In Japan, visiting dentists or haisha (歯医者) usually requires an appointment. As of October 1, 2024, Japan had 66,378 active dental clinics, making them a common sight in many parts of the country. Clinics are usually small practices with dentists, dental nurses, and dental hygienists. Dentists perform oral checkups, teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, tooth extractions, and other treatments required to maintain dental health. For residents enrolled in Japan’s health insurance system, many essential dental services are covered by public insurance, including surgical and conservative treatments and some prosthetic treatments. However, some prosthetic, implant, orthodontic, cosmetic, and other elective treatments may not be covered.
The role of dentists in maintaining people’s oral health and well-being is crucial. They take part in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental concerns, and oral health is important for basic daily activities such as eating, drinking, and speaking. Becoming a dentist in Japan is not easy. It requires in-depth training, clinical practice, and national examinations, which makes it a competitive profession. Dental students need to complete these phases to practice dentistry and provide care for patients. Several leading dental schools in Japan list admissions or international exchange opportunities for international students, although undergraduate clinical dental training and the national licensure examination are conducted in Japanese. Foreign students may choose to pursue dentistry-related studies in Japan because of its strong dental schools, research opportunities, and academic programs.
If you’re interested in pursuing this competitive yet meaningful career in dentistry, then you’ve landed on the right page. To learn more about your journey to become a dentist in Japan, here are four simple steps to guide you:
How to Become a Dentist in Japan
Step 1. Obtain an Undergraduate Dental Studies
Japanese dental education follows a six-year curriculum that includes both liberal arts and professional subjects. There are 29 dental colleges in Japan: 11 national, one local public, and 17 private institutions. One example is the Faculty of Dentistry at the Institute of Science Tokyo, also known as Science Tokyo, which was established in 2024 through the merger of Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Tokyo Institute of Technology. Its Faculty of Dentistry includes a six-year School of Dentistry and has academic exchange agreements with more than 50 overseas dental schools.
The first step to becoming a dentist in Japan is to complete undergraduate dental studies. This is an opportunity for dental students to build the academic and clinical foundation needed for dental practice. Science Tokyo’s Faculty of Dentistry aims to train dental health care professionals with scientific inquiry, problem-solving skills, leadership, and an international perspective. Foreign students may also consider postgraduate and research programs, but they need to meet the relevant selection requirements, which may include exams, interviews, and documentation. Some other leading dental schools in Japan include The University of Osaka, Hiroshima University, and Nippon Dental University. Basic dental sciences and clinical fields such as oral histology, oral biochemistry, prosthetic dentistry, and operative dentistry are taught in dental schools to prepare students for careers in dentistry.
For those looking into financial support, one option to research is the Fellowship of the International Scientific Exchange Fund offered by the Japan Dental Association. The fellowship is intended for dentists, dental researchers, or dental students who are nationals of and reside in countries in Asia and the Pacific basin and who sincerely wish to study in Japan. The grant period is 1 to 12 months. Applicants need a recommendation, a host institution in Japan, a personal guarantor or host organization, and another funding source or sufficient personal funds because the fellowship cannot be the applicant’s only source of financial support. Applicants who intend to remain in Japan and practice dentistry after completing their studies cannot apply.
Each academic year in dental school generally spans 35 weeks. Before graduation, students need to earn at least 188 credits over six or more years. One credit is equivalent to 15 to 30 hours of classroom instruction or 30 to 45 hours of laboratory instruction and patient care.
Step 2. Get a License from Japan’s Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare
To practice as a dentist in Japan, you must pass the National Dental Practitioner’s Examination and receive a license from Japan’s Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare. The examination is in Japanese, so a high level of Japanese proficiency is required. The National Dental Practitioner’s Examination and its preliminary examination are administered at least once a year by the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare.
Eligibility for the National Dental Practitioner’s Examination includes graduating from a dentistry course at a dental school or college approved by Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; passing the national preliminary examination and completing one year or more of practical training in dental care or dental health; or graduating from a foreign dental school or holding a foreign dental license and being certified by the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare as having equivalent knowledge and skills. After receiving a Japanese dental practitioner’s license, a dentist who seeks to engage in dental practice must also complete one year or more of clinical training at a designated university hospital, hospital, or clinic.
Step 3. Pursue a Dental Continuing Education
Continuing education and graduate study are widely available, but they are not generally required for initial licensure. The Japan Dental Association notes that the current postgraduate dental education system has existed since 1996 but has not become compulsory. Many dentists still pursue graduate education, specialization, refresher courses, seminars, and research training to strengthen their careers.
For instance, at The University of Osaka, dental graduates can pursue graduate study and research in areas such as oral and maxillofacial pathology, pharmacology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics and gerodontology, systematic anatomy and neurobiology, and dental anesthesiology, among others.
Step 4. Engage in Advanced Clinical Training
Foreign-trained dentists cannot independently practice in Japan solely on the basis of a foreign degree or foreign dental license. They must qualify under Japan’s dental licensing rules. However, a foreign dental practitioner may engage in advanced clinical training in Japan, including diagnosis and treatment of patients, after receiving a permit for advanced clinical training from the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare. This training must be conducted at a hospital designated by the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare and under the direct guidance and supervision of a dental practitioner conducting advanced clinical training.
FAQs: How to Become a Dentist in Japan
What is the History of Dentistry in Japan?
In Japan, the history of modern Western-style dentistry can be traced back to Yokohama. In September 1865, Dr. W.C. Eastlake arrived in Yokohama and opened a dental clinic at No. 108 in the Yokohama Foreign Settlement. Foreign dentists later hired Japanese dental assistants, who learned dental techniques and helped establish modern dentistry in Japan. Einosuke Obata became the first Japanese licensed dentist after taking the National Medical Licensure Examination in 1875.
Dental education developed in the late 19th century. The Tokyo College of Dental Medicine was established in 1888 but closed the following year. Takayama School of Dentistry was established in 1890, later became Tokyo College of Dentists in 1900, and was restructured into Tokyo Dental College in 1946. Dental education in Japan developed with a combination of theoretical study and clinical training.
Are Dentists in Demand in Japan?
In Japan, demand for dentists is shaped less by a simple nationwide shortage and more by demographic and regional needs. Japan’s aging population is changing dental care needs, especially for oral health care, home dental care, holiday or urgent dental care, and integrated community care for older adults. The Japan Dental Association has identified the aging of the dental profession and potential shortages of dental care providers as issues that could affect community dental care delivery. At the same time, large urban areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka have many dentists and dental clinics, so employment prospects can vary by location, specialty, Japanese-language ability, and licensing status.
Hopefully, this article will help you advance your dental career in Japan. For more insightful articles and valuable tips, head over to the Study in Japan guide. For study programs available, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
