- October 2, 2025
- BELONGING JAPAN
Finding a dentist in Japan can feel intimidating if you are new to the country. From navigating the Japanese health insurance system to booking an appointment in a language you may not fully understand, the process is different from what many foreigners are used to. Yet dental care in Japan is generally affordable, high-quality, and widely accessible once you know how it works.
This guide explains everything you need to know about visiting a dentist in Japan—how to find the right clinic, what treatments are covered by insurance, what costs to expect, and how to communicate effectively with your dentist. Whether you are an expat living long-term, a student studying abroad, or a traveler who suddenly needs dental care, the information below will help you prepare with confidence.
About the Writer
Editor Team
The content on belongingJAPAN is researched and written by a Japanese professional writer specializing in practical guidance for foreign residents in Japan.
For other topics, the site collaborates with certified experts and industry professionals to ensure accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information across travel, lifestyle, finance, and healthcare.
Who This Article Is For
This guide is for foreign residents and visitors in Japan who want to access dental care confidently. It is useful for those who:
Are new to Japan and want to understand dental and health insurance systems.
Need guidance on finding English-speaking or international clinics.
Want to know costs, insurance coverage, and what to expect during appointments.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Overview of Dentistry in Japan
Japan’s Dental Health System and Landscape
As of 2020, Japan had a total of 107,443 licensed dentists, reflecting a 2.4% increase from the previous survey (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Survey of Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists 2020).
The distribution of dental clinics is also noteworthy. In 2020, there were 67,874 dental clinics nationwide, with the majority established by individual practitioners (MHLW, Survey of Medical Institutions 2020). The number of dental clinics exceeds the total number of convenience stores in Japan, which is 55,657, meaning there are more than 10,000 additional dental clinics than convenience stores. This highlights the high accessibility of dental care, even outside urban areas.
Integration into the Japanese Health System
Dentistry in Japan is fully integrated into the national health system. Under the universal health insurance system, most standard dental procedures—such as fillings, extractions, and basic checkups—are covered, with patients typically paying about 30% of the total cost. Please check the article below to understand the basics about health insurance in Japan.
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Examples of treatments covered by insurance include:
Fillings (充填, Jūten): Cleaning and restoring cavities with appropriate materials.
Cast Crown Restorations (鋳造歯冠修復 / インレー, Chūzō Shikan Shūfuku / Inrē): Removing damaged tooth tissue, taking impressions, and creating restorative inlays.
Anterior Crowns (前装クラウン, Zensō Kuraun): Covering front teeth with natural-colored materials when fillings or inlays are insufficient.
Metal Crowns (金属クラウン, Kinzoku Kuraun): Applying metal crowns to molars when cavities have progressed beyond fillings or inlays.
Restorative Crowns (継続歯 / 被せ歯, Keizoku-shi / Kabuse-shi): Replacing or covering severely damaged teeth, especially front or premolars, with artificial crowns to restore natural appearance.
Jacket Crowns (ジャケットクラウン, Jaketto Kuraun): Covering the entire tooth with natural-colored material for cosmetic restoration.
Bridges (ブリッジ, Burijji): Replacing missing teeth by preparing adjacent teeth and attaching an artificial tooth.
Partial or Complete Dentures (部分入れ歯 / 総入れ歯, Bubun Ireba / Sō Ireba): Creating removable dentures for partial or full tooth loss.
Periodontal Treatment (歯周病治療, Shishūbyō Chiryō): Basic care to remove plaque and tartar to treat and prevent gum disease.
Pediatric Dentistry (小児歯科, Shōni Shika): Dental care for children, including cavity treatment and preventive measures.
Preventive Programs (予防プログラム, Yobō Puroguramu): Routine dental checkups, cleanings, and other preventive treatments.
Treatments generally not covered by insurance include:
Implants (インプラント, Inpuranto): Used to replace missing teeth as an alternative to dentures or bridges.
