Relationship with Society

GC, as a dental manufacturer, considers excellence in its core business to be the most important mission. We will grow into a more trusted company by interacting with society through our core business.

Fuji IX

Under a joint research project with the WHO (World Health Organization) on the development of technologies and materials suitable for the dental-treatment environment in developing countries, GC developed a high-strength glass ionomer cement called “Fuji IX.” Fuji IX can be used with a dental procedure known as “ART (Atraumatic Restorative Treatment),” which does not require special technology or machinery. Fuji IX was introduced by the WHO on World Health Day in 1994 as an innovative restorative method that can be implemented in developing countries where complete facilities are not available and the standards of hygiene are low.

The technology has been applied in numerous countries since then. Fuji IX is also widely used in industrialized nations as a restorative method in keeping with today’s emphasis on retaining the tooth structure.

The theme of the 1994 World Health Day was “Oral Health of A Healthy Life.” The year 1994 was designated as the Year of Oral Health, and GC served as an official supporter as a global dental company contributing to the cause of WHO activity. The circle of efforts to enhance oral health is expanding throughout the world.

Plant Tour

Our Fuji Oyama Factory offers tours for the dental students and our customers in order to show them first-hand how GC products are made, in hope that it helps deepen their understanding of our advanced technologies and commitment to product quality, and in the process it helps create enthusiastic supporters of the GC name. The plant also communicates with residents in the neighboring community to explain the efforts we are making to reduce the negative impact on the environment and provide opportunities for them to become more interested in their dental and oral health.

Tour guides are selected from among employees, and appointed guides study our products in detail to gain in-depth knowledge so that they can share it with visitors. Additionally, they create tour brochures themselves and strive every day to give better tours.

The Fuji Oyama Factory became a “zero waste” plant in September 2007. All waste materials generated from the plant are classified and recycled/reused.

In addition to reducing waste within the facility, the plant is making the neighboring community cleaner by organizing a twice-yearly community cleanup event. This year a total of 360 people participated in the cleanup event.

Scholarship Programs

”Toshio Nakao Chair” at University of Leuven in Belgium

In 1999 the “Toshio Nakao Chair” was established at University of Leuven in Belgium. The course, whose title features the name of our former president, is taught by Dr. B. Van Meerbeek, a world-renowned researcher of dental bonding technique, and other talented staff. The seminar is recognized as one of the premier research vehicles in the field of dental preservation and dental material science.

IADR Toshio Nakao Fellowship

The IADR Toshio Nakao Fellowship was established in 1994. The program provides a scholarship of US$15,000 to dental material researchers belonging to the IADR (International Association for Dental Research). As a member of the international business community, GC will contribute to the fostering of people and research programs that help create a better tomorrow.

Team Minus 6%

GC is a member of a national project called “Team Minus 6%,” launched to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6% and help Japan keep its promise in the Kyoto Protocol, which came into effect in February 2005.

External Recognitions and Awards

Awarded the Insignia of Commander of the Crown of Belgium

In 1995 President Makoto Nakao was awarded the Insignia of Commander of the Crown of Belgium from the Kingdom of Belgium. The relationship between GC and Belgium dates back to 1972, when we opened our European branch in Kortrijk. Subsequently, we built a new office and warehouse in Leuven, near the capital Brussels, in 1984. We also constructed our first European plant in Belgium in 1989 and the second European plant in 1994. Our investment in Belgium over the years, and its positive benefits in stimulating the local economy and creating jobs, has been recognized by the country.

Awarded the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry’s Award for Distinguished Services in Pharmaceutical Affairs

President Makoto Nakao was awarded the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry’s Award for Distinguished Services in Pharmaceutical Affairs in 2004. The award was given to President Nakao for his diligent efforts in the field of pharmaceutical affairs and hygiene, for his contribution to public health. A total of 91 individuals were awarded in 2004, but President Nakao was the only one from the dental industry.