He was then fortunate to be selected as one of five residents to continue their studies in the UOP Department of Orthodontics, one of the highest ranking programs in the nation. He obtained his Masters of Science in Dentistry degree and Orthodontic Certificate in 1987. Immediately following graduation, he was asked to join the UOP orthodontic faculty. He continues to volunteer his time as an Associate Professor on a part-time basis and has been a course director to the first year residents for over 20 years.
Continuing Education
Dr. Shimizu maintains his credentials through the participation in numerous continuing education classes throughout the year. He also gives seminars to groups of local dentists on the various aspects of modern orthodontics and is a licensed Continuing Education Provider. Dr. Shimizu enjoys meeting with other orthodontists and belongs to several local dental and orthodontic study groups. He was invited to join the Schulman Study Group, a prestigious orthodontic study group represented by 125 successful practices across the country, and is now on the Board of Directors. In addition, he has been the orthodontic adviser to the Silicon Valley Implant Study Group since 1995. He remains an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the:
American Association of Orthodontists
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
California State Society of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
California Dental Association
Santa Clara Dental Society
In the Community
Dr. Shimizu has had the honor of providing orthodontic treatment to over 100 local dentists and their family members. He takes great pride in being able to provide his services to his peers. He has also developed a reputation for treating very difficult cases, is involved with a large number of cleft palate and jaw surgery patients and is on Craniofacial Anomalies Panel at Kaiser hospital. Dr. Shimizu is also the founding member of the Silicon Valley chapter of the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation which is a charitable non-profit organization that provides orthodontic care to deserving individuals with financial challenges, special situations and unique orthodontic needs.
Outside the Office
Dr. Shimizu is married to Laurie, his college sweetheart. They have two awesome children, Kevin and Stephanie, who may one day find themselves in a fantastic career in dentistry! Their family activities include golf, skiing, fly fishing, scuba diving, archery, travel and sometimes just hanging around together at home.
“The key to success in our orthodontic practice is to involve our patients in their treatment and to gain their complete cooperation. We do this by informing them about what we're doing, showing them their progress and making their visits to our office a very positive experience. Relating to everyone as a friend and not a patient is our goal.”