Top Dental Schools in Japan: An International Student’s Guide

Japan boasts one of the world’s most advanced dental education systems, with a legacy of excellence in dental research, technological innovation, and clinical precision. For international students seeking a unique educational experience that combines cutting-edge technology with meticulous training, Japanese dental schools offer a compelling option.

This comprehensive guide explores Japan’s top dental schools and provides essential information for international students considering this educational pathway.

Understanding the Japanese Dental Education System

Before exploring specific institutions, it’s important to understand the structure and distinctive features of dental education in Japan.

Degree Structure and Program Duration

In Japan, dental education follows a structured pathway:

1. Undergraduate Dental Program (学部教育)

   • 6-year program leading to a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
   • Sometimes referred to as Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in international contexts
   • No separate bachelor’s and master’s phases
   • Graduates receive the title “Shika-ishi” (歯科医師, Dentist)

2. Program Phases

   • Pre-clinical education: First 2-3 years (basic sciences and dental fundamentals)
   • Clinical education: Final 3-4 years (clinical rotations and patient treatment)
   • National examination preparation: Final year

Teaching Language

The primary language of instruction in Japanese dental schools is Japanese. While some graduate and research programs may offer components in English, undergraduate dental education requires strong Japanese language proficiency.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition costs vary significantly between public and private institutions:

• National Universities: ¥535,800 (~$3,600) per year
• Public Universities: ¥535,800 (~$3,600) per year, may vary slightly by prefecture
• Private Universities: ¥3,000,000-6,000,000 (~$20,000-40,000) per year

Regulatory Framework

All dental programs in Japan must:

• Be accredited by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
• Prepare students for the National Dental Practitioners Examination
• Meet standards set by the Japanese Association of Dental Science Education

Top 10 Dental Schools in Japan

1. Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU)

Location: Tokyo
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #1 in Japan, #8 in Asia, #32 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥535,800 (National University)

Tokyo Medical and Dental University is Japan’s premier institution for dental education and research. Established specifically for medicine and dentistry, TMDU offers world-class facilities and exceptional clinical training in the heart of Tokyo.

Key Strengths:

• Dedicated dental university with comprehensive facilities

• Leading dental research center in Japan

• Advanced digital dentistry and biomaterials research

• Extensive clinical training with diverse patient population

Notable Features for International Students:

• International Student Office with dedicated support

• Some graduate programs offered in English

• International exchange programs with global partners

• Research opportunities with world-renowned faculty

2. Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry

Location: Osaka
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #2 in Japan, #12 in Asia, #39 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥535,800 (National University)

Osaka University offers an excellent dental program with particular strengths in oral biology research and clinical innovation. Located in Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area, it provides diverse clinical experiences.

Key Strengths:

• Outstanding research in oral regenerative medicine

• Cutting-edge dental materials development

• Strong clinical program with comprehensive patient care

• Excellent integration with medical school and hospital

Notable Features for International Students:

• Growing number of international collaborations

• Research-focused education with laboratory opportunities

• Located in vibrant, more affordable city than Tokyo

• Strong industry connections for dental innovations

3. Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

Location: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #3 in Japan, #15 in Asia, #43 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥535,800 (National University)

Tohoku University offers an excellent dental program with strengths in preventive dentistry and disaster oral health. Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the school has become a leader in disaster dentistry.

Key Strengths:

• Outstanding research in preventive dentistry
• Pioneer in disaster oral health and forensic dentistry
• Strong emphasis on community dental health
• Excellent clinical facilities with recent upgrades

Notable Features for International Students:

• More affordable living costs than Tokyo or Osaka
• Growing international student community
• Beautiful campus with excellent facilities
• Research opportunities in unique fields

4. Kyushu University Faculty of Dental Science

Location: Fukuoka
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #4 in Japan, #18 in Asia, #47 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥535,800 (National University)

Kyushu University offers a strong dental program with particular strengths in oral immunology and geriatric dentistry. Located in Fukuoka, the gateway city to Asia, it has strong international connections.

Key Strengths:

• Leading research in aging and oral health
• Strong immunology and oral cancer research
• Excellent clinical training facilities
• Innovative curriculum with early clinical exposure

Notable Features for International Students:

• Geographic proximity to other Asian countries
• More affordable living costs than Tokyo
• Strong international outlook with Asian partnerships
• Beautiful campus with modern facilities

5. Hokkaido University Faculty of Dental Medicine

Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #5 in Japan, #22 in Asia, #52 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥535,800 (National University)

Hokkaido University offers an excellent dental program in Japan’s northern island. The school is known for its strengths in dental biomaterials and periodontal research in a unique cold climate environment.

