Daniel Kenji Funabashi, DDS, PG, MSc, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
funabashid25@ecu.edu
252-737-7050
3122 Ross Hall
Education
- DDS – Federal University of Espirito Santo
- MS – State University of Campinas
Certificates
Operative Dentistry
Clinical Interest
- Biomaterials
- Operative Dentistry
- Digital Dentistry and 3D Printing
Biographical Information
Dr. Funabashi is a professor of Operative Dentistry and Biomaterials in the Department of General Dentistry and serves as Assistant Professor at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine (SoDM). He earned his DDS, MS, and PhD degrees with a focus on esthetic and restorative dentistry, adhesive techniques, and 3D printing.
Dr. Funabashi has extensive clinical experience in esthetic and functional oral rehabilitation, including direct and indirect restorations, smile design, and the use of contemporary ceramic and resin-based materials. His clinical practice integrates digital workflows such as intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM systems, and guided restorative procedures to achieve precise and esthetic outcomes.
His research interests include digital dentistry and 3D printing applied to restorative and prosthetic dentistry, with emphasis on dental biomaterials, resin-based materials, surface treatments, and additive manufacturing technologies. His work focuses on translating advances in digital technology and materials science into evidence-based clinical and educational protocols.
He grew up in Vitória, Brazil, and moved to São Paulo for his MS’s and PhD’s studies in 2020. He served as a professor at Marquette University before joining the ECU dental faculty.
He enjoys play musical instruments, soccer, football and traveling.