2025

Tohoku University
Graduate School of Dentistry
Master’s Course

Doctoral Course

The road from Interface Oral Health Science at Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry
to Oral Health Scientist and Oral Health Care Professional

Tohoku University
Graduate School of Dentistry—A Pathfinder of Dentistry,
Dental Care, and Oral Healthfor the Next Generation
Greetings f rom the DeanW

hat is the mouth’s function? Of course, it is directly related to the maintenance of life,
such as breathing and eating, and it may also involve playing wind instruments in a
brass band or singing songs. In addition, communication is necessary for living in society.
Researchers and clinicians are trying to contribute to society by studying and clinicallyresearching the mouth, which plays an important role in various aspects.
The Graduate School of Dentistry’s mission is to train global leaders and highly
specialized professionals in dentistry, dental care, and oral health for the next generation.
With the advantages of Tohoku University — one of the world’s leading comprehensive
universities —we ensure the potential leaders a high standard of education and researchsystems in various fields. Besides, in the framework of our special programs, such as theInterface Oral Health Science program, the Master’s course, and the Asia Double Degree
Program, students develop a sense of a research-oriented outlook and a scientific mind.
First of all, let me briefly introduce the history of Tohoku University. It was originallyfounded in 1907 as the third Imperial University in Japan after Tokyo Imperial University
and Kyoto Imperial University and is now a designated national university along with them.
Blessed with many intellectual assets and excellent human resources, the university continues
to produce world-class results and is a game-changer in the world.

Ken
Osaka
Dean,

Tohoku University
Graduate School of Dentistry
School of Dentistry

As a graduate school of Tohoku University, the Graduate School of Dentistry was established in 1972, seven years after thefoundation of the School of Dentistry. Since then, we have focused on education and research based on Tohoku University’s
philosophy of “Research first,” “Open doors,” and “Practice-oriented research and education.”
Dental health plays a vital role in individuals’ quality of life. How does dentistry help your life? Have you ever thought about
what a mouth is? The mouth has a variety of functions, including eating, staying alive, and speaking and facial expressions tocommunicate. All these functions are essential to life, and at the same time, they are deeply related to our vitality, enjoyment,
and fulfillment in human relationships. The mouth is a “gateway” connecting our outer and inner worlds. When we interact
with the outside world, our mouth serves as an “interface.” Many oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease,occur at the interface where the different systems coincide. Therefore, keeping the interface healthy can help us maintain andimprove our oral health, as well as our overall health. In this era of 100 years of life, dentistry plays a crucial role in extending
the period people enjoy a healthy and high-quality life, or “healthy life expectancy”.
In 2002, based on the terminology “Interface,” we presented the new concept of dentistry, “Interface Oral Health Science(IOHS),” which encompasses the various functions and roles of the oral cavity. The IOHS concept views the oral cavity as
consisting of three systems. The first consists of the tissues and organs that form the mouth, including the teeth, bone, andoral mucosa; the second of the vast microorganisms that live there; and the third of the biomaterials, which are essential andinevitable for dental treatment. Mechanical stresses, or complex forces such as occlusal force, are also applied alongside thesethree systems.
Since the proposal of the new concept “IOHS” and with the clear direction where dentistry research should proceed,
advanced research rooted in the uniqueness and universality of dentistry has been promoted through several research/education
projects adopted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). These projects, however,are not carried out by the Graduate School of Dentistry alone but are the fruit of university-wide wisdom, mainly thanks to theInstitute for Materials Research; the Graduate School of Medical Engineering; the Graduate School of Engineering; and the
Graduate School of Agricultural Science, as well as with other educational and research institutions in Japan and overseas. These
initiatives have blazed the “interdisciplinary fusion,” trail, ranging from the biomaterials research since establishing IOHS to thelatest “SHOKU-gaku research project – Transdisciplinary Science of Eating, Food, and Nutrition for Health and Wellbeing.” We
have also established a Liaison Center for Innovative Dentistry that links these fields with other departments at the university,
external research institutions, and local communities to realize cross-disciplinary research and interdisciplinary fusion. These are
the strengths of Tohoku University, an institution with a long history and tradition and a track record of world-class results.
In 2004, we also established Japan’s first Double Degree course and a Master’s program in dentistry to expand the horizonof dental care and oral health. These establishments boost “Open doors” in dental science education and research. Students
from various professions—ranging from medical and co-medical to engineering; nutrition science; health welfare; and medical
administration—are studying at the Graduate School. To develop research/education in the Master’s course, we increased thequotas on students and strengthened ties with the Doctoral course in 2020.
The Graduate School of Dentistry has a high level of international competence. As a base for dental education and researchin Asia, our education and research are conducted with the world’s leading dental schools. Approximately a quarter of graduate
students are from outside Japan. It is common for us that students from various cultural backgrounds strive together toward
the same goal of pursuing dental science. Tohoku university has received the full evaluation in Japan according to Times Higher
Education rankings. With abundant academic resources and excellent talent, the university continues to create world-renowned
achievements. We strive to become the foundation of Japan’s future.

History of the Graduate School of Dentistry, School of Dentistry

Milestones in the history of modern dental medicine and Japanese dental medicine

History
1723
1728
1840
1844
1846
1860
1876
1878
1881
1883
1888
1890
1891
1893
1902
1903
1906
1911
1916
1928
1946
1947
1948
1965
1967
1972
1975
1993
2000
2002
2003
2004
2005
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2017
2020
2021

History of Dental Medicine andTohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry · School of Dentistry

Pierre Fauchard (known the father of modern dental medicine) announces “Le Chirurgien Dentist.”
Fauchard makes full maxillary dentures.
First modern dental medicine school in the world, Baltimore School of Dentistry, established in U.S.
Tooth extraction conducted under general anesthesia using nitrous oxide.
Oral surgery conducted using ether anesthesia in the U.S.
American dentist William Clark Eastlake opens dental clinic in Yokohama.
Mizuhoya imports dental equipment from U.S. to Japan. Production of dental equipment starts in Japan.
Kisai Takayama goes to the U.S. to study dental medicine at his own expense, returns to Japan after passing exam to practice medicine as a dentist.
Takayama publishes first dental technical book in Japan, “Hoshishinron.”
Medical practice test rules established and dental medicine becomes specialized field.
American dentist Willoughby D. Miller announces “Miller’ s chemico-parasitic theory.”
First school of dental medicine in Japan, Tokyo College of Dental Medicine, established (closed the next year).
Takayama School of Dentistry established. (In 1900, changes name to Tokyo College of Dentists; in 1946 restructured into Tokyo Dental College.)
Fact that dental plaque causes tooth decay discovered in U.S.
Dental Practitioners Association established (in 1926, changes name to Japan Dental Association).
Japan Association for Dental Science established.
School of Dentistry at School of Medicine, University of Tokyo established.
Dental Practitioners Law instituted.
Dental College established.
Dental Practitioners Law revised to restrict doctors from practicing dentistry.
Cavity Prevention Day instituted.
Tokyo High School of Dental Medicine (currently Tokyo Medical and Dental University) established.
Dentist training by national institutions in Japan starts.
Dental Education Council begun under the General Headquarters orders.
Dentist National Examination begins.
Dental Education Standards Draft passed.
Tohoku University School of Dentistry established, advocating the philosophies of “Training dentists who can think,““One mouth is a unit,” and “Holistic dentistry.”
Tohoku University Dental Hospital opens.
Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry established.
Dental Technicians School established.
Prof. Emeritus Hajime Yamamoto awarded Japan Imperial Prize for “Research into applications related to prevention of tooth decay by laser irradiation.”
Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, responding to the government’ s educational policy of emphasizing graduate schools by educating
students with inquiring minds and scientific perspective who can be leaders in dental research.
Interface Oral Health Science concept proposed by Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry.
Organizational integration of Tohoku University Dental Hospital and University Hospital.
Tohoku University Hospital opens.
Graduate School of Dentistry establishes first Master’ s course in dentistry in Japan.
Graduate School of Dentistry starts conducting special education in oral science for people other than those in the medical and dental field.
First International Symposium on Interface Oral Health Science held.
Tohoku University Dental Hospital and Medical Center renamed, beds and operating rooms moved to new location.
“Living body biomaterial high-performance interface science project” begins, sponsored by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Implant outpatients accepted at Dental Medical Center of Tohoku University Hospital.
Renovation of Lecture Building of Graduate School of Dentistry completed.
Prof. Emeritus Shobu Hinuma awarded Order of Culture.
Medical Dental Center outpatient clinic transferred and integrated as Dental Department of Tohoku University Hospital.
Liaison Center for Innovative Dentistry established.
Renovation of Clinical Research Building, Graduate School of Dentistry completed.
Center for Environmental Dentistry established.
Dental and Digital Forensics established.
Center for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Clinical Research established.
Center for Advanced Stem Cell and Regenerative Research established.
Next generation Dental Materials Research established.
Advanced Free Radical Science established.
Courses restructured; Ecological Dentistry, Community Social Dentistry, Disease Management Dentistry, and Rehabilitation Dentistry established.
Liaison Center for Innovative Dentistry reorganized as an affiliated educational research institute.
Dental Technicians School closed.

