Japan
Information to work in this country is available from
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8916 Japan
Tel: +81 3 5253 1111
Procedures and/or documents that are necessary to be able to work in this country
A degree in dental hygiene is required, in addition to the successful completion of the National Dental Hygienist Examination and licensure from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
For non-Japanese nationals, a Work Permit/Visa is also required.
Contact the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in order to ascertain specific requirements.
Official licensing body in the country
Japan Foundation of Dental Promotion
4-1-20 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo, 102-0073 Japan
Tel: +81 3 3262 3381
Special conditions that may apply for hygienists that obtain employment
Contact the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in order to ascertain specific requirements.
Contact for Work Permit and/or Visa
Contact the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in the country of residence.
Is a job offer required before a Work Permit/Visa is issued?
Yes.
Main local and/or official language(s)
Japanese is the official language. It is necessary to be fluent in this language.
Are hygienists qualified overseas required to sit the country's national examination?
Yes.
Information on the local working environment
Dental hygienists work in all sectors, including dental practices, hospitals and public health centers. Most work in private practice up to 40 hours per week.
Standard tasks that a hygienist is allowed to undertake in the country
As preventive dental specialists, hygienists provide appropriate measures to prevent dental diseases such as tooth decay or gum disease, including scaling, sealant, fluoride, plaque control, nutritional counseling and oral health education.
Under the guidance of dentists, hygienists perform an important role as a medical team member by assisting dentists in examinations, procedures and patient care.
Hygienists also provide instructions on proper dental care to improve Quality of Life.
Country Statistics
| Total Population | 124,520,000 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists, Female / Male | 313,982 / 161 |
| Number of Dentists | 107,443 |
| Number of Dental Hygiene Schools / Students per year | 177/ approximately 7200 |
| Practicing Dental Hygienists: Full-time | 142,760 |
| Number of Dental Hygienists in private sector / public sector | No official figures available. |
| Number of Dental Hygienists in independent practice | |
| Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Clinicians | 138,045 (96.7％) |
| Number of Dental Hygienists practicing as Educators | 1,006 (0.7%) |
| Hygienists practicing as Administrators and/or Consultants | 741 (0.5％) |
| Number of Dental Hygienists in other practice settings | 607 (0.4%) |
Links to related web sites
WHO Oral Health: Country/Area Profile Programme
Information based on data received by IFDH in:
2020
NOTE: The information provided above is for general guidance only. The International Federation of Dental Hygienists advises all hygienists to contact the country’s relevant licensing bodies and agencies for current information and regulations.
