Seeking Guidance on Pursuing a Dentistry PhD in Japan

2 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **Seeking Guidance on Pursuing a Dentistry PhD in Japan**

   Hello fellow Redditors,

   I hope this post finds you all in good health and high spirits. I am reaching out to this supportive community today because I am in dire need of guidance and advice regarding pursuing a Ph.D. in Dentistry in Japan. The wealth of knowledge and experiences here is truly remarkable, and I am hoping to tap into that collective wisdom. I apologize in advance for the lengthy post.

   I would be immensely grateful if anyone with insights or experiences related to pursuing a Ph.D. in Dentistry in Japan could offer some guidance. Here are a few specific questions I have:

   1. Which universities in Japan are renowned for their Dentistry programs and have a strong research focus? Are there any universities that specifically welcome international students? I will be going to [Tokyo Medical and Dental University](https://www.tmd.ac.jp/english/), and it looks like it is going to be a long 5 years.

   2. What are the general requirements and qualifications needed to apply for a Ph.D. program in Dentistry in Japan? Are there any specific entrance exams or language proficiency tests I should prepare for?

   3. How competitive is the admission process for international students? What factors do universities typically consider when selecting candidates for their Ph.D. programs?

   4. Are there any scholarships, grants, or funding opportunities available for international students pursuing a Ph.D. in Dentistry in Japan? What is the best way to search for financial support for my studies?

   5. How is the overall academic and research environment in Japanese dental schools? Are there any particular research areas or specializations that are well-known in the country?

   6. What challenges should I anticipate as an international student pursuing a Ph.D. in Japan? Are there any cultural or language barriers that I should be prepared to overcome? After reading an article that talked about [discrimination against foreigners in the academe](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12564-022-09764-7), I got hesitant.

   7. If you have personally pursued a Ph.D. in Dentistry in Japan or know someone who has, could you please share your experiences, challenges, and any tips that could be valuable for a prospective student like myself?

   8. Do you know of any books that can help me with any unspoken rules and practices in a Japanese lab? I am currently reading a book entitled [**RYUUGAKUSEI**](https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0C537DQ6Y), but I am not sure if this would be enough to survive the metropolis. This guy took his PhD in Tokushima and there might be some cultural differences.

   I sincerely appreciate any insights, advice, or personal anecdotes that you can provide to help me make an informed decision about pursuing a Ph.D. in Dentistry in Japan.

   Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and for your willingness to help. Your support means the world to me!

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2. Congratulations on getting accepted into the program. I will try and answer your questions.
   1. TMDU is well known for dentistry. It is currently No. 3 in the world in Dentistry and No. 1 in Japan, according to QS World Rankings. Osaka University is also worth considering.
   2. You need 13 years of primary education to be accepted into the PhD program (Masters not needed) in most universities. International PhD programs do not require any JLPT except for some or if you consider working in dental clinics.
   3. The competition is very rigid and would help if you have publications in your undergrad.
   4. You can check at your student affairs office for scholarships or you can check JSPS or MEXT.
   5. This will depend on your professor. However, Japan is well known for basic science research than clinical research. You’ll probably find yourself working in an animal lab.
   6. Just keep an open mind. Discrimination exists everywhere in the world.
   7. My personal challenge was dependent on COVID-19, the language barrier, and meeting deadlines with my professor.
   8. This can be regional. Like anywhere else in the world, there are laboratory or geographic-dependent cultural practices within. It is up to you to adapt to your workplace. Do you have a copy of that book that I can borrow?

   Ganbatte ne!