CONTENTS
Greetings from the Dean
History
What is Interface Oral Health Science?
What we study at theGraduate Schoolof Dentistry

Ⅰ The Doctoral Course
Ⅱ The Master’s Course
Admission fee and tuition

Financial support system
Variety of educational programs

10

03
04

Entrance examination information

1 1

06

Guide of course
Tohoku University Hospital

12

02

08

1 1

19

10
03

What is Interface Oral Health Science ?

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

What is Interface
Oral Health Science ?
The Birth of Interface Oral Health Science
The academic field that is acknowledged as dentistry (dental medicine) nowadays was mainly treatment theory. Etiology and basic dentistry were subdivided and far from systematized. In 2002, Tohoku University Graduate Schoolof Dentistry proposed connecting the various areas of expertise, which were atthat time subdivided, and systematizing them as Interface Oral Health Science.
The oral cavity consists of 1) oral tissue (teeth, mucosa, bone, muscles, etc.
–the living body); 2) parasitic microorganisms that live in the oral cavity; and 3)
biomaterials, as well as mechanical stress as represented by the occlusal force.
These are the characteristics of the oral cavity.
Interface oral health science concerns itself with the places where the various
systems interact. In other words, healthy oral function works where the interfaces harmonize biologically and biomechanically. In addition, the oral cavity
is itself an interface, between the inner body and the outside world. It is understood that oral cavity related diseases, such as aspiration pneumonia and gastrointestinal tract infections, occur due to the collapse of the interfaces between
systems.

Interface Oral Health Science
SocietySociety
Mechanical stress

Oral bacterial diseases(dental caries, periodontal
disease, halitosis)

Aspiration
pneumonia
Otolaryngeal
infectious diseases

Society

Gastrointestinal
tract infectnos

Microbiome

Biomaterials
Host(teeth,mucosa,bone,
muscle)Oral cavity
Organs aroundthe oral cavity
Whole body

New microbial
niche
Dysfunction(temporomandibular disorder,
masticatory dysfunction,
dysphagia)

Material
deterioration
Biologicalmaladjustment

Society

Healthy oral function works where the interfaces
harmonize biologically and biomechanically(Host-Microbiome, Microbiome-Biomaterial and Biomaterial-Host Interfaces)

Oral health is promoted in society (Social Interface)

From Oral Cavity Interface to Academic Interface – and Society Interface
This concept not only covers the area of oral health science anddental science, it relates to a wide range of academic disciplines,
including medicine, agriculture, materials science, pharmacology
and so on. Practicing interface oral health science leads to further
promotion of dental research and activation of interdisciplinary
research in related areas.
In 2007, the “Highly-functional Interface Science: Innovationof Biomaterials with Highly-functional Interface to Host andParasite” program was approved by Japan’s Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and we begancollaborating with Tohoku University’s Institute for Materials
Research and Kyushu University’s Research Institute for Applied
Mechanics to conduct research and development on new biomaterials and develop clinical applications aimed at interface control.
As a successor project, moreover, “Creation of a Biological and
Non-Biological Intelligent Interface” was launched in 2012. These
are the realization of the “Academic Interface” that aims to link
existing academic fields and create a new academic discipline.
In addition, in order to achieve healthy oral function in local

and international communities, it is essential to communicate
with local and international communities interactively (two-way
communication). In other words, it is necessary to gain an understanding of the status of the oral health of local residents, solve
existing problems, and return these solutions to local communities.
We also must investigate the oral health status overseas andprovide what is needed, as well as cooperate with overseas research
institutes and contribute to the general good by returning the outcomes of Japanese dental research to the international community.
We have set up a Liaison Center for Innovative Dentistry in 2011
to enhance cooperation with local communities and foreign research
institutes; it has concluded international academic partnerships withcore schools in Asia (27 universities), Europe (4 universities), North
America (2 universities and 1 research institute) and Oceania (1university). Under the MEXT’s program “Innovative Oral Health
Scinece Liaison for Multimodal Reserach and Education (2013-2019
and 2020-)”, the Liaison Center is playing an important role as“Regional and International Interfaces.”

Sending out ‘Interface Oral Health Science’ to the WorldAt present, the concept of Interface Oral Health Science iswidely recognized in Japan and abroad as the next generation ofdentistry and oral science. In 2005, the International Symposiumfor Interface Oral Health Science: IS-IOHS was held in Sendai
and many researchers gathered there from Japan and overseas.
Every 2 years since 2005, IS-IOHS has been held in Sendai,
with publication of an English book about the new outcomesof IOHS. In addition to Sendai, satellite symposia were held
regularly at the Harvard-Forsyth Institute in the United States,
The University of Hong Kong and Peking University in China,
National Taiwan University in Taiwan, Seoul National University
04

in Korea and University of Sydney in Australia. Since its foundation
20 years ago, Interface Oral Health Science is spreading more andmore, with adding international education and new transdisciplinary
food and eating science “Shoku-gaku”. Its foundation is in thecharacteristics of Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry–the uniqueness of dentistry and oral science and the desire to
conduct unique research with universality to other academic
disciplines; the passion of research educators and graduate students
who gather at the place; and finally, the orientation toward
international, interdisciplinary and fusion-oriented research.

