Naoki Ned Shimizu, DDS, FAACD, has earned the Accredited Fellow credential in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). With this accomplishment, he joins an elite group of dental professionals who have achieved Accredited Fellow status with the AACD. There are only 85 dentists in the world.
The status of Accredited Fellow of the AACD is granted after completion of all requirements. The purpose of Fellowship is to provide the highest level of achievement for members in accordance with the AACD's mission of education and excellence.
Since its inception in 1986, the AACD Accreditation process has given dentists and laboratory technicians a way to enhance and further their professional skills and knowledge in the constantly evolving field of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. This requires dedication to continuing education and responsible patient care.
A restorative dentist’s work is part science, part craftsmanship, and part intuition. For Dr. Ned Shimizu, those elements come together through a lifelong commitment to precision and a deep appreciation for natural beauty.
Dr. Shimizu began his dental journey at Hiroshima University School of Dentistry, where he graduated in 1989. He later expanded his training through the Loma Linda University International Dentist Program, earning his second DDS degree in 1997. His dedication to excellence led him to pursue advanced cosmetic education, ultimately achieving the prestigious distinction of Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry—a credential held by only a small number of dentists worldwide.
What truly sets Dr. Shimizu apart is the artistic lens he brings to his work. Outside the operatory, he is an avid wildlife and nature photographer. He spends hours studying form, symmetry, color, and light through the camera’s viewfinder. That practice sharpened his eye long before cosmetic dentistry became his primary focus.
Photography is more than a hobby for him; it’s the foundation of his aesthetic philosophy. He approaches every smile the way he approaches a photograph: with patience, with intention, and with a commitment to capturing natural beauty rather than manufacturing it.
This artistic discipline enhances his clinical precision. His understanding of color gradients mirrors how he selects and layers restorative materials. His sense of symmetry informs how he balances proportions in veneers, crowns, and full-smile rehabilitations. The patience required for wildlife photography mirrors the patience he brings to complex restorative cases.
For his patients, this means every treatment is both technically sound and visually harmonious. The goal is not simply to “fix” teeth—it is to design a smile that looks effortless, authentic, and truly your own.
Away from dentistry, Dr. Shimizu continues his love of nature, kayaking, traveling, and capturing moments in the wild. His photography serves as a quiet reminder that beauty is everywhere if you know how to look for it—a principle reflected in every smile he crafts.
About AACD
Dr. Shimizu holds the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited fellow member status.
The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of cosmetic dental professionals in 80 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.
The American Dental Association
Texas Dental Association
The Greater Houston Dental Society
ICOI Fellowship
Dr. Shimizu is the sole recipient of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's People's Choice Award in the Houston area. He was featured during the American Health Front television program that was featured on channel 13 of the ABC network, showcasing his passion in the area of Full Mouth Rehabilitation and Aesthetic dentistry. This nationally televised educational program is an informative series on the latest advancements and techniques in health care today.
Team
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