The Ultimate Guide to Visiting a Japanese Dentist
By Pin-Sheng Ho | Sep 12, 2022
Are you currently studying or working in Japan and dreading that overdue trip to see the dentist? Don’t worry, I have been there too, and I will try to answer all your questions about visiting a Japanese dentist, aka Haisha (歯医者) or Shika-Ishi (歯科醫師). Often as international students or working professionals, we have limited free time. When it comes to visiting a dentist overseas, knowing the information beforehand saves us time and a lot of trouble.
Questions such as differences, treatment time, health care, and quality come up quite often. Other than that, open hours, things to bring, and also what phrases to use while visiting also pop out while seeking a Japanese dentist. Let's see what to do while encountering such situations.
This Article is a part of our extensive series on Living in Japan and Learning Japanese at BFF Tokyo
What are the differences between Western and Japanese dentists?
1. Types of Dental Clinics
American dentists are divided into three types of dental clinics, Family Dentists (responsible for general dental care, such as scaling and filling of teeth), Oral Surgeons (responsible for oral surgery requiring incision, such as wisdom tooth extraction), and Orthodontists (responsible for orthodontics and braces).
While visiting a Japanese dentist, there is not much to worry about regarding which dentist you should choose, since there are numerous dentists around Japan but mainly divided into two categories, private dental clinics, and hospital dental clinics department. Unless it is a delicate surgery or treatment, most treatment can be done through private dental clinics which are easy to find anywhere around Japan.
2. Waiting Time for Procedures
As mentioned, American dentists are divided into different types of dental clinics and each has its own specialized field. Therefore, it can be much more time-consuming when you have a lot of dental issues that need to be addressed. Sometimes, it can take up to several months to complete all of the procedures.
On the other hand, a Japanese dentist is more accommodating in this regard because all services will likely be provided by the same dentist you have chosen. This not only saves time when booking an appointment but also time spent on transportation, referrals, or even follow-up treatments. It benefits international students and working professionals by allowing them to spend less time waiting for their next appointment, on the other hand, much more flexible in arranging their time.
3. Is the Quality of American and Japanese Dentists the same?
When it comes to the comparison of American and Japanese services quality in dental clinics, both American and Japanese dentists are precise in dealing with patients’ problems. With the high medical level and good hygiene management that Japan maintains, you will receive high-quality treatment while visiting a Japanese dentist. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the dentist using outdated equipment or providing low-quality of treatment.
In addition, Japanese Dentists will typically strongly suggest patients fix other problems together if they find one during the course of their consultation.
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What Can I Expect When Visiting a Japanese Dentist?
If you are afraid of going to a dentist in Japan, it is a lot less intimidating than you think. You do not need to be worried about an inexperienced dental student treating you, since Japan does not allow dental students to treat patients before finishing school and receiving their license.
Let’s dive into what exactly you should know before your first visit to a Japanese dentist.
1. How do I find a Japanese Dentist?
You might have heard that the number of dentists in Japan is now greater than the number of convenience stores. Therefore, it should not be too hard for anyone to find a dentist in Japan unless you are living way outside the city.
To find a Japanese dentist nearby, one of the easiest ways is to enter “歯科医院” (shika iin, or tooth doctor) or “歯医者” (haisha, the same thing) into google map, then the closest dental clinics nearby your position will be shown. Additionally, searching on the internet should also reveal at least one, likely more result around your neighborhood.
2. How do I book an appointment?
Here are some websites that are convenient for international people to search for information about Japanese dentists around Japan. “EPARK” and “東京都医療機関・薬局案内サービス” (Tokyoto iryo kikan yakkyoku annai sabisu) are the two websites where you can easily book an appointment with a dentist in your area or who specializes in the procedure you require. However, one thing to be aware of is that these websites only provide appointments for the first consultation, any follow-up consultation will be scheduled directly with the clinic after your initial consultation.