Interface Oral
Health Science ( IOHS ) ,since 2002

Next-generation oral health science fromTohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

International joint education to establish standards of dental education in Asia
We havehave launchedlaunched aa multi-modal
program. This
This isWe
multi-modal dentistry
dentistry innovation
innovation program.
is aa graduate
graduateschool educational
educational projectproject aimed
aimed at
at establishingschoolestablishing aa setup
setup forfor accepting
accepting overseas
overseas stustudents, focusing
focusing onon thedents,
the Joint
Joint Graduate
Graduate School
School Education
Education systemsystem throughthrough collaboration
collaboration
with some
some ofof Asia’
Asia’ ss core
core universities.
universities. Another
Anotherofof itsits goals
goals isis toto constructconstruct anan “Asian
with“Asianstandard” throughthrough dentistry
dentistry innovations
innovations with
with “global“global knowledge”
knowledge”andand “integrated“integrated
standard”
knowledge”asasthe
the keywords
keywordsand
andtotoenhanceenhancethe
the level
level ofof dentistry
dentistry andand dental
dental treattreatknowledge”
ment inin JapanJapan andand Asia.
Asia.
ment
Specifically, we
we will
will step
step upup educational
educational andand researchcollaborations by
by focusing
focusing
Specifically,
research collaborations
on developing
developing andand implementing
implementing thethe Double-Degree
Program (DD(DD Program)
Program) withwithon
Double-Degree Program
influential dentistry
dentistry graduate
graduateschool
schoolinin China
China andand South
South Korea.
Korea. Under
Under this
this program,
program,influential
graduate student
student will
will beat twograduate schools,
schools, receive
receiveaa graduate
be registeredregistered at
two university
university graduate
education fromfrom thethe school
school ofof bothboth universities,
universities,andand earnearn academic
academic degrees
degreesfrom
frombothbotheducation
universitiesifif hehe oror sheshe meets
meets thethe requirements.
requirements.By
Bymeansmeansofofthisthis setup,
setup,weweaim
aim totouniversities
establish dentistry
dentistryand
anddental
dentaltreatment
treatmentbased
basedononaa foundation
foundationcommon
commonto
to allall ofof AsiaAsiaestablish(the “Asian“Asianstandard”),
standard”),and
andrealize
realizedentalinnovation.
(thedentalinnovation.
While still
still enrolled
enrollediningraduate
graduateschool,
school,participants
participants
DD
Programstudy
abroadWhileininthetheDD
Programstudy
abroadat
at thepartner
university
set periodof time,out joint
research.
An agreethe
partner
university
for fora seta periodof time,and andcarrycarryout joint
research.
An agreement
ment
hasmadebeen withmadeseveral
with universities,
several universities,
Peking University,
Sichuanhas
beenincludingincluding
Peking University,
Sichuan University,
University,
Wuhan and
University,
Tianjin
Medical in
University
in China,
Seoul
Wuhan
University,
Tianjin andMedical
University
China, andSeoul andNational
National University,
Yonsei University,andNational
ChonnamNationalinUniversity
in South
University,
Yonsei University,
and Chonnam
University
South Korea,
andKorea, and Chulalongkorn
Theseschoolsin
havealready These
begun
Chulalongkorn
University inUniversity
Thailand, inandThailand.
Universitas
Indonesia
Indonesia.
acceptinggraduatefrom abroad.
schoolshave
alreadystudents
begun accepting
graduate students from abroad.

Study case of IOHS
Associations
the numberofJoint
researchbetween
with NTTDOCOMOon
AI periodontal
to detect periodontal
diseaseteeth,
disease, andtheratee ofare hippocampal
conducting researchatrophy
on AI to detect periodontalWI

diseases in cooperation with NTT DOCOMO, withthebeenaimsuggestedof creating
societydetect periodontalt hasthata tooth
lossthat
andcanperiodontal
diseasediseasesthat cause
anddisease.
tooth loss
at an early
may increase
thelifestylerisk of diseases
Alzheimer’s
However,stage.
The Graduate
School ofofDentistrya wealth of
it is unclear
whether preservation
teeth withhas
periodontal
expertisein theloss
diagnosis
researchof oral diseases,
disease or tooth
is moreandlikelyto be associatedwith the and
DOCOMO’s
AI technology
is combined
jointly
researchhippocampal atrophythat occurs
early on intothe
courseofanddevelopan AI
uses wemachineto detectAlzheimer’s
disease.
In thatthis study,
analyzedlearning
the association
periodontal
disease by
extractingteeth,featuresfrom images
taken
between the numberof remaining
periodontal
diseasewithaddition to atrophy
periodontal
status,smartphones.
and the rate ofInhippocampal
over adisease,4-year weaim
to detectand commercialize
diseasesteeth
such asperiod.
Our results
showed that otherfewer oral
remaining
temporomandibular
disorderswith mild periodontal
disease and oral
morecancer.
remaining teeth
with severe periodontal disease were associated with fasterleft hippocampal atrophy. These findings suggest that it isimportant to preserve a higher number of healthier teeth, andthis study can provide significant implications for dementia
prevention.(Neurology. 2023 Sep 5;101(10):e1056-e1068.
doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207579.)▲ Wuhan-Tohoku International Symposium
2019 (2019.10.18)▲ The 8th IOHS International Symposium
at Fuzhou, China (2019.1.11‑12)

Successful
Visualization of Droplet and Aerosol in
its production and its metabolic charDental
Treatments
acteristics
have not been clarified. The

Graduate School of Dentistry measured acetaldehyde production fromany infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, are known to spread through aerosols
ethanol
as a substrate
underand droplets
suspendedin thevarious
air. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand theconditions
assuming
an oralenvironhazards of aerosolsand droplets
presented
during dental treatment. Researchers at Tohoku
ment,
and
found
“many
oral
bacteria
University recreated the droplets and aerosols that occur during dental procedures. The
in
healthyoralcavitymetabolize
key is the high-sensitivity camera and high-intensity LED light source, which allowed forethanol to
producehigh-quality
imagesof the acetaldehyde.”
droplet spreading during the simulated procedure. Using theseand “its the
productionin thetechniques,
researchersincreases
revealed thatdroplet and aerosol spread could be sufficiently
reducedwhenboth extra-oralsuctionand intra-oral suction were used. Analysis in
assumedenvironment
in thehealthyvarioussituations
is expected
to elucidate the dynamics of dental treatmentoral clinicalcavity”.
These results
suggestderiveddroplets
and aerosols
lead to the development
a cleanerand saferthe
dentalthat oral
bacteria
produceand
acetaldehyde
from alcoholofandmay increaseriskcareofenvironment.(JProsthodont2023;
68 (1) 85-91(Scientific
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2186/
oral cancer evenin healthyRes
oralenvironments.
Reports 2019)
jpr.JPR_D_23_00013)

M

High association between denture cleaning
frequency and pneumonia

T

he Graduate School of Dentistry has conducted many studies to investigate the relationship between oral conditions and systemic diseases.
Recently, we announced that the frequency of denture cleaning was strongly
associated with the incidence of pneumonia. An analysis of the association
between the frequency of denture cleaning and the incidence of pneumonia
based on datafroma survey
of approximately
community-dwelling
Reductionof aerosol
droplet dispersion
by the intra-oral 70,000
and extra-oralsuctions.
elderly people aged 65 years or older revealed that those who did not clean
their dentures daily had a 1.30 times higher risk of developing pneumonia in
the past 1 year than those who cleaned
their dentures daily, and a 1.58 times
higher risk of developing pneumonia▲ Overview of Periodontal Disease Detection AI
in thoseaged
75 years or older. The
he population-attributable risk of oral status for incident functional
disability
remains
oral care in preventing
unknown. We investigated the impact of oral statuses (number effectivenessof remaining ofteeth,
aspiration
in inpatientschewing difficulty, dry mouth, and choking) on incident functional
disability pneumonia
using aand nursing
home residents has been
9-year follow-up data targeted 44,083 older adults. As a result, the incidenceof functional
confirmed,
but≤19this study suggests
disability was higher among those with poor oral status. Among the four
oral statuses,that oralmay
cetaldehyde,
which
is produced
bacteria
the oralremainingteeth (12.0%)
werethe largest byregardingtheinpopulation-attributablerisk.careGiven
its also be effective inelderly people.
cavity,contribution,
has been attracting
in recentyears
as the community-dwelling
population
tooth lossattention
had the largest
impactamong
four oral conditions.
(Scientific Reports 2019)a potential
riskGeriatr.
factor 2023
for oralcancer, but themechanismof(Arch
Gerontol
Aug:111:105009.
doi:
10.1016/j.archger.2023.105009.)
Population-attributable fraction of oral status for incident functional disability