Orthodontics (歯並び矯正, Hanarabi Kyōsei): Braces or alignment procedures performed for cosmetic reasons.
Teeth Whitening (ホワイトニング, Howaitoningu): Cosmetic whitening procedures.
Adhesive Restorations (歯の接着剤治療, Ha no Secchakuzai Chiryō): Treatments for chipped or cracked teeth using bonding materials.
Because insurance coverage and costs vary depending on the specific treatment and the condition of the teeth, it is strongly recommended to discuss treatment options and costs directly with a licensed dentist (Morikawa Dental Clinic, Treatments covered by insurance).
Public (Insurance-Covered) vs Private / Cosmetic Dentistry
After understanding what is covered under insurance, it is important to know the differences between public (insurance-based) care and private / cosmetic dentistry:
What public insurance covers:
Routine dental care (checkups, fillings, root canals)
Standard crowns, bridges, dentures, periodontal treatments
Pediatric and preventive dental programs
What is not covered (private/cosmetic):
Implants, orthodontics for cosmetic reasons
Teeth whitening, premium crowns or aesthetic veneers
Advanced bonding or cosmetic adhesive treatments
Fees:
Insurance-covered treatments: Strictly regulated by the government, consistent nationwide.
Private / cosmetic treatments: Prices are discretionary, varying by clinic, materials, and complexity.
When private clinics make sense:
Non-Japanese speakers seeking English-speaking staff
Cosmetic or aesthetic procedures
Advanced or specialized treatments
Flexible scheduling and premium patient services
Chapter 2: How to Find a Dentist in Japan?
Finding a reliable dentist in Japan may seem challenging for newcomers, but several useful websites make the process easier.
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
You can search for English-speaking dentists using the “Search Medical Institutions” tool by specifying the area and required services (JNTO Medical Institutions Guide). In addition, the same site allows you to search for over-the-counter (OTC) medications available at pharmacies.Japan Dental Association (JDA) Clinic Search (Japanese only)
The JDA provides an official search tool to find certified dental clinics across Japan. You can filter results by location, specialization, and clinic type (JDA Clinic Search).Haishasan (Japanese only)
Haishasan is a comprehensive online directory of dentists in Japan, searchable by prefecture or city, helping you find licensed clinics near your location (Haishasan).
Chapter 3: Booking an Appointment with a Dentist in Japan
When visiting a dentist in Japan, making an appointment is usually straightforward, but the process may differ from your home country. Knowing the typical booking channels, useful Japanese phrases, and what information you need will make it easier to see a dentist smoothly.
Common Booking Channels for Dentists in Japan
Phone – The most common way to book with a dentist in Japan. Most clinics prefer phone calls.
Clinic Website – Many dental clinics in Japan allow patients to reserve appointments online.
Email – Some dentists in Japan accept booking requests by email, though confirmation may take longer.
LINE – Increasingly popular in Japan; certain dental clinics let patients make or confirm reservations via LINE.
Sample Phrases for Booking a Dentist in Japan
Here are some useful Japanese phrases when contacting a dentist in Japan:
English: “Hello, I would like to make a dental appointment.”
Japanese: こんにちは、歯科の予約をお願いしたいのですが。
Romaji: Konnichiwa, shika no yoyaku o onegai shitai no desu ga.
English: “Do you have any available times this week?”
Japanese: 今週、予約可能な時間はありますか。
Romaji: Konshū, yoyaku kanōna jikan wa arimasu ka.
English: “I have health insurance.” / “I do not have health insurance.”
Japanese: 保険証があります。 / 保険証がありません。
Romaji: Hokenshō ga arimasu. / Hokenshō ga arimasen.