While you won’t have trouble finding a dentist in most places around Japan, however, remember that you absolutely will need to book an appointment. Japanese dentists are very extremely busy people, so be sure to arrive exactly or before your scheduled appointment. Cancellations can occur if you are late even if it is only a few minutes, especially in urban areas or during rush hours.
3. Should I Visit a Dental Clinic or Hospital's Dental Department?
You should visit a dental clinic if your time is limited. Japanese dental clinics are often flexible with appointment times, therefore international students or working professionals can plan their time more flexibly.
You should visit a dental department in Japanese hospitals when it comes to issues related to more specialized work. For example, “risky wisdom teeth removal”, orthodontic treatment for snoring, etc, but sometimes will need a referral letter from a private dentist (doctor).
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4. What Should I Prepare Before Visiting a Japanese Dentist?
ID Card / Zairyu card / Passport: In order for the front desk to identify your identity, any documents or ID cards that verify your identity needs to be brought with you.
For more information about both of these, check out the Ultimate Guide to the Zairyu Card
National Health Insurance (保険証 / hokensho): Required for any medical treatment within Japan, international students studying abroad and working professionals that planned to stay in Japan for over 3 months will be required to join Japan’s national health insurance system.
Cash / Credit cards: Usually appointments for Japanese dentists will not require a prepayment, however, “will be expected to pay upfront” when arriving. Sometimes the upfront fees are between 3000 yen to 6000 yen depending on different dental clinics. With the improvement in technology, most Japanese dentists accept both cash and credit card payments.
When you arrive, you will also be asked to fill out the “Examination of the application form” and “Consultation form”. Once all steps are completed, treatment can be started.
If you’re lost trying to get yourself a credit card to have some fun around Tokyo, head to our Ultimate Guide to Debit and Credit Cards in Japan to take all of the drama out of a credit card!
5. How Long Does the Procedure Takes?
Visiting a Japanese dentist may require multiple return visits depending on the type of procedure. The amount of time spent will be varied and determined by what the treatment is. For example, if you are simply having a cleaning done, this may only take around 30 minutes. However, if you are having one or more wisdom teeth removed, this procedure may require several hours over several separate sessions depending on your situation.
6. Open Hours for Japanese Dentists?
As there are many dentists around Japan, you can find an appointment time on either weekdays or weekends. However, specific opening times will vary for different dental clinics. Reception times are mostly divided into two periods, and although the opening hours may be slightly different, the opening hours are still similar.
- 09:00~13:00
- 14:00~18:00
These two periods of time are the most commonly used by most dental clinics in Japan (the one-hour break is when most dentists take their lunch break)
7. Where Can I find an English-speaking Dentist in Tokyo?
If you are worried about miscommunication with your Japanese dentist, here are some of the English-speaking dentists in Tokyo.
- Tokyo Midtown Dental Clinic (Roppongi): If you are a tourist or business traveler in Japan, this is your recommended first stop for emergency treatment (some treatments are covered by Japanese health insurance)
- Ryo Dental Clinic (Hatchobori): Top-rated. General and cosmetic dentistry, as well as emergency dentistry. (Japanese health insurance is not accepted)
- United Dental Office (Roppongi): US-trained dentist. General and cosmetic dentistry (Japanese health insurance not accepted)
- Trust Dental Clinic (Shibuya): US-trained dentist. General and cosmetic dentistry (Some covered by Japanese health insurance)
- Fujimi Dental Clinic (Ginza): General and cosmetic dentistry (Some covered by Japanese health insurance)
Not sure if your Japanese is good enough to communicate with the Dentist? Check out our Ultimate Guide to English speaking dentists in Tokyo:
Ultimate Guide to English Speaking Dentists in Tokyo
Are Visiting a Japanese Dentist Covered Under Health Care?
The answer is Yes, visiting a Japanese dentist or any medical support will be covered under the national health care provided by the Japanese government.