Maintaining a good oral status may
reduce the risk of functional disability later in life

TAn oral cancer risk factor thatoral bacteria produce

A05

What we study at the Graduate School of Dentistry

The Doctoral Course

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

What we study at theGraduate School of Dentistry
Graduate School of Dentistry Admissions Policy
The Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry strives
to foster researchers and sophisticated professionals who: possess
advanced knowledge and skills in dentistry, oral care, and oral health,as well as the sensibilities and fundamental human qualities that
support that expertise; are closely attuned to the needs of society; andcan identify problems on their own and develop concrete solutions
for various challenges of dentistry.
Specifically, we seek applicants who aspire to become sophisticatedprofessionals capable of contributing to society with their specialized

knowledge and skills backed by sensibilities and fundamental humanqualities, or to become researchers able to contribute to new advances
in dentistry.
To attract such candidates we offer three admissions tracks: generaladmissions, special admissions for Working-adults, and special admissions for international students. We use these admissions processes toassess and select applicants, placing emphasis on whether each candidate has the high-level competencies and qualities needed to engage in
research aligned with our educational principles and goals.

ⅠThe Doctoral Course
Admissions policy
The doctoral course seeks students who are highly motivated to study
dental science, possess outstanding competencies, a broad perspective, andflexibility, and are able to pursue original, advanced, transdisciplinary, andexploratory research founded on bench founded on unity in specialization
and academics.
The general admissions track evaluates applicants through four
exams: a written exam of basic knowledge and understanding ofspecialized disciplines, an externally administered certification exam ofEnglish reading comprehension, an interview, statement of purpose,and transcript review for comprehensively assessing whether theapplicants possess strong motivation to study dental science, outstanding
competencies, a broad perspective, and flexible sensibilities. These exams
are given approximately equal weight in the selection process.
Special admissions for Working-adults evaluates applicants throughfour exams: a written exam of knowledge and understanding ofspecialized disciplines, an externally administered certification examof English reading comprehension, and an interview and a review oftranscripts and statement of purpose for comprehensively assessing
whether the applicants possess strong motivation to study dental science,a broad perspective, and flexible sensibilities. These exams are given
approximately equal weight in the selection process.
Special admissions for international students evaluates applicants
through four exams: a written exam of basic knowledge andunderstanding of specialized disciplines, an English certificate tomeasure reading comprehension, an interview, statement of purpose, andtranscript review for comprehensively assessing whether the applicantspossess strong motivation to study dental science, and outstanding
competencies. These exams are given approximately equal weight in theselection process.
Those who are not native speakers of English are expected to acquiresufficient ability in English comprehension and communication before
enrolling.

Curriculum policy
The Graduate School of Dentistry formulates and implements thecurriculum based on the following policy in order to enable students toachieve the aims of the Diploma Policy.
(1) Facilitate the acquisition of sophisticated knowledge and skills in specialized fields and transdisciplinary domains by providing specialized
and transdisciplinary courses necessary for dental science research,and having students develop abundant expertise in dental science,
dental care, and oral health, and write a dissertation based on thatexpertise.
(2) Provide opportunities to develop the high ethical standards andleadership necessary for engaging in research, and opportunities inJapan and abroad to learn about and report the latest findings in
cutting-edge research.

Diploma policy
The Graduate School of Dentistry awards a Doctoral degree to students who has studied the required subjects set according to the school’s
educational philosophy and objectives, has completed the credits requiredby the school, has acquired the knowledge and skills as described below,
and has passed the Doctoral dissertation review and the final examination.
(1) Be able to complete independent, original, and transdisciplinary
research in dentistry using one’s abundant expertise and high-levelspecialized knowledge and skills.
(2) Be able to contribute to the advancement of society and scholarshipby carrying out next-generation research as a leader in dentistry who
tackles societal and scholarly challenges with original ideas, high ethical standards, and a firm sense of responsibility.
(3) Be able to lead dental research in Japan and abroad by utilizing one’s sinternational perspective and communication skills, and by disseminating world-class research findings.
06(3) Achievement is evaluated by determining, using tests and reports,
whether the student has reached the objectives described in the syllabus.
The Doctoral dissertation is evaluated by determining whether it contributes to advanced research from an original perspective, and whether the student, as an independent researcher, has advanced researchcapabilities and extensive knowledge necessary for research activities
and highly professional duties, and by evaluating final exams.

Number of graduate students
in the doctoral course(as of May1, 2024)

32%

50%

Regular students

International students

Nationalities of international
students including Chinese,Indonesian, Thai, Egyptian,Taiwanese, Algerian,
Yemeni, Canadian,Syrian, SriLankan,
Malaysian, Myanmar

18%

Working students

Occupations of adult students

Employed dentist, director of adental clinic, and employee of amajor chemical manufacturer,
teacher at school

185(96 women)

Doctoral course program
IOHS course

in Dentalon
Sciences,
Seminarsin Exercise,
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Completion of at
at least
least 33classes
classeseach
eachfrom
fromLectures
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Dentistry
Introduction
to the specificresearch

ClassesClasses

credits) (6 credits)in thespecificfieldresearch field
Exercise inExercise
the specificresearch
Seminars Exercise
in Dental(6Sciences
Dentistry(

credits)
Technical Courses
in Dental
Sciences(6 (6credits)
ExperimentTechniqueTraining
Courseminimum
credits,
credits,
30
30)

CA+in D course

ClassesClasses(minimum
credits,
credits,
30
30)

Special training for doctoral
credits)
thesis preparation (9 credits)

Technical
training
experiments
Technical training
in inexperiments

Students will earn credits by attending the classclass “Foundation“Foundation of Graduate
Graduate
Research,”presenting
Research,”presenting a research subject andand acquiring
acquiring technical knowledge

Special Lecture
on Sciences,
Dentistry,Seminars
Dentistryin
Exercise,Completion from Lecturesin Dental
Dental Sciences, Technical Courses inand Experiment/
DentalSciences isTechnicalrequired.Training Course is required.
credits)
Lectures in
Dental(3Sciences(3 credits)
Introduction
to thespecificfieldresearch field
Dentistry
TheoryIntroduction
to the specificresearchcredits) (2 credits)in thespecificfieldresearch field
Exercise inExercise
the specificresearch
Seminars Exercise
in Dental(2Sciences
Dentistry
credits)
Technical Courses
in Dental
Sciences(6 (6credits)
ExperimentTechniqueTraining
CourseSpecial training for doctoral
credits)
thesis preparation (9 credits)

Technical
Technical training in experiments
experiments

Students will earn credits by attending the class “Foundation“Foundation of Graduate
Research,”presenting
Research,”presenting a research subject andand acquiring
acquiring technical knowledge(3credits)
Psychosocial Science of Oral Health and Wellbeing
Wellbeing（3credits）(3credits)
Entrepreneur Science of Oral Health and Wellbeing
Wellbeing（3credits）(3credits)
Cross-sectional Science of Oral Health andand Wellbeing
Wellbeing（3credits）(1credits)
Global Exposure in Oral Health and Wellbeing
Wellbeing（1credits）

Admission

First year

Secondyear

Third year

Fourth year
Final defense

Research topic selection
Research topic decision meeting

Submit a doctoral thesis

Participate in journal review meetings, case conferences, study seminars, research progress report meetings and clinical work
Attend and make presentations at scientific conferences in a specific field

Course acceleration

Course completion

Common to both courses

Students with excellent research achievement (eg, a first-authored paper accepted by an established journal) may
complete the course in 2 years.