Key Strengths:

• Outstanding research in dental biomaterials
• Strong program in periodontal medicine
• Unique research on cold climate effects on oral health
• Excellent preclinical and clinical facilities

Notable Features for International Students:

• Beautiful campus in Japan’s northernmost major city
• Lower cost of living than Tokyo
• Winter sports and natural beauty of Hokkaido
• Smaller international community with personalized attention

6. Nagoya University School of Dentistry

Location: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #6 in Japan, #25 in Asia, #56 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥535,800 (National University)

Nagoya University offers a comprehensive dental program with particular strengths in maxillofacial surgery and implantology. Located in Japan’s industrial heartland, it has strong connections with dental manufacturing.

Key Strengths:

• Excellent program in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Strong research in dental implants and biomechanics
• Advanced 3D imaging and virtual planning technology
• Good industry connections with dental manufacturers

Notable Features for International Students:

• Central location in Japan with good transportation
• More affordable than Tokyo with high quality of life
• Strong connections to dental industry
• Modern campus facilities

7. Hiroshima University School of Dentistry

Location: Hiroshima
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #7 in Japan, #28 in Asia, #61 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥535,800 (National University)

Hiroshima University offers a strong dental program with unique strengths in radiation effects on oral tissues and peace-oriented dental education. The school has developed specialized expertise due to Hiroshima’s history.

Key Strengths:

• Unique expertise in radiation effects on oral tissues
• Strong program in oral cancer treatment
• Excellent clinical facilities with recent modernization
• Peace-oriented healthcare education philosophy

Notable Features for International Students:

• More affordable living costs
• Historical significance of location
• Beautiful campus with modern facilities
• Strong international peace studies connections

8. Niigata University School of Dentistry

Location: Niigata
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #8 in Japan, #31 in Asia, #65 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥535,800 (National University)

Niigata University offers an excellent dental program with particular strengths in prosthodontics and dental materials. The school is known for its research on oral health in rural populations.

Key Strengths:

• Outstanding research in prosthodontics and CAD/CAM
• Strong focus on rural oral health
• Excellent technical training facilities
• Innovative curriculum with problem-based learning

Notable Features for International Students:

• Lower cost of living than major metropolitan areas
• Strong technical focus beneficial for practice
• Beautiful coastal location
• Smaller classes with more personalized attention

9. Tokyo Dental College

Location: Tokyo
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #9 in Japan, #33 in Asia, #68 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥4,200,000 (Private University)

Tokyo Dental College is Japan’s oldest private dental school and offers a comprehensive program with excellent clinical facilities in the heart of Tokyo. The school has strong connections with private practice.

Key Strengths:

• Excellent clinical training with high patient volume
• Strong focus on practical skills development
• Modern dental simulation facilities
• Good connections with private practice sector

Notable Features for International Students:

• Central Tokyo location with urban lifestyle
• Long history and strong alumni network
• Practice-oriented curriculum
• Multiple campuses with specialized facilities

10. Showa University School of Dentistry

Location: Tokyo
Program: 6-year Dental Program
International Ranking: #10 in Japan, #35 in Asia, #71 Worldwide
Annual Tuition (2025): ¥3,800,000 (Private University)

Showa University offers a comprehensive dental program with particular strengths in interprofessional education and hospital dentistry. The integrated healthcare campus provides unique opportunities.

Key Strengths:

• Integrated healthcare campus with medicine, pharmacy, and nursing
• Strong focus on hospital dentistry and medically compromised patients
• Excellent clinical facilities with diverse patient population
• Innovative interprofessional education curriculum

Notable Features for International Students:

• Comprehensive healthcare environment
• Strong emphasis on teamwork across health professions
• Tokyo location with cultural opportunities
• Modern facilities and technologies

Admission Requirements for International Students

Gaining admission to Japanese dental schools as an international student requires careful preparation and understanding of specific requirements.