1. Costs for those who have Japanese Health Insurance
If you have the “保険証 | hokensho”, and receive treatment from an insured doctor or dentist, you will only need to pay 30% of the total cost. The remaining 70% of the cost will be paid to the clinical institutions by the insurance agency approximately two or three months later, based on the submitted fee claims. In this case, the cost of insurance will not differ from the area you are living in Japan or between private and public institutions. The cost of insurance treatment provided is the same, throughout the nation, fixed by the fee schedule.
If you are living in Japan, you will be asked to do health insurance procedures within your living area to get “保険証 | hokensho”.
In addition, cost-sharing also varies according to age. Children under 3 have a 20% copayment and persons over 70 with low incomes have a 10% co-payment.
2. Costs for those without Japanese Health Insurance
As you have just read, the healthcare system in Japan provides healthcare services by reducing 70% of the total cost a patient needs to pay for their treatments. However, uninsured patients are responsible for paying 100% of their medical fees.
However, if you are an international student or working professional that is staying in Japan for three months or more, it is mandatory coverage (this includes both Japanese citizens and non-Japanese citizens).
For more information, please check out our very own Ultimate Guide to Health Insurance in Japan.
Prices of Dental Procedures in Japan
The cost of visiting a Japanese Dentist can vary depending on the selection of treatment. It is important to note that “some treatments are not covered by” the National Health Insurance. See the table below for prices and translations of services.
1. Basic Procedures (Regardless of Health Care)
| Treatment | Japanese | Romaji |
Price |
| Recommendation of toothpaste/brushing techniques etc |
歯磨き粉のおすすめ ブラッシング方法など |
Hamigakiko no osusume Burasshingu hoho nado |
¥0 - ¥1 ,500 |
| Resin filling | プラスチック樹脂充填 | Purasuchikku Jushi juten | ¥1,500 - ¥2,500 |
| Fillings (inlay) | 充填 (インレー) | Jūten (inre) | ¥1,500 - ¥60,000 |
| Crowns, false teeth |
被せ物 入れ歯を付ける |
Kabusemono Ireba o tsukeru |
¥3,000 - ¥150,000 |
| Tooth extraction + subsequent implant, bridge, dentures |
抜歯＋その後のインプラント トゥースブリッジ 入れ歯 |
Basshi + sonogo no Inpuranto Tīsuburijji ireba |
¥5,000 - ¥900,000 |
2. Filling
From the table below, prices start to rise when treatment involves fillings. Therefore, depending on your choice between cost, looks, and durability, treatment fees vary differently.
|
Treatment |
Japanese | Price (w/ insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance ) |
| Gold/silver palladium alloy filling | 金銀パラジウム合金充填 (Kingin parajiumu gokin juten) | ¥1,300 - ¥1,800 | ¥5,000 - ¥30,000 |
| Ceramic filling | セラミックス充填 (Seramikkusu jūten) | n/a | ¥30,000 - ¥80,000 |
| Hybrid ceramic filling | ハイブリッドセラミック充填 (Haiburiddoseramikku juten) | n/a | ¥30,000 - ¥40,000 |
| Gold filling | ゴールド充填 (Gorudo juten) | n/a | ¥30,000 - ¥50,000 |
****Ceramic, hybrid ceramic, and gold fillings are not covered by the National Health Insurance****
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3. Crowns (Advanced state of took decay)
|
Treatment |
Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Alloy (gold/silver palladium) | 合金（金・銀・パラジウム） (Gokin (Kin gin parajiumu)) |
¥3,000 - ¥5,000 |
¥20,000 - ¥50,000 |