The
wonderstudyinggrowth
at a renowned academic institution.
Striving
forofpersonal
IAscamefrom Egypt
to Japanto fulfill my
dream ofa doctoral
student
in forensic
dentistryat studying
Tohokuabroad, advancemy careerandI gainin theUniversity
in Sendai,
Japan,
havenew
hadknowledge
the privilegeof dentistry
studyingfield. I joined the International and Community Oral Healthin
thishighlyesteemed
academic
institution
for
the
past
two
Department in the Graduate School of Dentistry where we utilize
years.
The
graduateschoolofdentistryisequippedwithstatedata through intensive statistical analysis to come up with better
dental publichealth policies.
of-the-art
researchtechnologies, and the academic and nonEmbracingof multidisciplinary
theacademic
staff theandconcept
fellow students
are incrediblyresearch,friendly andGraduate School of Dentistry in Tohoku University have good
welcoming,
creatingasupportive
communitythatfosters
facilities with good research materials and supplies. Research fields
collaborationand growth.
ranges from basic
to applied research where it advances most ofdentalresearchfields. offers numerous financial aid options,
TohokuUniversity
The graduate
school scholarshipof dentistry haveof researchcollaboration
includinga generous
that lotprovidesfinancialsupportand exchange programs with southeast Asian universities in china,
formystudies,
allowing
me
to
focus
on
my
researchwithout
south Korea and Thailand where international students have theworrying
abouttofinances.
opportunities
attend International conferences worldwide andgainknowledge
fromother’ sdentistry
experiences
throughcompetitive
Pursuing
a PhD
in forensic
at Tohoku
University
has
travel agrants
offeredthe school.
been
dream
comebytrue.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake
The friendly atmosphere provided for foreign students here isandin Tohoku
2011, theforensichelp
dentistry
playedquitetsunami
noticeable.
university
foreigndepartment
students settingupatheircriticalin they
identifying
andbreakaidingthethecommunity.
livesrole
when
come tovictims
Japan andhuge
languagebarrier Ithroughthe individualfor each
new foreign
Today,
feel privileged
to learntutor
fromsystem
experienced
pioneersin thisstudent. Japanese tutors support foreign students with paper work tofield and contribute to our understanding of forensic dentistry.
obtain their residence cards, housing contracts, bank accounts, etc.

Student’s
Student’s
Message
MessageThe
university
alsoasoffers
Japanese language
tailoredto
Livingin Sendai
an international
studentclasses
has beena joyfulinternationalThe
student’s needs.
experience.
peopleare kind and helpful, and the region’s
Tohoku University also offers a wide range of extra-curricularstunning
natural beauty transforms throughout the seasons.
activities ranging from sports, hobbies, socializing events withAdditionally,of livingin Sendai
is muchthat
more
professors, tothe
evencost
havingresearchcompetitions
willaffordable
keep youentertained
duringyour study
period.
thanin mostof Japan’slargercities. I appreciate the chanceis amyself
great city
studying
and conducting
withtoato Sendai
immersein forJapanese
culturewhile stillresearch
being able
lot of beautiful scenery, nature and greenery that is easily accessible
maintainacomfortable
standardofliving.
from the city center. You can focus on your studies with no so much
Overall, choosing
Tohokuforandmymoving
PhD hasdistractions
here. Coming
fromUniversity
a hot country
to abeencoldcity oflike
was reallyofchallenging.
But, youwill still
be fine if
one
theSendai
best decisions
my life. I would
strongly
recommendit by buying
the suitable
outfit. Also,
ityou
topreparedanyone forseekinga world-classeducation
and Northerna warm,Japan and Sendai as its capital offers authentic delicious Japanese
inclusivecommunity.
The
opportunity
to
learn
from
experienced
cuisine, especially seafood.
researchers
and toto ongoing
research
It’ s an honor
forcontributeme to be a graduate
student
in thisschool,has
andbeenI hopethat otherandforeignstudents will
efforts
invaluable,
the supportiveenjoy their studies
here too.
atmosphere
has mademy experience here truly
unforgettable.
rd
Doctoral 4Courseyear Srifrom
Egyptth
Doctoralyear 3| from
Lanka

Hazem Abbas
FaroukKuruppu
Arachchige
IsuruniAbbas
Jayashika07What we study at the Graduate School of Dentistry

The Doctoral Course, The Master’s Course

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

Student’s
Message

New Knowledge every day
After I graduated from my master’s program at the Departmentof Removable Prosthodontics, Damascus University, I thoughtthat studying abroad will improve both my professional andpersonal skills, and what better place than Tohoku university
with its impressive records and up-to-date interesting research
fields. I was lucky to be accepted as a PhD candidate in the
Rehabilitation Dentistry Department, Aging and Geriatric
Dentistry Division under Prof. Yoshinori Hattori where we study
advanced methods to improve the oral function and overall oral
health related quality of life of the elderly population that isconstantly growing both in Japan and worldwide. Despite themany challenges that international students face while studying
abroad, my professors and colleagues are very understanding
and supportive. And I am very content with the new skills
and knowledge I am earning from a wild range of lectures, lab
training and seminars where other lab mates share the latest
finds in the field. Tohoku University also offers well planned
Japanese courses by great teachers to prepare you for the research
path ahead. Furthermore, Tohoku University provides a variety

of financial support systems. In fact, I was very fortunate to be
accepted in the Tohoku Pioneering Research Support Projectfor PhD Students’ generous intensive stipend program, where I
can concentrate on my studies without having to worry about
any financial issues. This scholarship also provides a grant thatcovers any expenses for business trips, research materials andequipments I may need. In addition, Sendai is a great city withkind people, delicious and affordable healthy food choices, andbeautiful scenery. I will be forever grateful for this university andits professors and staff for all the care and support, skills andknowledge I am obtaining every day.

