Wayne K. Tanaka, DDS, FICD is associate professor and predoctoral program director of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Tanaka received his bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii. He then completed dental school at the University of Washington. His postgraduate education includes a general practice residency and a residency in OMS. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and belongs to a number of national and local dental and surgical societies.

Dr. Tanaka directs the OMS lecture courses for the predoctoral student dentists and coordinates their clinical experience. Prior to joining the School of Dentistry, he served in the US Air Force Dental Corps, retiring as colonel after twenty one and one-half years. his teaching experience in the Air Force includes tours as instructor and department chief at a general practice residency and an advanced education in general dentistry residency. At the latter, he also held an appointment at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, teaching their OMS residents. Dr. Tanaka's association wiith Loma Linda University goes back a number of years when he was stationed at March Air Force Base and served as a volunteer instructor at the School of Dentistry.

Dr. Tanaka is married and has two children. He enjoys military history and model railroading.