| Hard resin facing crown | 硬質樹脂製フェイシングクラウン (Koshitsu jushi-sei feishingukuraun) |
¥5,000 - ¥7,500 |
¥20,000 - ¥50,000 |
| Hard resin jacket crown | 硬質樹脂製ジャケットクラウン (Koshitsu jushi-sei jakettokuraun) |
¥3,000 - ¥5,000 |
¥30,000 - ¥40,000 |
| All ceramic crown | 全部セラミッククラウン (Zenbu seramikkukuraun) |
n/a |
¥100,000 - ¥150,000 |
| Hybrid ceramic crown | ハイブリッドセラミッククラウン (Haiburiddoseramikkukuraun) |
n/a |
¥50,000 - ¥100,000 |
| Gold crown | 金クラワン (Kin Kura wan) |
n/a |
¥50,000 - ¥100,000 |
****Ceramic, hybrid ceramic, and gold crowns are not covered by the National Health Insurance****
4. Implants & Bridges
| Treatment | Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Implant | インプラント (Inpuranto) |
n/a |
¥150,000 - ¥500,000 |
| Bridge | 歯のブリッジ (Ha no burijji) |
¥20,000 - ¥40,000 |
¥150,000 - ¥900,000 |
| Partial dentures | パーシャルデンチャー (Pāsharudenchā) |
¥5,000 - ¥13,000 |
¥150,000 - ¥500,000 |
****Implant is not covered by National Health Insurance****
5. Gums (Periodontal Disease)
| Treatment | Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Initial inspection | 初回検査 (Shokai kensa) |
¥600 - ¥3,000 |
¥150,000 - ¥500,000 |
| Scaling (removing tartar) | スケーリング（歯石除去） Sukeringu (shiseki jokyo) |
¥750 - ¥900 (all teeth) |
¥150,000 - ¥900,000 |
| Root planing | ルートプレーニング (Rutopureningu) |
¥180 - ¥220 (One tooth) |
¥150,000 - ¥500,000 |
| Periodontal surgical treatment | 歯周外科治療 (Shishugeka chiryo) |
¥3,000 - ¥5,000 |
¥10,000 - ¥150,000 |
| Periodontal regeneration therapy | 歯周再生療法 (Ha Shu saisei ryoho) |
n/a |
¥30,000 - ¥150,000 |
****Periodontal regeneration therapy is not covered by the National Health Insurance****
6. Dentures
|
Treatment |
Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Plastic | プラスチック (Purasuchikku) |
¥10,000 - ¥20,000 |
¥20,000 - ¥60,000 |
| Gold/platinum | ゴールド/プラチナ (gōrudo/ purachina) |
n/a |
¥150,000 - ¥600,000 |
| Pure titanium/titanium alloy | 純チタン・チタン合金 (jun chitan chitan gokin) |
n/a |
¥200,000 - ¥400,000 |
| Cobalt chrome alloy | コバルトクロム合金 (kobarutokuromu gokin) |
n/a |
¥150,000 - ¥250,000 |
| Vitallium alloy | バイタリウム合金 (baitariumu gokin) |
n/a |
¥150,000 - ¥250,000 |
**** Gold/platinum, pure titanium/titanium alloy, cobalt chrome alloy, and Vitallium alloy are not covered by the National Health Insurance****
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7. Transplants
|
Treatment |
Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Transplant | 移植(Ishoku) |
¥7,000 - ¥10,000 |
¥20,000 - ¥50,000 |
8. Orthodontics
|
Treatment |
Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Initial inspection | 初期検査 (Shoki kensa) |
n/a |
¥25,000 - ¥50,000 |
| Wire straightening (brace) | ワイヤー矯正（ブレース） (Waiya kyosei (buresu)) |
n/a |
¥500,000 - ¥1,000,000 |
| Mouthpiece straightening (brace) | マウスピースの矯正（ブレース）(Mausupīsu no kyosei (buresu)) |
n/a |
¥300,000 - ¥900,000 |
| Back teeth correction | 奥歯の矯正 (Okuba no kyosei) |
n/a |
¥800,000 - ¥1,500,000 |
****Initial inspection/consultation, wire straightening, mouthpiece straightening, and back teeth correction are not covered by the National Health Insurance****
9. Whitening
|
Treatment |
Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Home whitening (DIY) |
ホームホワイトニング (DIY) (Homuhowaitoningu) |
n/a |
¥20,000 - ¥50,000 (12 teeth - upper/lower) |
| Office whitening (by clinic) | オフィスホワイトニング （クリニック別） (Ofisuhowaitoningu (kurinikku-betsu)) |
n/a |
¥2,000 - ¥10,000 per tooth |
