Dentistry is a demanding but rewarding field that combines scientific knowledge with practical clinical skills to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases. If you are considering becoming a dentist, Japan offers several established universities with dental schools, teaching hospitals, and active research programs.
These universities provide structured academic, laboratory, and supervised clinical training. This article reviews top schools offering dentistry programs in Japan to help you compare their program levels, institutional strengths, and current tuition information. Program language and admissions requirements vary, so always review the latest official guidelines before applying.
Top Schools Offering Dentistry Programs in Japan
1. University of Osaka
If you are an international student considering dentistry at one of the universities in Japan, The University of Osaka is an option worth exploring. The School of Dentistry provides a six-year integrated curriculum, while the Graduate School of Dentistry offers doctoral study. Education and research are connected with the university’s Dental Hospital, and graduate research covers areas such as oral biology, biomaterials, infection control, oral reconstruction, and oral surgery.
2. Institute of Science Tokyo
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Institute of Science Tokyo ranked ninth globally and first in Japan for dentistry. Its Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences also offers master’s and doctoral study, alongside research and clinical education connected with the university hospital
3. Kyushu University
Kyushu University was established in 1911 as Japan’s fourth Imperial University. Today, it is a national research university offering programs across the sciences, engineering, medicine, and dentistry.
Its dental education includes an undergraduate School of Dentistry, a master’s course in Oral Science established in 2023, and a four-year doctoral program. Current research infrastructure includes the Oral Health–Brain Health–Total Health Research Center and the Dento-craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research Center. The faculty also maintains international partnerships and a dental double-degree agreement with Yonsei University.
4. Tohoku University
Tohoku University is a Designated National University. In December 2024, the Japanese government approved it as Japan’s first University for International Research Excellence. It previously participated as a Type A institution in the Top Global University Project, which ended in 2023.
The Faculty of Dentistry provides a six-year undergraduate course, while the Graduate School of Dentistry offers master’s and doctoral courses. Tohoku University organizes dental research across areas including pediatric dentistry, periodontology and endodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, biomaterials, and dental radiology. It also runs short-term international exchange activities through partner networks.
5. Niigata University
Niigata University’s Faculty of Dentistry was established in 1965. It currently includes a six-year Department of Dentistry and a four-year Department of Oral Health and Welfare, while graduate education is offered through the Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences.
The dentistry curriculum combines lectures, problem-based learning, laboratory work, simulation, and supervised clinical training. Current teaching and research divisions cover areas such as periodontology, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, oral radiology, and dysphagia rehabilitation. The faculty also includes the Center for Advanced Oral Science.
FAQs: Studying Dentistry in Japan
Which University in Japan Has the Most Affordable Dentistry Program?
Based on the universities’ published standard annual tuition, The University of Osaka, Kyushu University, Tohoku University, and Niigata University each list undergraduate tuition of ¥535,800 per year. The medical and dental undergraduate rate at the Science Tokyo, is ¥642,960 per year.
Private dental schools may use very different fee structures and may charge additional institutional or clinical fees. When comparing private universities or a school such as Nihon University, rely on the university’s current official fee schedule rather than an older yen-to-dollar conversion.
Students should also budget for application or examination fees, the one-time admission fee, housing, insurance, living costs, travel, and immigration-related expenses. The standard admission fee at the national universities discussed above is generally ¥282,000. Review the latest official figures before you apply to universities in Japan.
Dentistry requires theoretical knowledge, technical training, and supervised clinical experience. Japan offers several established dental schools with teaching hospitals and research facilities, making it an appealing study destination for qualified applicants.
We hope this guide to dental schools in Japan has helped you begin planning your international education. If you are interested, visit the Study in Japan and Available Programs for International Students!