Doctoral 2nd year | from Syria

Hala Al Khalili

RIGHT PLACE, IDEAL CIRCUMSTANCES“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs
to those who prepare for it today” -Malcolm X said. Based on thatquote, I can say that the Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku
University is a perfect immigration office. Tohoku University wasannounced as the No. 1 University in Japan by Times Higher
Education in 2020 until this post was made in 2023. Many levelsof achievement, contribution, and collaboration were establishedby Tohoku University over more than a century.
In October 2021, I was going abroad from Indonesia forcoming here to be part of the Department of Endodontology andPeriodontology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University
as a PhD student. Tohoku University is located in Sendai, a goodcity for studying because of its amenities and serenity. Sendai hasa significantly lower temperature difference compared to the citywhere I live in Indonesia, it’s cold for me, but luckily the people
are warm.
Leaving my country, which is my comfort zone, is a big
decision for me, but when I am here, everything pays off. Been
here a year, and I can feel the fantastic learning atmosphere thatgrows naturally through the interactions with the teachers, staff,
and other students. During my first year studying here, I obtained
a lot of new knowledge through my research activities about“periodontal regeneration” and other activities such as lectures,weekly journal clubs, lab meetings, and seminars. Moreover, I

Student’s
Messagefeel blessed to have an incredible mentorship from Dr. Shigeki
Suzuki and Prof. Satoru Yamada, who patiently guided me inacademic life, including research beginning, efficiency, criticalthinking, developing ideas, and problem troubleshooting.
This place also provides an excellent support system foryour studying journey, especially the staff and facilities such as
research instruments, student activities, living assistance, etc.
Using the tutorship system to handle paperwork administration
when we first arrived in Japan and offering a Japanese language
course for international students, Tohoku University assisted inbridging the language barrier. Your early years in Japan will besignificantly aided by this arrangement. Then, how about the
research instruments for supporting our research activities? Yes,of course, no doubt about that.
All the good things here successfully change every obstacle thatexists during my study here into valuable lessons,assisting me in building a better version of myself
in every aspect. This place will be suitable foreveryone who wants to grow. Deeply proud tobecome part of Tohoku University!
Doctoral 3rd year | from Indonesia

Rahmad Rifqi Fahreza

ⅡThe Master’s Course
Chronology of events that led to the establishment of the Master’s course
Dental medicine has been progressing rapidly in recent years,
and dental treatment support staff, such as dental hygienists, technicians and other professionals, is now being expected to acquirean even wider range of advanced knowledge and to possess specialized skills based on such knowledge. To promote the researchand development of dental equipment and materials that support
advanced dental medicine, moreover, it is becoming an urgent task
to train researchers and developers who are familiar with the latest
advances in dentistry and oral science.
On the other hand, the importance of oral functions such as
eating and speaking is becoming more broadly recognized. People
in occupations who have no opportunities to receive specialized
dentistry education, such as nurses, speech therapists, nursing
08

teachers, and health administration officials are increasingly being
called on to demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to dental
and oral care in executing their nursing, long-term care, healthguidance, public relations, and other awareness-raising activities.
Examples include the provision of oral health guidance and management, and education on maintenance of the oral cavity.
In April 2004, the Tohoku University Graduate School of
Dentistry established a new Master’s program especially forthese types of individuals, and opened the door for specialized
education and research in dentistry and oral science with the aimof cultivating the abilities needed for such advanced specialist
professions, or the ability to conduct research on dentistry andoral science.

Admissions policy
master’s course
course seeks
seeks students
students who
who have
have diverse
diverse specialized
specialized
The master’sknowledge andas oraloral hygiene,
hygiene, public
publicknowledge
and skills
skills in disciplines such as
health, healthhealth science,science, speechspeechtherapy,
therapy, medical
medicalsociology,sociology, agriculture,
agriculture,engineering, science,motivatedengineering,science, andand food/nutritional
food/nutritionalsciencescience,and
andhighly
who arehighlyto study dental
science,dentalcare, oral
health,othersuchandfields.
motivatedto study
dentalscience,dentalcare,andoral
health,otherThegeneral admissions track evaluates applicants through foursuch
fields.
exams:
a written
exam of trackbasic evaluatesknowledge
and understandingof
The generaladmissions
applicants
through three
specialized
disciplines,
anofexternallyadministeredexam ofofexams:
a written
exam
basic knowledge
andcertification
understanding
English reading comprehension, an interview, statement of purpose,
specialized
disciplines,
anexternallyadministeredcertificationexam
and transcript review for comprehensively assessing whether theofEnglishpossess
readingcomprehension,
andentalinterview
andoutstandingtranscript
applicants
strongmotivation toandstudy
science,review
for comprehensively
assessingwhether
the applicants
poscompetencies,
a broad perspective,
and flexible
sensibilities.
These exams
sessstrongmotivation equal
to study
dentalscience,outstanding
are givenapproximately
weightin theselection
process. competencies,
perspective,
and flexibleevaluates
sensibilities.
Thesethroughexams
Speciala broad
admissions
for Working-adults
applicantsareapproximately
equal ofweightin the selection
process.
fourgiven
exams:
a written examknowledge
and understandingofSpecial admissions
foranWorking-adults
evaluates applicants
through
specialized
disciplines,
externally administeredcertification
exam
three
exams:reading
a written
exam of knowledge
andinterview
understanding
specialof English
comprehension,and anand aofreview
oftranscripts
and anstatement
purpose forcertification
comprehensively
ized disciplines,
externallyofadministeredexam ofassessing
Englishwhether
the applicants possess
motivation
to study
dental science,reading comprehension,and anstrong
interview
and a reviewof transcripts
anddentalcare,ofand
oral health,as well as a broad
perspectiveandstatement
purposefor comprehensively
assessingwhethertheflexible
applisensibilities.
are givenapproximately
equaldental
weightin andthecants possessThesestrongexams
motivation
to study
dental science,care,
selection
process.
oral health,as well as a broad perspective and flexible sensibilities. These
Specialadmissions
for international
students
evaluatesprocess.
applicants
exams
are givenapproximately
equal weightin the selection
throughexams:fora international
written examof basic
knowledge
andSpecial four
admissions
students
evaluates
applicantsunderstandingof specialized
anknowledge
English certificate
tothrough two exams:
a written disciplines,
exam of basic
and undermeasure reading comprehension, an interview, statement of purpose, andstandingofspecialized
disciplines,
andaninterview
andtranscripttranscript review for comprehensively assessing whether the applicantsreview strong
for comprehensively
assessingpossess
possess
motivation to study
dentalwhether
science theandapplicantsdental health,andstrong motivation
to study
dentalscienceand approximately
dental health,equal
andoutstanding
competencies.
These
exams
are given
outstanding
These exams are given approximately equal
weightin thecompetencies.
selection process.
weightthe selection
process.
Thoseinwho
are not native
speakers of English are expected to acquire
Those ability
who arenot native
speakers ofand
Englishare expectedtosufficientin English
comprehension
communication
beforeacquire sufficient ability in English comprehension and communicaenrolling.
tion before enrolling.

Curriculum policy
The Graduate School of Dentistry formulates and implements thecurriculum based on the following policy in order to enable students toachieve the aims of the Diploma Policy.
(1) Provide specialized and transdisciplinary courses in dental science,
dental care, and oral health, as well as an educational environmentthat enables students to focus on research for their master’s thesis andother purposes.
(2) Provide opportunities to develop the high ethical standards expected ofresearchers and sophisticated professionals, opportunities to learn about

the latest advances in Japanese/
Japanese/international
international dental science research anddental care technologies, and practical opportunities enabling students
to acquire communication skills and advanced specialized techniques.
(3) Achievement is evaluated by determining, using tests and reports,
whether the student has reached the objectives described in the syllabus.
The Master’s thesis is evaluated by determining whether it contributes
to research from an original perspective, and whether the student hasin-depth knowledge that functions as a foundation for research andoperational duties with expertise, and by evaluating final exams.

