Finding a good dentist in Japan as a foreigner is easier than it sounds — but it does require knowing what to look for. English-speaking dentists exist in most major cities, and national health insurance covers more than most people realize. Here’s how to get good dental care in Japan.
Is Dental Covered by Japanese Health Insurance?
Yes — partially.
Japan’s national health insurance (国民健康保険) and employee health insurance (健康保険) both cover dental treatments:
- Covered: Fillings, extractions, root canals, x-rays, cleanings (when medically necessary), dentures
- Not covered: Cosmetic whitening, porcelain/ceramic crowns (only metal covered), invisible aligners, implants, preventive cleanings
You pay 30% of the cost (or less if low income); insurance covers the rest.
How Much Does Dental Care Cost?
| Treatment | With Insurance (30%) | Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Initial exam + x-rays | ¥1,000–2,000 | ¥3,000–6,000 |
| Cavity filling (amalgam) | ¥2,000–4,000 | ¥6,000–12,000 |
| Root canal | ¥5,000–10,000 | ¥15,000–30,000 |
| Extraction | ¥2,000–5,000 | ¥6,000–15,000 |
| Crown (metal, insured) | ¥3,000–6,000 | ¥10,000–18,000 |
| Crown (ceramic, not insured) | ¥30,000–80,000 | ¥30,000–80,000 |
| Cleaning (preventive) | ¥1,500–3,000 | ¥3,000–8,000 |
Finding a Dentist in Japan
English-Speaking Dentists
In major cities, English-speaking dentists exist — they’re just not always easy to find.
Resources:
- Yuuniwa — Search English-speaking clinics by specialty and area
- AMDA International Medical Information Center — Bilingual medical referral service: 03-5285-8088
- Your company’s HR — Many large employers have lists of English-friendly clinics
- Expat Facebook groups — Local recommendations in every major city
Regular Japanese Dentists
You don’t need to limit yourself to English-speaking clinics. Most procedures don’t require much verbal communication once you explain the problem.
Useful phrases:
- 虫歯があります (Mushiba ga arimasu) — “I have a cavity”
- 歯が痛いです (Ha ga itai desu) — “My tooth hurts”
- クリーニングをしたいです (Ku-ri-ni-n-gu wo shitai desu) — “I’d like a cleaning”
- 保険が使えますか? (Hoken ga tsukaemasu ka?) — “Can I use insurance?”
What to Bring
- Health insurance card (保険証) — Your employee or national health insurance card
- Residence card (在留カード) — ID
- Cash — Many smaller clinics are cash-only
- Previous dental records — If you have them (x-rays especially are helpful)
The Japanese Dental Experience
A few things differ from what you might be used to:
- Multiple visits are common — Japanese dentists often split treatment across 2–4 visits, billing insurance per session. Don’t be surprised.
- No sedation dentistry — Deep sedation for anxiety is rare. Local anesthetic is standard.
- Thorough cleanings — Japanese dental hygienists are meticulous. A cleaning appointment can take 40–60 minutes.
- Masks and precision — Dentists here tend to be very careful and detail-oriented.
Private Dental Insurance
If you need cosmetic work or implants not covered by national insurance, consider:
- Sony Life Dental Insurance — Available to residents, covers cosmetic and restorative work
- Aflac Japan — Cancer and medical insurance that includes some dental add-ons
- Expat insurance plans — Companies like AXA Expat or Cigna Global offer dental riders
Orthodontics in Japan
Braces and straightening treatments:
- Metal braces: ¥500,000–1,000,000 (not insured, unless medically necessary)
- Invisalign: ¥700,000–1,500,000
- Retainer: ¥50,000–100,000
Orthodontic treatment is generally cheaper than the US or UK but comparable to other developed countries. Shop around — prices vary widely.
Emergency Dental Care
If you have a dental emergency (severe pain, lost tooth, broken crown):
- Call your regular dentist first — many have emergency slots
- Look for clinics that show 「救急」(emergency) or 「夜間」(night) on their signage
- University dental hospitals (大学病院の歯科) often accept walk-ins for emergencies
- In Tokyo, the Tokyo Dental Association Emergency Dental Clinic operates nights and weekends: 03-3834-2814