Information a Dentist in Japan Will Ask For
When booking with a dentist in Japan, clinics usually request:
Full name (名前, Namae)
Contact number (電話番号, Denwa Bangō)
Health insurance status (保険証の有無, Hokenshō no Umu)
Reason for visit (診察内容, Shinsatsu Naiyō) – e.g., toothache, cavity, cleaning, or consultation
Referral Letters (紹介状, Shōkaijō)
In some cases, a dentist in Japan may not handle specialized treatments directly. For example, complicated oral surgery, advanced periodontal treatment, or procedures requiring hospitalization may require a referral letter (紹介状, Shōkaijō).
A 紹介状 is a written referral from your current dentist to a larger hospital or university dental clinic.
Without a referral, some hospitals may charge an additional first-time consultation fee (特別初診料, Tokubetsu Shoshinryō).
If your case is complex, ask your dentist whether a referral letter is necessary before booking at a large facility.
How Far in Advance to Book a Dentist in Japan
For routine checkups, a dentist in Japan can usually see patients within a few days.
For specialized treatments (orthodontics, implants), the wait may be 1–2 weeks or longer.
During major Japanese holidays—Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year (end of December–early January)—many dental clinics close for several days. Appointments before or after these holidays fill up quickly, so it is best to book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
Emergency dental care may still be available at designated hospital dental departments during holidays, but wait times are often long.
Chapter 4: On the Day of the Visit: What to Expect
Visiting a dentist in Japan is usually straightforward, but it helps to know what to bring, what paperwork to expect, and how the first appointment is typically handled.
1. Checking In (受付, Uketsuke)
Upon arrival, you will check in at the reception desk (受付, Uketsuke). Staff may ask for your insurance card and identification before providing you with forms to complete.
2. What to Bring
When visiting a dentist in Japan, it is important to bring:
Health insurance card (保険証, Hokenshō) – required to use national health insurance for coverage.
My Number Card (マイナンバーカード, Mai Nānkā Kādo) – in some clinics, this can be used as a substitute for your health insurance card for verification and insurance purposes.
Photo ID (身分証明書, Mibun Shōmeisho) – such as a residence card or passport, especially if your clinic does not accept the My Number Card.
Any prior dental or medical records (診療記録, Shinryō Kiroku) – helpful if you have been treated at other clinics or hospitals.
Cash (現金, Genkin) – although many clinics now accept cards, smaller dental clinics often prefer cash for payments not covered by insurance.
3. Questionnaire and Medical History
New patients are typically asked to fill out a basic medical questionnaire (問診票, Monshinhyō). This may include questions about:
Current symptoms or pain
Past dental treatments
Allergies and medications
General health conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
4. Initial Exam and Common Procedures
A first visit to a dentist in Japan often includes:
Visual examination (口腔検査, Kōkū Kensā)
X-rays (レントゲン, Rentogen) if needed
Basic cleaning (歯石除去, Shiseki Jokyo) to remove tartar and plaque
Treatment plan explanation (治療計画の説明, Chiryo Keikaku no Setsumei)
5. Communication Tips
If Japanese is not your strong point, it helps to prepare key phrases:
“I have pain here.”
ここが痛いです。(Koko ga itai desu.)
“I am sensitive to pain. Can you use anesthesia?”
痛みに弱いので、麻酔をお願いできますか。
(Itami ni yowai node, masui o onegai dekimasu ka.)
“I would like to understand the cost before treatment.”
治療の前に費用を教えていただけますか。
(Chiryō no mae ni hiyō o oshiete itadakemasu ka.)
6. Clinic Layout and Privacy Norms
In many small dental clinics in Japan, treatment chairs are in an open room, sometimes separated by partial partitions rather than full private rooms.
Larger hospitals or university dental clinics may have private treatment rooms, especially for surgery or specialized care.
Staff roles are usually clear: dentists (歯科医師, Shika Ishi) perform treatments, while dental hygienists (歯科衛生士, Shika Eiseishi) handle cleanings and preventive care.
Chapter5: Costs & Payment
In Japan, dental treatments are generally covered by the national health insurance system, with patients responsible for approximately 30% of the total cost. The remaining 70% is covered by the government. The exact out-of-pocket expense can vary depending on the treatment and the severity of the condition.
