The Best English Speaking Dentist Tokyo List For Expats

Living in Japan, especially Tokyo, offers plenty of English speaking accommodations. And dentistry is one of them.

Going to the dentist once every 6 to 12 months is part of adult life in Japan, and we have the English-speaking dentist Tokyo list for you. 

Why go to an English-speaking dentist in Tokyo?

If you want a simple one-time cleaning, then a Japanese-only dentist would suffice. 

However, having a regular dentist is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Plus, having a regular dentist allows them to catch any abnormalities and help you understand any procedures that will occur on your teeth.

The Japanese dental system explained

The Japanese National Health Insurance and Employee Health Insurance covers dental care. As such, 70% is covered, and you will handle 30%. 

For dental care in Japan, it focuses on preventative care and oral health rather than cosmetic treatments. So Japanese health care covers dental cleaning, checkups, tooth pain, periodontal disease, and typical dental procedures such as cavity fillings and root canal treatment. 

However, it does not cover braces, implants, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic or esthetic dentistry. So you would pay out of pocket for these procedures. 

Additionally, if you have other private insurance, you will pay upfront and have to handle any subsequent reimbursement with your insurance company. 

How to book a Japanese dentist appointment

You need to make an appointment before visiting a dental clinic in Japan. 

Depending on the clinic, you can make an appointment on their online reservation system or call to schedule one. When you do, point out that it is your first time there and any dental concerns you may have.

On your first visit, you'll fill out registration forms and a medical questionnaire and may receive a dental patient card. Bring that patient card to your next dental appointment.

Top 7 English speaking dentist in Tokyo

These English-speaking dental clinics in Tokyo are highly rated and recommended by the expat community in Japan for foreigners in Japan to use. 

1. Trust Dental Clinic - Harajuku

Trust Dental Clinic in Harajuku focuses on providing dental care to Tokyo's international community, with about 70% of its patients being foreigners. Their staff is fluent in English and are kind and courteous.

Their Tokyo dentist, Dr. Ritsu Oikawa, trained at Creighton University Dental School in Nebraska and got his dental license in California. He then passed the Japanese National Board Exam to continue his work in Japan. 

They focus on their patient's comfort and clarity, hence why many expats recommended this place for their English communication and explanation of any dental.

This clinic has various dental services from:

• preventive dentistry

• oral surgery

• dental implants

• preventive care

They accept Japanese Health insurance but will prioritize the best medical treatment and plan for your teeth.

Website: https://www.trustdental.jp/english/index.htm

2. Hitomi Dental

Hitomi Dental Office has two offices: one in Edogawabashi and one in Akasaka. Both offices have bilingual staff, though many have recommended their Akasaka office. 

Their dentist has completed their dental studies and courses and is board-certified in Japan and abroad, so they have Japanese and Western dental practices. Their other staff are friendly and can help with translation if needed.

They accept Japanese health insurance, but many of their patients note that certain procedures that aren't covered will need to be paid out of pocket.

Their services include:

• Preventive

• Cosmetics

• Dental Implants and Oral Surgery

• Orthodontics

• Periodontics

• Endodontics

Website: https://www.hitomidental.com/

3. Mihara Dental Clinic

Mihara Dental Clinic in Shinjuku is highly recommended for its high-quality care, English-speaking staff, and English-speaking dentist in Tokyo, Dr. Mihara.

Dr. Mihara has over 15 years of practice at various clinics and hospitals in Tokyo before opening his own clinic. He is fluent in English, and many have described him as gentle and calm. Additionally, he will discuss options and the cost before doing any dental work.

At this English speaking dentist, their service covers:

• general treatment

• Implants

• cosmetic dentistry

• pediatric care

• Orthodontics

Website: https://www.miharadentalclinic.com

4. Hillside Akasaka Dental Clinic

Many have recommended Hillside Akasaka Dental Clinic for their dentist, Dr. Miyahara, English fluency, warmth, and professionalism for your dental care. The whole Hillside Akasaka Dental Clinic staff are also friendly to all their clients.

Hillside Akasaka Dental Clinic's services include: 

regular checkups

implant treatments

cosmetic dentistry

Specifically, many have gone here for complex treatments for wisdom tooth extractions and dental implant procedures. 

Website: https://hillside-akasaka.jp/  

5. Motoazabu Hills Dental Clinic

Motoazabu Hills Dental Clinic is a favorite among the expat community in Tokyo. 

Many love their bilingual and English speaking dentist, Dr. Jun Suzuki, who has the right mix of professionalism and compassion for all their foreigner's dental health. He takes time to explain everything so you understand what is being done to your teeth. 

Their service includes:

• general dentistry

• pediatric dentistry

• cosmetic procedures

• orthodontic treatment

• oral surgery

• implant dentistry

Website: https://www.hills-dc.com/index_e

6. Avant Dental Clinic

Avant Dental Clinic has Dr. Rino Harada.  She was raised in Canada and completed her degree in Nutritional Science at the University of British Columbia.

She then completed her dental program at Tokyo Dental College, making her a great choice for those looking for an English-speaking dentist in Tokyo. 

Many have recommended her even to those without Japanese health insurance. They can do emergency and non-emergency dental care to foreign travelers and patients.

Their services include:

• Tooth decay and root canals

• Periodontal disease

• Pediatric and orthodontic care

• Preventative cleaning

• Oral and wisdom teeth surgery

• TMJ disorder and teeth-grinding

• Aesthetic treatments (whitening, Botox)

• Maternity dental care

Website: https://www.avant-dc.com/english_page/

7. Azabudai United Dental Office

Azabudai United Dental Office is one of the few English speaking dentists in Tokyo that does not accept Japanese health insurance. 

Instead, they accept international health insurance companies such as Cigna International, Allianz, and Globally DKV. If you only have Japanese health insurance, you can apply for medical reimbursement if your annual medical expenses surpass ¥100,000 or 5% of your income.

Many of their dentists are US dental school graduates licensed in the United States. If you are looking for more Western-style dental care in Japan, Azabudai United Dental Office should be your go-to.

Website: https://www.uniteddentaloffice.com/

Frequently asked questions

Is it expensive to see a dentist in Japan?

The Japanese health system covers dental care similar to other medical expenses. So, most people are expected to pay only 30% of the total cost out of pocket, while the rest is covered. 

How much is dental filling in Japan?

A dental filling without insurance can cost about 10,000 yen. However, the amount will vary slightly between clinics and locations. With Japanese health insurance, you will only pay 30% of the amount.

In closing 

Any of these English-speaking dentists in Tokyo will provide top-notch dental care. Pick the most convenient location for regular dental checkups to prioritize your oral health.