Diploma policy
The Graduate School of Dentistry awards a Master’s degree to a
student who has studied the required subjects set according to theschool’s educational philosophy and objectives, has completed thestudy credits required by the school, has acquired the knowledge
and skills as described below, and has passed the Master’s thesis
review and the final examination.
(1) Be able to carry out specialized research in one’s field or engage
in a high-level specialized occupation with a broad perspective
and leveraging specialized knowledge and advanced technology

in dental science, dental care, oral health, and other such disciplines.
(2) Be able to contribute to the improvement of health and welfare
by addressing societal and scholarly needs regarding dental
science, dental care, and oral health with high ethical standards
and a firm sense of responsibility.
(3) Possess an international perspective and communication skills,
and be able to apply them to dissemination of one’s specialized
research findings, or to one’s high-level specialized occupation.

Master’s course program

Numberof
Number of graduate
students in themaster’s course

Classes (minimum credits, 30)(18credits
credits) ) Minimum of 3 classes in each of the following courses to be completed:
Required
Required (16Introduction to Dentistry,
Training
for Master’s
Thesis
Preparation,
Dentistry, Special
Introduction
to Clinical
Dentistryand
Hospital Tour/Practicum,
SpecialTrainingCourse
for Master’s
Thesis
Preparation,
Research
Technological
Minimumof 3 classes
in each of andthe following
courses to Training
be completed:
Basic
Technical
in Dental

Research topic
selection

Submit a master thesis
Final defense

Acquire special knowledge and receive research training

Course acceleration
Long-term enrollment

Course completion

Admission

Oral
Biomaterials
for forRegenerative
Medicine,
Introduction
to DigitalEngineering in
Oral Biology,
Biology,Oral
OralPathophysiology,
Pathophysiology,
Biomaterials
Regenerative
Medicine,
Introduction
to Digital
Dentistry,
Food
International
DentalHealth, Social
Comprehensive
Oral Health Care
Engineeringin Science,
Dentistry,Food
Science,
International
OralDentistry,
Health, Social
Dentistry, Dentistry,ComprehensiveDentistry,forand Adolescents,
OralAdolescents,
Restoration,Oral
Stomatognathic
Function, Special
Needs Dentistry,
Geriatric
OralChildren
Health Carefor Children andRestration, Stomatognathic
Function,
Dentistry for
Dentistry,
Dental Infection
Control,and Maxillofacial
DigitalEngineeringDigitalin Dentistry,
Disabled, Geriatric
Dentistry,
DentalOral
Infection
Control, Oral Reconstruction,and Maxillofacial
Reconstruction,
Disaster
DentalScience, Environment
DentalScience, Oral Health
Science,
Medical
Ethicsand Social
Ethics,Engineeringin Dentistry,Disaster
DentalScience,Enviroment
DentalScience, Immune
Regulation
and
Oral
Innovative
Dentistry,Oral
Introduction
to Physical
Anthropology,
Oralethics
HealthforInnovative
Cancer Patients,
Immunity, Geriatric
Science,Oral
Health Science,
MedicalandManagement
Social ethics,
Introduction
to ClinicaltoDentistryof Dental Clinic
dentistry, Introduction
physicalTour
anthropology,
Oral Care Program for Cancer Patients

Second year

24
5%%

24%%
25

Regular students

Regular students

International students(12credits
Electives (14credits) ) Minimum
Minimum of 76 of the following
following courses
coursestotobe
becompleted:completed:
Electives

First year(as(as ofof MayMay1,
1,2022)2024)

Students with excellent research achievements (eg, a first-authored paper
accepted by an established journal) may complete the course in one year.
Working students and those with a compelling reason for long-term
enrollment may stay in the course for up to 4 years with no extra cost
other than the 2-year tuition.

International
students
Nationalities
of international
Solomonincluding
Islands Egyptian,students
Namibian, Taiwanese

20
17(18 women)(12 women)

70%
%
52

Workingstudents
students
Working

Occupation of
Occupationof adult
adult students
students

DentalDental hygienist,hygienist, dental
dentaltechnician,technician,teacher
teacherat
at school,
school, etc.
etc.

09

A

Admission fee and tuition, Financial support system

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

Admission fee and tuition
Admission fee 282,000 yen

F*The amount of the admission fee and tuition is subject to change. The newly established amount will be applicable at admission or while the student is enrolled.

Financial support system
Admission fee/tuition waiverStudents having difficulty paying fees may, pending application andscreening, be exempt from paying tuition (all, two-thirds, half, or onethird of the amount) or be allowed to defer the payment or pay inmonthly installments. Likewise, students may be exempt from paying
admission fees (all, two-thirds, half, or one-third of the amount) or beallowed to defer the payment.
Application information will be announced in February and August.
Please see the campus bulletin board and website (http://www2.
he.tohoku.ac.jp/menjo/) for eligibility and the application period.

ScholarshipJapanese Government (MEXT) Scholarshipwith Embassy Recommendation
You are advised to contact the Japanese Embassy 1.5-2 years before your enrollment. For details, please contact the Japanese
Embassy or a consulate directly.

Tohoku University Global Hagi ScholarshipThis scholarship is aimed to nurture “leaders capable of creativity and innovation” who will contribute to scientific and technological development.
With the scholarship (600,000 yen annually), the students arepromised to be concentrated on their research. The Educational
Affairs Section will inform you when the application opens.

Pioneering Research Support Projectfor PhD Students
The project is aimed at excellent PhD students with a strong desire to pursue studies/research in interdisciplinary, international,
or academic/industry collaborative areas. Details will be
informed when the application opens.

Other Scholarships
Self-financed students have opportunities to apply for various
scholarships funded by Tohoku University and private foundations. You can apply for them only after your enrollment. The
Educational Affairs Section will inform eligible students every
time the application opens.

Funding
Part-time job within the university as a
Teaching Assistant (TA)and/or a Research Assistant (RA)Students who assist in classes or research activities will be paid
an allowance (hourly rate). The program provides students withfinancial support as well as opportunities to teach and instruct
other students or learn how to proceed with research activities
and construct theories.
10

Tuition (yearly) 535,800 yen

School of Dentistry Researcher
Development Program

The School of Dentistry has a researcher development program
to help doctoral students become international researchers andenhance their research activities. Up to 300,000 yen will be paid
per student as travel expenses and conference participation fees.

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Fellowship Program
The program provides fellowship support to researchers with excellent research ability, who are taking or have completed thedoctoral course and wish to join research institutes such as universities in the future. A monthly amount of 200,000 yen (estimated in 2025) will be provided to fellows in the doctoral course.