Example of Treatment Costs
Initial Visit (New Patient)
- With Insurance (30% copayment): Approximately ¥3,000–¥4,000
- Without Insurance (self-pay): Approximately ¥15,000–¥20,000
- Interpreter Fee: ¥1,000 per 15 minutes
Cavity Treatment
Early-stage: ¥1,500–¥3,000 (insurance copayment)
Moderate: ¥2,000–¥10,000 (insurance copayment)
Advanced: ¥7,000–¥20,000 (insurance copayment)
Fillings & Crowns
Inlays (glass ceramic, self-pay): starting from ¥48,200
Crowns (glass ceramic, self-pay): starting from ¥72,400
Dentures
Titanium-base dentures ¥440,000 (self-pay)
Cobalt-chrome dentures: ¥300,000 (self-pay)
Teeth Whitening
Standard whitening: ¥23,650 (including tax)
Clover Dental Clinic special: ¥16,500 (including tax) for 2 sessions × 3 minutes each
Source: Sakura Shika
Note: Self-pay treatments are considered private or cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. These costs are approximate and can vary by clinic and location.
How to Inquire About Insurance Coverage
To ask whether a specific procedure is covered by insurance, you can use the following phrases:
Japanese: この治療は保険が適用されますか？
Romaji: Kono chiryō wa hoken ga tekiyō saremasu ka?
English: “Is this treatment covered by insurance?”
Note: It’s recommended to confirm with the clinic directly, as coverage can vary.
Chapter6: FAQs / Common Questions
1. Is English accepted at clinics?
Many dental clinics in Japan do not have English-speaking staff. Larger urban clinics or “international clinics” often offer English services, but it is recommended to call ahead or check the clinic’s website for language support. You can also use interpreter services if needed.
Source: Japan National Tourism Organization – Medical Information
2. What if I’m only in Japan short-term?
Short-term visitors without Japanese health insurance can still receive dental care. Clinics will typically charge the full self-pay price. It’s advisable to check costs in advance and consider travel insurance for major procedures.
3. Do clinics refuse non-residents or people without insurance?
Dental clinics generally do not refuse non-residents or uninsured patients. However, without insurance, patients must pay the full cost (self-pay). Some clinics may also require a deposit before starting treatment.
4. What happens if I miss an appointment?
If you miss a scheduled appointment, clinics may charge a cancellation or no-show fee. Policies vary by clinic, so it is recommended to contact the clinic as soon as possible if you need to reschedule.
Chapter7: Summary: Seeing a Dentist in Japan
Visiting a dentist in Japan may feel challenging for newcomers, but dental care is high-quality, accessible, and generally affordable. Japan has over 107,000 licensed dentists and nearly 68,000 clinics nationwide, making care widely available (MHLW, 2020).
Most standard treatments—fillings, extractions, checkups, and preventive care—are covered by public health insurance, with patients paying about 30% of the cost. Cosmetic procedures, implants, orthodontics, and whitening are usually self-pay.
Dentists can be found via the Japan National Tourism Organization’s English search, or Japanese directories like the Japan Dental Association clinic search and Haishasan. English-speaking clinics are more common in cities and international clinics.
Appointments are usually booked by phone, email, clinic website, or LINE. Patients should bring their health insurance card, My Number Card (if accepted), ID, prior dental records, and payment. Referral letters (紹介状, Shōkaijō) may be required for specialized hospital procedures.
Costs vary: routine care is a few thousand yen under insurance, while dentures, crowns, and whitening can cost several hundred thousand yen self-pay. Emergency care is available after hours and during holidays, though wait times may be longer.
Sources:
* This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult licensed healthcare professionals for personal treatment decisions. Belonging JAPAN is not affiliated with or endorsed by any clinic or organization mentioned. Information, including costs and regulations, is accurate as of October 2025 but may change; please verify details with official sources.
