Ultimate Guide to the Top English Speaking Dentists in Tokyo
By Allegra Goldsworthy | July 21st 2021
Looking for English speaking dentist in Tokyo? In desperate need of a dental check-up? Putting off booking one due to not knowing where to find English speaking dentist? Fear not … This article will resolve all your dental concerns.
The idea that Japanese dentists are of a lower standard than European and American ones is mistaken. While outside of the capital dental care is not considered to be of the highest standards, within Tokyo it is world class. It’s a modern city with extremely well-trained dentists offering outstanding facilities for foreigners. There are many bilingual dental clinics that are equipped with the latest technologies, including digital x-rays, 3D/CT scanning and able to carry out advanced forms of treatment including crowns, root canal treatments, and implants.
This high-quality dental care has been a result of the dental clinics being run privately with the funding provided by the local governments. Moreover, the number of dental facilities has expanded, and the health insurance system has aided this by making dental treatment more accessible and affordable. As a result, the dental health of the Japanese population has significantly improved in recent decades.
If you wish to know more about life in Tokyo, not only english speaking dentist in Tokyo, go to this page for more articles and information!
Differences between American/English speaking dentist in Tokyo
With the large increase in English speaking dentist in Tokyo, there are very few differences between the dentists working in Tokyo and dentists you would find anywhere else in developed countries. The training is now standardised and many of the English-Speaking dentists were trained in America. Therefore, the way they conduct their treatments tends to be very similar.
The main differences consist in how you pay for the treatments. In Japan, the dentists tend to charge by visit rather than the specific treatment. This will be explained further in the Fees section.
Moreover, in Japan typically the doctors hold a lot of authority. This tends to mean that it is less common for patients to question their doctors choices. While this formal relationship is changing, you may want to bare this in mind before attending your dentist appointment.
Japanese National Health Insurance coverage
To access the Japanese National Health Insurance system, kokumin kenko-hoken you have to register with the Residential Affairs Division at your local City Office or Ward Office. This insurance is for those under the age of 75 who are unemployed or self-employed, or retired. This covers 70% of your hospital and dental bills. This does not cover your spouse or children; each member of the family must register separately.
There is also the option of receiving the Employee Health Insurance, kenko hoken, which means your employer pays half of your insurance, the rest is deducted from your monthly pay-check. This one is beneficial if you have a family as it will also cover 70% of your family members’ medical bills. To register for this insurance, you must be employed, and your employee will then issue you with an insurance card.
So, while dental treatment can be expensive, the fact that you only have to pay 30% makes dentistry more economical in Tokyo than in many other countries where dental treatment is not covered at all. So, the cost of dentists in Tokyo often surprises people who are used to considering Tokyo as all-round the most expensive city in Asia!
Read more about Health insurance in Japan here!
What if you are not a resident?
If you are not covered by the National Health Insurance or the Employee Health Insurance, you may have to check with the dentist that they will accept your personal health insurance. However, generally such insurance policies do not cover non-emergency treatments such as orthodontic treatments or aesthetics. Teeth cleaning may be covered by the health insurance if the cleaning is necessary. If it is just for aesthetics you must pay for it without the insurance. Always good to get a dental check before leaving your own country and get the necessary treatment done there to avoid expensive shocks.
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How do I book an appointment for English speaking dentist in Tokyo?
This will be an easy stress-free step. You simply call before or go in person to arrange your appointment. Usually, you will then have to complete registration forms and be issued with your shinsatsu-ken – a patient card which is essential to bring with you for all visits. Following on from this you may have to fill out a medical questionnaire to explain your reason for your dental visit and your past medical history.
Example of your English speaking dentist in Tokyo appointment booking conversation
You: もしもし。すみません、（初めての）診察に伺いたくて予約をお願いしたいんですが。
Moshimoshi. Sumimasen, (hajimete-no) shinsatsu ni ukagai takute yoyaku wo onegai shitaindesuga.
Hello. I’m calling to make a (my first) reservation for an appointment.
Dentist: はい、お名前を伺ってもよろしいですか。
Hai, onamae wo ukagattemo yoroshiidesuka.
Hello. What is your name?
You: はい、田中メイと申します。
Hai, Tanaka – Mei to moushimasu.
My name is Mei Tanaka.
Dentist: ご希望の日にちはありますか。
Gokibou no hinichi wa arimasuka.
Is there a preferred date for your appointment?
You: 木曜日か金曜日の午後が希望です。
Mokuyoubi ka kinnyoubi no gogo ga kibou desu.
I would prefer the afternoon of Thursday or Friday.
Dentist: 木曜日の午後であれば、3時か5時が空いております。
Mokuyoubi no gogo de areba, sanji kara goji ga aiteorimasu.
We are open at 3 and 5pm on Thursday.
You: じゃあ、木曜日の3時でお願いします。
Jyaa, mokuyoubino sanji de onegaishimasu.
Great, I would like to reserve 3pm on Thursday.
Dentist: はい、では木曜日の３時、田中さんをお待ちしています。よろしくお願いします。
Hai, dewa, mokuyoubino sanji, Tanaka-san wo omachishiteimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Alright, we will be waiting for you at 3pm on Thursday. Thank you.
