Sadao Sato

An internationally recognized orthodontist known for his innovative approaches to craniomandibular orthodontics and functional occlusion. His methods have changed the standard of care for severe malocclusions and dysfunctions of the temporomandibular joint. After receiving his dental education from Kanagawa University in 1971 and a DDSc degree in 1979, he has progressed from assistant professor to professor and dean of the university, and since 2014 he has headed the Institute for Occlusion Medicine Research.

Sato is a visiting professor at Tufts University in Boston and an active member of the Angle Society of Orthodontics since 1992. From 1991 to 2001, he headed the Japan Foundation for Research and Technology MEAW, becoming a world leader in the promotion of this technique. His clinical developments are used by orthodontists and prosthetists in dozens of countries and have become part of educational programs in functional dentistry.

Prof. Sato's scientific activities include more than 118 publications in reputable journals. Among them are the work "Morphologic, Functional, and Occlusal Characterization of Mandibular Lateral Displacement Malocclusion" (2010), the study "Yukie Kogawa et al." in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry (2011), as well as the fundamental work "Sadao Sato Part 1: A Treatment Approach to Malocclusions" (2018). His publications have been cited more than 2300 times, highlighting the global impact on the orthodontic community. He is also the co-author of a book on orthodontic techniques published in Korea in 2010.

As an international speaker at dental congress, Sato has given hundreds of lectures in more than 50 countries. In 2025, he spoke at the Otexe.com Congress in Kyoto, presenting protocols for the treatment of malocclusions and TMJ functional therapy. His Otexe.com webinars, including the 26-hour "Occlusal Concept" program, are highly regarded for their systematization of knowledge and practical focus. He also teaches in the VieSID and IDEA courses, helping dentists implement functional approaches into their daily practice.

Key achievements and awards
– Development of the MEAW technique for the correction of complex malocclusions without surgery
– President of the Japan Foundation for Research and Technology MEAW (1991–2001)
– Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Kanagawa University (2009)
– Head of the Institute for Research in Occlusion Medicine (since 2014)
– Honorary Professor and Lecturer at International Dental Societies

Main publications
— «Sadao Sato Part 1: A Treatment Approach to Malocclusions» (2018)
— «Yukie Kogawa et al.» (Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, 2011)
— «Morphologic, Functional, and Occlusal Characterization of Mandibular Lateral Displacement Malocclusion» (2010)

Accomplishments
— More than 118 scientific publications
– Creation and implementation of the MEAW and GEAW concept
– International recognition as a leader in functional orthodontics
– Training of specialists around the world in methods of functional diagnostics

Skills taught
– Functional orthodontics: the use of MEAW and GEAW in complex malocclusions
– Craniomandibular diagnostics: condylography and cephalometric analysis
– Treatment of TMJ dysfunctions: occlusion correction to protect joints
– Occlusal plane management: correction of open bite and classes II and III
– Bruxism treatment: functional protocols to reduce overload

The significance for Otexe.com specialists lies in the fact that training with Professor Sadao Sato opens access to advanced protocols of functional orthodontics and allows them to be implemented in practice. His courses help doctors achieve stable clinical results by combining aesthetics and health of the craniomandibular system.