****Home whitening and Office whitening are not covered by the National Health Insurance****
10. Hypersensitivity
|
Treatment |
Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Hypersensitivity treatment |
敏感な歯 (Binkan'na ha) |
¥150 |
¥1,000-2,000 |
11. Temporomandibular Joint Disease
|
Treatment |
Japanese | Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Temporomandibular joint disorder treatment | 顎関節症治療 (Agokansetsusho chiryo) |
¥8,000 - ¥80,000 |
¥50,000 - ¥5,000,000 |
12. Bruxism (teeth grinding)
|
Treatment |
Price (w/insurance) |
Price (w/o insurance) |
| Treatment usually involves a month's price |
¥5,000 |
¥50,000 - ¥1,000,000 |
Dentists for Children
1. Pediatric Dentists
Mainly specialize in children’s oral health from infancy through the teen years. It is important to take care of a child’s teeth, guns, and mouth throughout the growing stages, preventing possible oral decay and disease that can cause a lifetime of pain and complications. Such issues often occur when secondary permanent teeth are replacing the first set of the child’s teeth.
2. Quality of Pediatric Dentistry
Though pediatric dentists are focused on children’s treatment, the education for all dentists is mainly the same. Before they start their official work as a dentist, they are required to complete four years of dental school and two years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens, or children with special needs additionally. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the professionalism of the doctor, as each doctor has undergone a long period of training and education before being qualified to become a full-fledged dentist.
3. What Kind of Care Does a Pediatric Dentist Provide?
A pediatric dentist provides oral health care for children including the following:
- Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in mother and child
- Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments ( also nutrition and diet recommendations)
- Habit counseling
- Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics)
- Repair of tooth cavities or defects
- Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease
- Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth)
Similar to all other dentists, a pediatric dentist also has a certain degree of medical and dental knowledge, the only difference between a pediatric dentist and other dentists is that they work with children. Unlike adults, children are not always able to be patient or cooperative, therefore pediatric dentists know how to treat children in a way that makes procedures go more smoothly.
Useful Phrases When Visiting a Japanese Dentist
While visiting a dentist, it might be hard to avoid conversations with either the front desk or the dentist. Here are some quick phrases and vocabulary that you can use while visiting a Japanese dentist. Knowing some of the phrases will not only benefit you by avoiding misunderstandings but deliver a much clearer explanation of your needs to the dentist. Allowing the doctor/dentist to fully understand your symptoms will make treatment easier and have fewer errors.
1. Phrases to Use at the Front Desk
|
English |
Japanese |
Romaji |
|
I am here for a checkup |
健診をお願いします |
Kenshin wo onegaishimasu |
|
I have a toothache |
歯が痛いです |
Ha ga itai desu |
|
I want my teeth whitened |
ホワイトニングしたいです |
Howaitoningu shitai desu |
|
My bums are bleeding |
歯茎が出血をしています |
Haguki ga shukketsu wo shite imasu |
|
My tooth is chipped |
