Dental care in Japan is generally of a high standard, and many dentists are comfortable speaking English, especially in larger cities. However, knowing a bit of Japanese can make the experience smoother and less stressful. Whether you’re going for a routine check-up, a cleaning, or a more complex procedure, you’ll likely encounter some key phrases and terms. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
Calling the Dentist
Your visit to the dentist should start with a search for 歯医者 (dentist) in your area. Of course, asking trusted friends for recommendations should be your first port of call. But, if that fails, just pick any dentist. You’ll be able to find most dentists’ phone numbers on Google Maps. When you call, you should tell them that you are a new patient looking for a dental appointment.
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Check out this model conversation below to prepare you for your call:
Receptionist: こんにちは、○○歯科医院でございます。どういったご用件でしょうか？
(Hello, this is ○○ Dental Clinic. How can I help you?)
Patient: こんにちは、歯科検診をお願いしたいのですが。
(Hello, I’d like to request a dental check-up.)
Receptionist: はい、承知いたしました。検診のご予約ですね。いつごろご希望でしょうか？
(Yes, understood. You’d like to make an appointment for a check-up. When would be a good time for you?)
Patient: 来週の火曜日は空いていますか？
(Is Tuesday next week available?)
Receptionist: はい、来週の火曜日は午後2時が空いています。それでよろしいでしょうか？
(Yes, we have availability next Tuesday at 2 PM. Does that work for you?)
Patient: はい、その時間でお願いします。
(Yes, that time works. Please book me for that.)
Receptionist: ありがとうございます。お手続きの際に、保険証と身分証明書をご持参いただけますでしょうか？
(Thank you. When you come in, could you please bring your insurance card and ID?)
Patient: はい、わかりました。保険証と身分証明書を持参します。
(Yes, understood. I will bring my insurance card and ID.)
Receptionist: ありがとうございます。では、来週の火曜日、午後2時にお待ちしております。
(Thank you very much. We’ll be expecting you next Tuesday at 2 PM.)
Patient: よろしくお願いします。
(Thank you. I look forward to it.)
Receptionist: はい、お待ちしております。失礼いたします。
(We’ll be waiting for you. Goodbye.)
Essential Vocabulary During Your Check-Up
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | クリーニング | Kurīningu |
| Cavity | 虫歯 | Kurīningu |
| Plaque | 汚れ/プラック/歯垢 | Yogore/Purakku/Shikō |
| Filling | 詰め物 | Tsumebutsu |
| Extraction | 抜歯 | Basshi |
| Root Canal | 根管治療 | Konkan chiryo |
| Toothache | 歯の痛み | Ha no itami |
| Pain | 痛み | Itami |
| Anesthesia | 麻酔 | Masui |
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On the day of your appointment, you’ll likely need to know some of these terms below to understand everything that’s happening during your check-up.
Lets look at some example conversations you might have during your check-up.
Discussing a cavity:
Dentist: 少しお話ししたいことがあります。
(I’d like to discuss something with you.)
Patient: はい、どうしましたか？
(Yes, what’s the matter?)
Dentist: あなたの歯に小さな虫歯が見つかりました。この部分に詰め物をする必要があります。
(We found a small cavity in your tooth. We’ll need to put a filling in this area.)
Patient: それは問題ないですか？
(Is that a problem?)
Dentist: 小さな虫歯ですので、早めに治療すれば問題ありませんが、問題すると悪化する可能性があります。
(It’s a small cavity, so if we treat it soon, there shouldn’t be any issue, but if left untreated, it could worsen.)
Patient: わかりました。どのくらいの時間がかかりますか？
(Understood. How long will it take?)
Dentist: だいたい20分から30分くらいです。すぐに治療ができますので、ご安心ください。
(It will take around 20 to 30 minutes. We can treat it right away, so don’t worry.)
Discussing having a follow-up appointment:
Dentist: 全体的にお口の中は良好です。
(Overall, your oral health looks good.)
Patient: ありがとうございます。良い結果で安心しました。
(Thank you. I’m relieved to hear the good results.)
Dentist: ですが、いくつか気をつけてほしいことがあります。特に、歯と歯の間にフロスを使うことをお勧めします。
(However, there are a few things to be mindful of. I particularly recommend using floss between your teeth.)
Patient: フロスですか？毎日使ったほうがいいんですね？
(Floss? You recommend using it every day, right?)
Dentist: はい、毎日使うことで歯の隙間の汚れが取れ、虫歯や歯周病を防げます。とても大切な習慣です。
(Yes, using it every day helps remove plaque between your teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease. It’s a very important habit.)
Patient: わかりました。頑張って毎日フロスを使うようにします。
(Understood. I’ll make an effort to use floss every day.)
Dentist: 素晴らしいです。あと、次回の検診は6ヶ月後にお越しいただけますか？
(That’s great! Also, can you come in for your next check-up in 6 months?)
Patient: 6ヶ月後ですね。はい、問題ありません。
(6 months from now? Yes, no problem.)
There you have it, all the Japanese you could require for going to the detnist in your new home!