Japanese Language Proficiency

The most critical requirement for international students:

1. Required Level: N1 or N2 level Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
2. Preparatory Options:
   • University preparatory programs (bekka)
   • Intensive language schools in Japan
   • Japanese language programs at home country
3. Exemptions:
   • Some research programs may have English options
   • Undergraduate dental programs universally require Japanese proficiency

Academic Requirements

1. Educational Background:

   • Completion of 12 years of formal education
   • High school diploma or equivalent
   • Strong science background (biology, chemistry, physics)

2. Examination Requirements:

   • Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
   • Focus on science subjects, Japan and the World, and Japanese language
   • Individual university entrance examinations

3. Additional Requirements:

   • Letters of recommendation
   • Statement of purpose
   • Transcripts with strong academic performance
   • Interview (often in Japanese)

Application Process

The application process typically follows this timeline:

1. Preparation Phase (1-2 years before):

   • Japanese language study
   • EJU preparation
   • Academic credential evaluation

2. Application Phase (6-9 months before):

   • EJU examination (June or November)
   • University application submission
   • Submission of all required documents

3. Selection Phase (3-6 months before):

   • University-specific entrance examinations
   • Interviews for shortlisted candidates
   • Final selection and notification

4. Pre-Enrollment Phase (1-3 months before):

   • Visa application process
   • Housing arrangements
   • Pre-enrollment orientation

Alternative Pathways

For qualified dentists seeking research or advanced training:

1. Graduate Programs:

   • Master’s and doctoral programs may have English tracks
   • Research-focused positions with less clinical requirements
   • Less stringent Japanese proficiency requirements

2. Research Student Status (Kenkyusei):

   • Non-degree position for 6 months to 1 year
   • Pathway to formal graduate admission
   • Requires professor’s acceptance

Financial Considerations

Studying dentistry in Japan requires careful financial planning.

Tuition Fees

Vary significantly based on university type:

1. National Universities:

   • Entrance fee: ¥282,000 (one-time)
   • Annual tuition: ¥535,800
   • Total 6-year program: ~¥3,500,000

2. Private Universities:

   • Entrance fee: ¥1,000,000-1,500,000 (one-time)
   • Annual tuition: ¥3,000,000-6,000,000
   • Total 6-year program: ~¥19,000,000-37,000,000

Living Expenses

Monthly living costs vary by location:

1. Tokyo Metropolitan Area:

   • ¥150,000-200,000 per month
   • Annual: ¥1,800,000-2,400,000

2. Other Major Cities (Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka):

   • ¥120,000-150,000 per month
   • Annual: ¥1,440,000-1,800,000

3. Smaller Cities and Regions:

   • ¥100,000-120,000 per month
   • Annual: ¥1,200,000-1,440,000

Dental Equipment and Materials

Dental students must budget for:

1. Instrument Kits: ¥500,000-800,000 (purchased gradually)

2. Laboratory Materials: ¥200,000-300,000 annually

3. Textbooks and Digital Resources: ¥100,000-150,000 annually

4. Clinic Attire: ¥50,000-80,000 annually

Health Insurance

Japan’s healthcare system for students includes:

1. National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken):

   • Mandatory for all residents including students
   • Approximately ¥20,000 per year
   • Covers 70% of medical costs

2. Student Insurance Programs:

   • University-specific coverage for accidents
   • Approximately ¥2,000-5,000 per year

Scholarship Opportunities

Several options exist for international students:

1. MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government Scholarship):

   • Highly competitive
   • Covers tuition and provides monthly stipend
   • Limited availability for undergraduate dental students

2. JASSO Scholarship (Japan Student Services Organization):

   • Monthly stipend of ¥48,000-¥65,000
   • Need-based and merit-based options
   • Available to privately financed international students

3. University-Specific Scholarships:

   • Varies by institution
   • Often merit-based and limited in number
   • Application through university international office

4. Private Foundation Scholarships:

   • Various Japanese companies and foundations
   • Application often through university
   • Typically ¥30,000-100,000 per month

Work Opportunities

Student visa holders can work part-time:

1. Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by Status of Residence:

   • Must be obtained from Immigration Bureau
   • Allows up to 28 hours per week during term
   • Full-time permitted during official breaks

2. Common Student Jobs:

   • Language teaching (particularly English)
   • Restaurant or convenience store work
   • Translation or interpretation
   • Research assistantships at university

Japanese Dental Curriculum Structure

Understanding the curriculum helps international students prepare for the demands of dental education in Japan.