You: よろしくお願いします。
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Thank you.
Dentist: 失礼します。
Shitsurei shimasu.
Goodbye.
You: 失礼します。
Shitsurei shimasu.
Goodbye.
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What do I need to bring with me to the English speaking dentist in Tokyo?
As mentioned, you must bring your patient card, as well as your photo ID, this could be your residence card/driver/s license. It will also be easier if you really check where the dentist clinic is beforehand in order to make sure you can get to your appointment on time. Tokyo is a very big place, so it takes a while to get across the city.
Fees at the English speaking dentist in Tokyo
Dental care cost point system
In Japan, the cost of dental care is calculated using a points system. Each type of treatment has a points value depending on varying factors of the treatment, how long it took, the materials used etc. It works as 1 point being equal to 10 yen (0.091 USD)
The base fee for a first-time appointment is 234 points so it will cost 2,340 yen (21.32 USD), although a patient with insurance will only pay 70% of that ie. 700 yen (6.37 USD). A consultation fee is also almost always to be expected.
Figures below are some estimated prices from various dentist clinics in Tokyo:
0 to 1,500 yen technical recommendations for toothpaste and brushes;
1,500 to 2,500 yen by resin filling;
1,500 to 60,000 yen by fillings and fillings (inlay);
3,000 to 150,000 yen for crowns or false teeth;
5,000 to 900,000 yen for extractions, implants, bridges and dentures;
Below are some treatments covered by shakai hoken already discounted:
700 to 2,000 yen - Dentist consultation fee;
3,000 yen - Dental examination with a subjective symptom;
1,500 to 3,000 yen - Treatment for a deteriorated tooth (beginning);
2,000 to 10,000 yen - Treatment for a deteriorated tooth;
7,000 to 20,000 yen - Treatment of a serious decayed tooth;
1,500 to 3,000 yen - Tooth extraction (straight eruption);
2,500 to 4,000 yen - Tooth extraction (slightly impacted):
3000 yen - The basic treatment for gum disease;
How do I avoid being overcharged at English speaking dentist in Tokyo?
A risk with English speaking dentist in Tokyo is they could potentially use your lack of familiarity with health care costs and increase the prices to avoid this, it is useful to read guides such as this one that can show you what the prices should be, you can also shop around and ring a few dentists before-hand.
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Useful vocabulary at the dentist
|
English |
Japanese |
Romaji |
|
Tooth |
歯 |
ha |
|
Wisdom tooth |
親知らず |
oya-shirazu |
|
Gargle |
うがい |
ugai |
|
Dental filling |
歯の詰め物 |
ha-no-tsumemono |
|
Toothbrush |
歯ブラシ |
haburashi |
|
Whitening |
ホワイトニング |
howaitoningu |
|
Extraction |
歯を抜く |
ha-wo-nuku |
Useful phrases at the dentist
|
English |
Japanese |
|
How much will it cost to…? |
どのくらいの費用で...？ (dono-kurai-no-hiryou-de …?) |
|
Can I book an appointment__? |
予約をすることはできますか？ (yoyaku-wo-surukoto-wa-dekimasuka?) |
|
I have toothache |
歯が痛くてたまらない (ha-ga-itakute-tamaranai) |
|
My filling/crown has fallen out. |
詰め物・クラウンが取れてしまった (tsumemono/kuraun-ga-toreteshimatta) |
|
My teeth bleed when I brush them |
歯磨きをすると歯から血が出る (hamigaki-wo-suruto-ha-kara-chigaderu) |
|
My tooth is chipped |
歯が欠けてしまった (ha-ga-kakete-shimatta) |
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Top English speaking dentists in Tokyo
Hitomi Dental Office
This is one of the highest rated English speaking dentist in Tokyo on Yelp. It has two offices, which are easily accessible via public transport. National health insurance is accepted here. The president, Hitomi Hayashi has had extensive training and 25 years of dental experience. A dental check-up starts from 5,000 yen and teeth cleaning is 10,000 yen. The services on offer include preventative, cosmetics, dental implants and oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, restorative, pedodontics, TMJ treatment, sleep apnea and facial and botox therapy.
Address: Akasaka Royal Plaza 2F, 20-3-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052
Number: 0362777938
Email: info@hitomidental.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 19:00
Fun fact - Japanese dentists using robots!
In Japan breakthrough technology has been tested out whereby dentists in training practice on human robots. These robots have lifelike skin, eyes, and a mouth with imitation teeth on which students can practice operations. When they drill too close to the nerve endings, an installed sensor sounds an alarm. This is innovative technology that shows the investment and care Japan is taking on the future of its dentistry. Modern machinery is being adapted and developed every day to assure patients in Japan and worldwide are receiving the highest standard treatments.
Conclusion
Finding a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with is a difficult and strenuous task. However, with this comprehensive guide we hope to have made your search easier. Luckily, we have found plenty of highly rated and respected dental clinics with fully fluent, American trained practitioners. We have also assured that they are spread around Tokyo so you can find the one that best suits you and is most easily accessible.
If you want to learn Japanese - Japanese Switch is a great way to start! And if you want to find out more about life in Japan, such as how the pension system works or how to get a Japanese credit card - BFF Tokyo is the place to visit.
