I am Satoshi Fukumoto from the Faculty of Dental Science at Kyushu University. I have recently assumed the role of President for the 31st term of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry (JSPD). I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the officers and members for their approval and support. 　The environment surrounding pediatric healthcare has undergone significant changes in recent years. In Japan, amidst an aging society with a declining birthrate, the child population has been shrinking for 45 consecutive years (as of April 1, 2026). Meanwhile, the field of dentistry faces challenges such as a shortage of dentists and their uneven geographic distribution. There are concerns that in some areas, people cannot access dental care when needed—a particularly critical issue in pediatric dentistry, where providing specialized care can be difficult. Furthermore, the spread of the internet and the emergence of generative AI have made a vast array of medical information easily accessible. While "information literacy"—the ability to properly utilize accurate information—is essential, it remains questionable whether this is being adequately practiced in clinical settings. We must not allow the emphasis on information to overshadow fundamental values, such as an attitude of empathy and a commitment to truly connecting with patients. 　As an academic society, we must actively address the challenges arising from these societal changes and maintain an environment where appropriate medical care is accessible regardless of location. To achieve this, we need to share these challenges within the society and take concrete actions, such as training pediatric dentistry specialists, certified dentists, and certified dental hygienists, as well as providing appropriate information to all healthcare professionals involved in pediatric dentistry. As a first step, I intend to strengthen our educational framework by standardizing and integrating dental education across universities and expanding the certified dental hygienist system. Additionally, to fulfill our role as an academic society, we will accumulate evidence regarding pediatric dentistry and drive healthcare reforms based on that academic knowledge. 　The cooperation of all our members is indispensable to advancing these initiatives. I humbly ask for your continued understanding and support of the Society’s activities.