Pre-Clinical Phase (Years 1-3)

The foundational phase focuses on basic sciences and pre-clinical skills:

1. Basic Sciences:

   • Human Biology and Anatomy
   • Physiology and Biochemistry
   • Microbiology and Immunology
   • General Pathology
   • Pharmacology

2. Dental Fundamentals:

   • Dental Anatomy
   • Dental Materials Science
   • Basic Laboratory Techniques
   • Simulation Training
   • Preventive Dentistry

3. Liberal Arts Education:

   • Humanities and Social Sciences
   • Communication Skills
   • Medical Ethics
   • Research Methodology

Clinical Phase (Years 4-6)

The advanced phase focuses on clinical training and specialization:

1. Clinical Dental Subjects:

   • Conservative Dentistry
   • Prosthodontics
   • Periodontology
   • Oral Surgery
   • Orthodontics
   • Pediatric Dentistry
   • Oral Medicine and Pathology

2. Clinical Rotations:

   • University Dental Hospital
   • Affiliated Community Clinics
   • Specialized Departments
   • Emergency Dental Care

3. National Examination Preparation:

   • Comprehensive Review
   • Mock Examinations
   • Case-Based Learning

Distinctive Features of Japanese Dental Education

Several aspects set Japanese dental education apart:

1. Technical Precision:

   • Meticulous attention to detail
   • Hand-skill development through repeated practice
   • High standards for technical quality

2. Traditional and Modern Balance:

   • Respect for traditional techniques alongside cutting-edge technology
   • Strong foundation in fundamentals before advanced technology
   • Emphasis on understanding principles before application

3. Group Harmony (Wa):

   • Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
   • Group-based learning activities
   • Mutual support systems among students

4. Hierarchical Structure:

   • Respect for professors and seniors
   • Mentorship from upper-year students
   • Structured advancement through training

Pathway to Dental Licensure in Japan

For international students hoping to practice in Japan after graduation:

National Dental Practitioners Examination

The essential step for all dental graduates:

1. Examination Structure:

   • Computer-based multiple-choice examination (CBT)
   • Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
   • Written examinations covering all dental fields
   • Clinical case analysis

2. Eligibility:

   • Graduates of Japanese dental schools automatically eligible
   • Foreign dental graduates must have their qualifications recognized first

3. Examination Schedule:

   • Held once annually (February)
   • Results announced in March
   • Licensing process completed by April

Foreign-Trained Dentists Pathway

For dentists trained outside Japan seeking Japanese license:

1. Preliminary Qualification Assessment:

   • Application to Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
   • Evaluation of dental degree and curriculum
   • Determination of eligibility for examination

2. Advanced Clinical Training:

   • 1-year clinical training program at designated institutions
   • Japanese language and clinical skills development
   • Preparation for national examination

3. National Examination for Foreign-Trained Dentists:

   • Specialized examination pathway
   • Includes Japanese language and cultural components
   • Clinical skills assessment

4. Provisional License Period:

   • Initial practice under supervision
   • Limited scope of practice
   • Progression to full license after evaluation

Visa Considerations for Practice

International dentists wishing to practice in Japan need:

1. Highly Skilled Professional Visa:

   • Points-based system favoring advanced degrees
   • Requires Japanese dental license
   • Renewable with pathway to permanent residency

2. Medical Activities Visa:

   • Specific to healthcare professionals
   • Requires formal employment offer
   • Japanese language proficiency requirement

Advanced Education and Specialization

For those interested in specialization after dental school:

Graduate Programs

Japanese universities offer advanced degrees in dentistry:

1. Master’s Programs (修士課程):

   • 2-year research-focused programs
   • Thesis requirement
   • Available in various dental specialties

2. Doctoral Programs (博士課程):

   • 4-year research-intensive programs
   • Original research and dissertation
   • Often combined with clinical specialization

Clinical Specialist Training

Unlike some countries, Japan’s specialty system is evolving:

1. Clinical Departments:

   • Hospital-based advanced training
   • Typically 3-5 years post-graduation
   • No formal specialty board certification for many fields

2. Japan Prosthodontic Society (JPS) Specialist:

   • One of the more structured specialty programs
   • 5-year training program after basic dental license
   • Examination and case presentation requirements