歯が欠けています |
Ha ga kakete imasu |
|
One of my fillings came out |
詰め物の1つが取れました |
Tsumemono no hitotsu ga toremashita |
|
Is this covered under my insurance? |
これは私の保険に入っていますか？ |
Kore wa watashi no hoken ni haitte imasu ka? |
|
How much will it cost to …? |
どのくらいの費用で...？ |
dono-kurai-no-hiryou-de …? |
|
I want the least expensive treatment |
一番安い治療を希望します |
Ichiban yasui chiryo wo kibou shimasu |
|
I want to complete my treatment as soon as possible |
なるべく早めに治療を終えたいです |
Narubeku hayame ni chiryo wo oetai desu |
|
The bracket to my braces came off |
矯正器のブラケットが外れました。 |
Kyouseiki no buraketto ga hazuremashita |
2. Phrases Your Dentist May Use During Treatment
|
English |
Japanese |
Romaji |
|
Does it hurt? |
痛いですか？ |
Itai desu ka? |
|
I want to extract your wisdom teeth |
親知らずを抜きたいと思います。 |
Oyashirazu wo nukkitai to omoimasu |
|
I recommend using anesthesia |
麻酔を使ったほうがいいです。 |
Masui wo tsukatta hou ga ii desu |
|
Is that okay? |
宜しいですか？ |
Yoroshii desu ka? |
|
I’ll take an X-ray of your teeth |
歯のレントゲン写真をとります。 |
Ha no rentogen shashin wo torimasu |
|
I’ll begin drilling |
削りを始めます。 |
Kezuri wo hajimemasu |
|
I will fill your cavity |
虫歯の穴を詰めます。 |
Mushiba no ana wo tsumemasu |
|
I recommend pulling your tooth |
歯を抜いたほうがいいと思います。 |
Ha wo nuita hou ga ii to omoimasu |
|
Open your mouth please |
口を開けてください。 |
Kuchi wo akete kudasai |
|
Rinse your mouth |
口を漱いで。 |
Kuchi wo susuide |
|
Please bite down |
噛んでください。 |
Kande kudasai |
|
Brush your teeth at least two times per day |
１日に最低２回歯を磨いてください。 |
Ichi-nichi ni saitei ni-kai ha wo migaite kudasai |
3. Vocabularies You Might See While Visting a Dentist
|
Japanese |
Romaji |
English |
|
歯 |
ha |
Tooth |
|
歯医者 |
ha isha |
Dentist |
|
歯科医院 |
shikai in |
Dental clinic |
|
虫歯 |
mushiba |
Cavity |
|
炎症 |
enshou |
Inflammation |
|
矯正歯科医 |
kyouseishikai |
Orthodontist |
|
詰め物 |
tsumemono |
Filling |
|
歯茎 |
haguki |
Gums |
|
歯周病 |
shishuubyou |
Gum disease |
|
歯磨き粉 |
hamigakiko |
Toothpaste |
|
出っ歯 |
deppa |
Buckteeth |
|
麻酔 |
masui |
Anesthesia |
|
痺れる |
shibireru |
To be numb |
|
親知らず |
oyashirazu |
Wisdom tooth |
|
臼歯 |
kiyuushi |
Molar |
|
前歯 |
maeba |
Front teeth |
|
奥歯 |
okuba |
Back teeth |
|
上歯 |
uwaba |
Upper teeth |
|
下歯 |
shitaba |
Lower teeth |
|
乳歯 |
nyuushi |
Baby teeth |
|
義歯 |
gishi |
Dentures |
|
レントゲン |
rentogen |
X-ray |
|
漱ぐ |
susugu |
To rinse (your mouth out) |
|
磨く |
migaku |
To brush (teeth) |
|
削る |
kezuru |
To drill (a tooth) |
|
埋める |
umeru |
To fill (a cavity) |
|
抜く |
nuku |
To pull (a tooth) |
|
矯正する |
kyousei suru |
To correct (teeth) |
|
出血をする |
shukketsu wo suru |
To bleed |
|
注射する |
chuusha suru |
To inject |
Are the phrases that you are looking for not listed above? Or do you want to learn phrases you can use in other everyday situations?? Check out our list of Useful Japanese Phrases here!
Final Thoughts
It might sound scary to undergo medical surgery or treatment outside of your own country. However, don’t be put off by going to the dentist in Japan. Japanese dentists are known for providing top-quality services and are very affordable especially if you are covered by Japanese health insurance. Moreover, Japanese dentists also have a reputation for being professional and accessible, taking good care of the patient is their top priority.
Please do share this article with your friends who are having concerns about visiting a dentist in Japan. Good luck on your journey and don’t forget to brush your teeth!
