Remembering Mbachan Collins Okwen, DDS, MBA, MSD

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mbachan Collins Okwen, DDS, MBA, MSD, beloved endodontist, educator, and leader, who died on January 21, 2026, in Conroe, Texas. A cherished former Board member of the AAE (District V Director) and community, Dr. Okwen was known for his visionary contributions to endodontic education in Africa, his deep commitment to patient care, and his unwavering spirit of service that touched countless lives across continents. His legacy—as a Board member, mentor, clinician, musician, and humanitarian—will endure in the many hearts he inspired and the systems he helped transform.

Dr. Okwen was born on June 29, 1972, in Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon. From an early age, he demonstrated a blend of intellectual brilliance, humility, creativity, and deep compassion for others.

He began his primary education at G.S. Batibo, laying the academic foundation that would define his life. He later attended the prestigious Sacred Heart College Mankon, where he excelled and obtained both his Ordinary and Advanced Level certificates. Even in his youth, he stood out—not only for his intelligence, but for his discipline, curiosity, and emerging leadership qualities.

After high school, Dr. Collins joined the Brothers of St. John of God in Nguti, Mamfe, where he spent a year in spiritual formation. This period deepened his faith and strengthened his sense of purpose. However, his love for music and his conviction that he was called to impact the world in broader ways led him to step away from religious life. He believed he had more to offer beyond the walls of the novitiate, and history would affirm that belief.

He went on to pursue Dentistry at the University of Benin, Nigeria, where he earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a Doctor of Dental Surgery. His commitment to excellence was evident in his studies and in his dedication to mastering his profession.

Driven by a desire to expand his knowledge and global opportunities, Dr. Collins later moved to the United States, where he earned a Master of Business Administration, MBA, further demonstrating his remarkable intellectual range and versatility. Yet dentistry remained his calling.

In 2014, eager to return fully to dentistry and elevate his specialty training, he was accepted into a preceptorship at UT Health Houston. He pursued graduate training in endodontics while simultaneously carrying a bold vision: to initiate and develop a formal endodontic training program in Africa. He completed his graduate endodontic training at UT Health Houston in 2016, earning his Master of Science in Dentistry, MSD.

During his preceptorship, Dr. Okwen purchased used microscopes and endodontic instruments from the university at auction and transported them to Nigeria. With these tools, he helped establish the first endodontic training program in western central Africa at the University of Benin. His mission was clear and uncompromising.

“The goal was to get them to do exactly what we do here and nothing less,” he said. “Of course, there’s always tons of patients…”

He prepared a curriculum modeled after UT Health Houston, beginning with pre-clinical techniques and foundational basic science courses. The University of Benin adopted this curriculum. Dr. Okwen personally trained approximately 100 faculty members, who in turn educated others, creating a multiplying effect in a country of over 200 million people. “Now they’re doing pretty well teaching the same techniques we do here,” he said.

Through this effort, Dr. Okwen did not merely practice dentistry; he transformed access to specialized care and reshaped the educational landscape of endodontics in an entire region.

He later became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Endodontics, mentoring the next generation of specialists.

Dr. Collins founded 1488 Dental in The Woodlands, Texas, where he faithfully served the greater Houston community with exceptional dedication. His patients were not merely clients; they were family. Known for his availability and unwavering commitment, he devoted himself fully to his craft.

His leadership extended to the American Association of Endodontists, where he served as District V Director on the Board of Directors from 2022 to 2025. He also served on the AAE Nominating Committee and was actively involved with the AAE Foundation for Endodontics, championing mentorship and professional responsibility.

His commitment to giving back was further reflected in the founding of the Ralph Okwen Foundation, a family trust established to support excellence in science at Sacred Heart College Mankon, Bamenda, and to expand access to high-quality endodontic care in Africa, relieve suffering, and inspire others to give back so that people everywhere could experience the dignity and joy of being free from dental pain.

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Collins was a musician. As his family beautifully reflected, “Our father did not only carry Collin’s fingers with chalk on blackboard, he placed a guitar in his hands as a child, and in his final days we returned to that same music, singing together as a family and completing a circle of love.”

He also held certifications in Cisco networking and server maintenance and maintained a strong interest in artificial intelligence, particularly systems that could empower Africa. Developing children’s stories was another passion he carried.

Dr. Collins was humble, generous, and deeply grounded. He believed material possessions were tools for meaningful impact. No obstacle was insurmountable to him. He confronted challenges directly and pursued excellence relentlessly. He will be missed.

Further reading: Learn more about Dr. Okwen’s incredible passion for endodontics in this Foundation for Endodontics article.