3. Japanese Society of Conservative Dentistry Specialist:

   • Structured program in restorative dentistry
   • Case-based assessment
   • Continuing education requirements

Research Career Pathway

For those interested in academic dentistry:

1. Research Positions:

   • Assistant Professor (助教)
   • Associate Professor (准教授)
   • Professor (教授)

2. Funding Opportunities:

   • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) grants
   • Ministry of Education grants
   • Industry-sponsored research

3. Publication Expectations:

   • International journal publications
   • Conference presentations
   • Collaborative research projects

Student Life and Cultural Adaptation

Adapting to life in Japan involves several considerations:

University Culture

Japanese dental schools have distinctive cultures:

1. Hierarchical Structure:

   • Respect for professors and seniors
   • Formal communication styles
   • Traditional mentor-mentee relationships

2. Club Activities (部活, Bukatsu):

   • Important for social integration
   • Dental students often join dental specialty clubs
   • Sports and cultural clubs also popular

3. Study Groups:

   • Collaborative learning emphasized
   • Senior students often mentor juniors
   • Group preparation for examinations common

Accommodation Options

1. University Dormitories (学生寮, Gakusei-ryō):

   • Limited availability but affordable (¥30,000-50,000/month)
   • Often shared facilities
   • Good for initial adjustment period

2. Private Apartments (アパート, Apāto):

   • Small studio apartments (¥60,000-100,000/month in major cities)
   • Usually unfurnished
   • Requires guarantor and significant upfront costs

3. Share Houses (シェアハウス, Shea-hausu):

   • Shared living with private bedrooms (¥50,000-70,000/month)
   • Growing in popularity
   • Less initial investment than private apartments

Cultural Integration

Successful adaptation to Japanese dental education requires:

1. Language Immersion:

   • Continued Japanese language study
   • Language exchange partners
   • Active use in clinical and social settings

2. Understanding Japanese Etiquette:

   • Professional behavior expectations
   • Patient interaction protocols
   • Faculty relationship management

3. Balance of Integration and Identity:

   • Adapting to Japanese customs while maintaining cultural identity
   • Building cross-cultural communication skills
   • Developing professional identity within Japanese context

Why Choose Japan for Dental Education?

Japan offers several unique advantages for international dental students:

Educational Excellence

1. Technical precision and attention to detail

2. Balance of traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology

3. Strong research infrastructure in dental sciences

4. Comprehensive clinical training

Technological Advantage

1. Advanced dental materials development

2. Innovation in dental equipment and technology

3. Digital dentistry integration

4. Robotics and AI applications in dentistry

Cultural Experience

1. Immersion in Japanese culture and language

2. Unique approach to healthcare and patient relationships

3. Experience in a society known for longevity and health

4. Exposure to Eastern and Western dental philosophies

Career Advantages

1. Prestigious credentials from recognized institutions

2. Technical skills highly valued internationally

3. Potential career opportunities in Japan and Asia

4. Distinctive perspective for practice in home country

Conclusion: Making Your Decision

Choosing to study dentistry in Japan is a significant commitment that requires careful consideration:

Key Decision Factors

1. Language commitment: Willingness to achieve advanced Japanese proficiency

2. Cultural adaptation: Openness to Japanese academic and social culture

3. Financial planning: Resources for tuition and living expenses

4. Career goals: Alignment with long-term professional plans

5. Learning style: Compatibility with Japanese educational approaches

Steps to Success

1. Language preparation: Begin Japanese studies early and intensively

2. Early application planning: Research requirements 18-24 months ahead

3. Connect with current students: Gain insights from those already in programs

4. Visit if possible: Experience the environment firsthand

5. Develop cultural knowledge: Understand Japanese professional expectations

Japan offers world-class dental education with distinctive advantages. The combination of technical precision, technological innovation, and cultural immersion provides a unique educational experience. While the language and cultural adaptation requirements are significant, the rewards include exceptional clinical skills, research opportunities, and a global perspective on dental practice.

Whether drawn to the urban energy of Tokyo, the tradition of Kyoto, or the natural beauty of Hokkaido, international students will find Japanese dental schools provide comprehensive education with a distinctive approach to dental excellence that is increasingly valued in global healthcare.

This guide serves as a starting point for your research journey. Prospective students should contact individual universities, JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization), and their home country’s Japanese embassy for the most current information as they embark on their dental education journey in Japan.