日本語
Medical
English-speaking dentists in Japan
Jan
English-speaking dentists in Japan
It has been rumored that there are more dental offices in Japan than convenience stores. A quick search reveals this to be true with about 67,000 dental facilities and “just” 54,000 convenience stores throughout the country. Amazing statistics when one considers how ubiquitous Family Mart, 7/11 and Lawson stores are in arguably the most convenient country in the world.
Although Tokyo has one of the highest population densities in the world, there are equally as many dentists to support that population. In fact, Tokyo has the highest number of dentists per 1000 people than any other prefecture in Japan, at just under 1.2 dentists per 1000 people.
So how many English speaking dentists are there in Japan? Well no one knows for sure, but in our experience there are more than most people may think. HealthyTOKYO.com estimates that there are close to 300 English-speaking dental facilities in Japan.
Tokyo certainly has the majority of these and they tend to cluster in one of several wards – Minato-ku, Setagaya-ku, Meguro-ku, Shibuya-ku and Shinjuku-ku – although there is a substantial number in other areas as well.
Read our informative article about English-speaking dentists specifically in Tokyo here.
The level of English capability varies, but it is not uncommon to find expert doctors who have studied at top universities in Japan and at prestigious medical schools overseas. Many we know often travel overseas to stay abreast of the latest dental technologies, procedures and equipment through continuing education courses and advanced certifications.
It is also important to take note whether or not the clinic or hospital that you are looking into accepts insurance. There are several types of insurance, in the form of Japanese National Health Insurance, private insurance, or social insurance. We have all this information and more for our partners on the HealthyTOKYO network!
If you are looking for an English-speaking dentist in Japan for a specific procedure, or just need help finding the right dentist for you, please feel free to chat with us and we will be happy to help. You can use the button below to chat to our concierge, fluent in both English and Japanese, we can help you book an appointment to any of our medical partners in our network and will do our best if you have a clinic or hospital in mind not affiliated with us.
English-speaking dentists in Japan
It has been rumored that there are more dental offices in Japan than convenience stores. A quick search reveals this to be true with about 67,000 dental facilities and “just” 54,000 convenience stores throughout the country. Amazing statistics when one considers how ubiquitous Family Mart, 7/11 and Lawson stores are in arguably the most convenient country in the world.
Although Tokyo has one of the highest population densities in the world, there are equally as many dentists to support that population. In fact, Tokyo has the highest number of dentists per 1000 people than any other prefecture in Japan, at just under 1.2 dentists per 1000 people.
So how many English speaking dentists are there in Japan? Well no one knows for sure, but in our experience there are more than most people may think. HealthyTOKYO.com estimates that there are close to 300 English-speaking dental facilities in Japan.
Tokyo certainly has the majority of these and they tend to cluster in one of several wards – Minato-ku, Setagaya-ku, Meguro-ku, Shibuya-ku and Shinjuku-ku – although there is a substantial number in other areas as well.
Read our informative article about English-speaking dentists specifically in Tokyo here.
The level of English capability varies, but it is not uncommon to find expert doctors who have studied at top universities in Japan and at prestigious medical schools overseas. Many we know often travel overseas to stay abreast of the latest dental technologies, procedures and equipment through continuing education courses and advanced certifications.
It is also important to take note whether or not the clinic or hospital that you are looking into accepts insurance. There are several types of insurance, in the form of Japanese National Health Insurance, private insurance, or social insurance. We have all this information and more for our partners on the HealthyTOKYO network!
Some Useful Terms To Know
Japan has different types of dentists who attend to the special care and needs of each patient. Let’s take a look at when you should approach which dentist mentioned below.
General dentist
General dentists are the primary dental practitioners whom individuals approach for their overall dental care. General dentists address everything from root canal treatments to gum problems, bridges, fillings and more.
Periodontist
The dental structures that surround the teeth need to be in good shape for optimal overall dental health. Periodontists help make sure that the gum tissues, bone structure and dental implants that support the teeth are maintained in good condition. They treat any associated problems or diseases.
Prosthodontist
Prosthodonists help repair or replace natural teeth by using dental prosthetics. The prosthodontist may use crowns or dentures to replace one or more teeth, such that they function and appear as close to the natural dental structure as possible. Prosthodontists also help in installing dental implants in patients.
Dental surgeon
Dental surgeons perform a wide range of surgical procedures in the mouth, face and jaw structure. It could involve anything from a simple tooth extraction to a complex reconstruction surgery after an accident, or removal of oral cavity tumours.
Pediatric dentist
These dentists typically treat children who are 1-2 years old to those in their teens. The dentist detects, diagnoses and treats dental issues as the teeth develop, and may even refer the children to other specialists for well-rounded dental care.
Orthodontist
These dentists look at the development of the bite, teeth and the jaw structure, and help correct it if there are any irregularities. The dentist uses braces, wire, bands, retainers and other appliances to correct the issue in kids and adults.
Endodontist
An endodontist helps diagnose, treat and prevent conditions that are related to the nerve or dental pulp in the teeth. These dentists use root canal or other surgical procedures to treat dental conditions.
Word That May Be Useful To Know In Japanese
| English | nihongo / Japanese | kanji / 日本語 |
| Crooked teeth | hanarabi ga warui | 歯並びが悪い |
| Crown | shikan | 歯冠 |
| Decalcification | dappai | 脱灰 |
| Tooth decay/ cavity | mushiba | むし歯 |
| Dental floss | itoyoji | 糸ようじ |
| Dental plate | ireba | 入れ歯 |
| Dental prothesis/denture | gishi | 義歯 |
| Dental pulp | shizui | 歯髄 |
| Dentinal canal | zoge saikan | 象牙細管 |
| Amalgam | amarugamu | アマルガム修復 |
| Tooth whitening | howaitoningu | ホワイトニング |
| Carcinogenic | hatsugansei | 発癌性 |
| Cariogenic | ushoku | う蝕 |
| Composites | konpojitto | コンポジット |
| Cosmetic dentistry | biyo ishika | 美容歯科 |
| Endodontist | shinairyōhōgaku | 歯内療法学 |
| Dentistry | shigaku | 歯学 |
| Geriatric dentist | rounenshikagaku | 老年歯科学 |
| Malocclusion | fuseikougou | 不正咬合 |
| Mouthguards | mausupiisu | マウスピース |
| Oral and maxillofacial surgeon | koukougeka | 口腔外科 |
| Orthodontics | shikakyouseigaku | 歯科矯正学 |
| Pediatric dentist | shounishikagaku | 小児歯科学 |
| Periodontitis | shishuubyou | 歯周病 |
| Periodontology | shishuuchiryougaku | 歯周治療学 |
| Plaque | shikou | 歯垢 |
| Prosthodontics | shikahotetsugaku | 歯科補綴学 |
| Resin | tennenjushi | 天然樹脂 |
| Restorative dentistry | shikahozongaku | 歯科保存学 |
| Gums | shiniku | 歯肉 |