Student’s Message

Pursuing Innovative Dentistry with
Harmonious Academics and Student Life

“Progress is not linear”, a renowned quote by Maria Montessori,
aptly reflects my learning journey in the field of Dentistry. Following
graduation from the University of Dental Medicine (Yangon), I
embarked on an exploration of opportunities to further studies abroadin Japan. Through the MEXT (the Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science, and Technology) Scholarship, the Japanese Government
has graciously granted me to pursue my ambitious aspirations under thesupervision of Professor Guang Hong in the Division of International
Collaborative and Innovative Dentistry.
With the surge of technological advancements in dentistry, implantdentistry has evolved with the cutting-edge technical aids, contributing
to quality dental care though time and labor-saving operative procedures.
This is a crucial aspect that aligns with my research interest at theGraduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University. In our lab, wevigorously conduct research on innovative approaches for biomaterials,
such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF), enhancement of implant surface
modifications, recycled dental zirconia for environmental-friendly
biomaterials, and artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR)assisted guided implant surgeries. Equipped with well-mounted facilities,
regular journal clubs coupled with student-friendly coaching from ourassistant professors and supervision by Professor Guang Hong, we areencouraged to explore our curiosity, foster critical thinking, and engage inscientific inquiry in a productive atmosphere. Beyond the excellence of
educational assistance, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry
provide daily life support through its Student Affairs section, along withThe International Support Center (ISC) aiding in the adaptation not
only to student life but also day-to-day practices in the city of Sendai bysharing information about seasonal festivals, sightseeing, and relaxing
travel spots in the Tohoku region. In terms of my student life, I not
only excel in academic performances but also engage in extracurricular
activities by serving as one of the board members of TUIDSO (Tohoku
University International Dental Student Organization), a core teammember of Tohoku University International F.C. , aiming to expand mysocial network and enrich my campus experience with fantastical andmemorable moments.
Thanks to the MEXT scholarship, my journey of learning andresearch in innovative dentistry has been flourishing constructively on
this campus, where I have gained insight into achieving abalanced life. If anyone were to ask me about studying
abroad, my unequivocal recommendation would be
Tohoku University for those seeking a balanced
academic and extracurricular experience.
Doctoral 2nd year | from Myanmar

Kyaw Zaww

V

Variety of educational programs, Entrance examination information

Variety of educational programs
Double degree program
The double degree (DD) program of Tohoku University Graduate
School of Dentistry is a graduate school educational project involving the major graduate schools of dentistry in China and South
Korea to improve dentistry and dental care in Asia by developing
Asian standards through innovative dentistry based on global andintegrated knowledge.
In the DD program each graduate student enrolls at two universities and studies at the sister school for a specific period of time. The
DD program offers an opportunity to study under the faculties of
two universities at the same time. Students will be able to earn degrees from both universities if the requirements are met.

The International Priority Graduate Program

Mater’s Degree and Internship
Program of African Business Education
Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative)

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry has launched the
new Master’s course “Mater’s Degree and Internship Program of
African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative)”since 2015. The objective of this program is to support young personnel who have the potential to contribute to the development ofindustries in Africa. This program offers opportunities for young
African personnel to study at master’s courses in Tohoku University as international students. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide the tuition fee, living allowance andround-trip airfare for participant of the program.

– Advanced Graduate Course for International Students –Dental oncologist training course

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry has launched the
new PhD degree program “The International Priority Graduate
Program- Advanced Graduate Course for International Students-”
since 2014. The international students being accepted at this program can be adopted as a Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho:
MEXT) Scholarship student. This program accepts excellent students from Southeast Asia, Southwestern Asia, Southern Asia andthe East Asia countries.

This course provides training for dentists to become dental oral surgeons specializing in oral cancer treatment.
Students will take the systematic lecture course to obtain generaland particular knowledge about clinical oncology required for cancer treatment, participate in clinical work at affiliated institutions
and related departments at the School of Medicine and prepare athesis related to oral oncology in the doctoral dissertation program.

Coordination with other research
departments and institutions

Choosing
GraduatetoSchoolof always
To pursuethe
constantly,
improve
Dentistry as your study abroad destination

A cross-department, integrated educational program involving the
Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy and Engineering is available for the
students at Tohoku University School of Dentistry. Students will beable to receive guidance from members of non-dentistry faculties.

Graduate
Dentistry
University isstudent
widely inrecognizedinThe
Sendai.
I feelSchool
muchofhonored
toatbeTohoku
a double-degree
Tohokuas
one of the best dental schools in Asia. The school’s research-oriented curriculum
University
Graduate
Schoolof
Dentistry.
TohokuUniversity
hasto
and state-of-the-art facilities make it the ideal destination for anyone looking
encouraging
academicadvancedscientificinstrument.
expandtheir knowledge
and atmosphere,
skills in the fieldof dentistry.
As an aspiring
dentist, I
have
always here
been arefascinatedby theinnovative researchand cutting-edge techniques
Teachers
very nice,professionaland responsible.
beingI developedin thefield Medicalof dentistry.
This is why
have decided
pursuecame from
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University
of IChina
in Octto2019
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graduate studies in dentistry at the Graduate School of Dentistry in Sendai, Japan.
enrolled
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Molecular
Bioregulation
department.
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research, andincrease
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Future Global Leadership Program
Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry has launched the
new course “Interface Oral Health Science Course” taught entirely
in English since 2011.
The conceptual objective of the “Interface Oral Health Science
Course” is to integrate the diverse research achievements of the
Graduate School of Dentistry in order to advance the understanding of issues concerning oral health. We offer an English education
program covering wide range of Oral Health Science.

E

Student’s Message
Message
Student’s

Tohoku University is one of the great Universities in Japan, locatedDoctoralyear |4thfrom
Doctoral4thCourse
yearChina
from China

Wei
Wei
Song
LitingEntrance examination information
Selection proceduresSpecial screening
for foreignexchange students

Doctoral course

Master’s course

Written examination

Written examination

Interview
Application screening

Interview
Application screening(specialized subject)(Short essay writing)

Qualification Screening
Applicants who graduated from foreign universities have to undergo
the qualification screening for application in advance. Please contact usby e-mail before the beginning of qualification screening, if applicants want to obtain more detail information.
e-mail: international@dent.tohoku.ac.jp

Examination schedulein April
April 2025
2023
Admission in
Admission in
Admission
in Admission
SecondFirst
SecondOctober 2022
October
2024 First
Recruitment
Recruitment
Recruitment Recruitment
Acceptingapplications for
Qualification
Screening

May 2023 to
to 24,
27, May
27, OctoberMay
May 2320 to
to 24,
October 715toto
2022
2022
14,
2024
2024
21, 2022
2024

Acceptingapplication

June 3
6 to
to 7,
10,
June
2024
2022

June
June 63 toto 10,
7,
2024
2022

October
315toNovemberNovemberto 11, 20247,
2022

Examination
date

July 5,
12,20242022 July
2022
July
July 12,
5, 2024

December 2,
6,
December
2024
2022

Announcement
December 22,
19,
July 18,
21, 2024
2022 July
July 21,18, 2022
2024 December
date of examination July
2024
2022
results

11

Guide of course

Ecological Dentistry

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

Ecological Dentistry
Oral Ecology and Biochemistry

Professor

Nobuhiro Takahashi

The oral cavity forms an ecosystem where the host (humans) and microbiome (a tremendous number of microorganisms) cohabit. Using leadingedge techniques, we conduct research on the role of oral microbiome in oral/systemic health and disease from an oral ecological viewpoint. In
addition, we propel clinical research on caries/periodontitis-preventive effects of xylitol, fluoride, tea catechinsetc, and on microbiome-induced deterioration of biomaterials. We also conduct metabolic studies on hostcells, including oral cancer cells.

Main
researchthemes• Genomics, proteomics and metabolomics of oral microbial ecosystem (oral microbiome)• Biochemical and molecular biological studies on metabolism of oral microorganisms using an anaerobic
experimental system and the association with systemic / oral health and diseases• Biochemical studies on caries / periodontitis preventive properties of fluorides, sugar alcohols and tea catechins• Evaluation of cariogenic potential of food products and sweeteners by pH-telemetry using miniature transistor
pH electrode• Biochemical studies on oral microbiome-induced deterioration of dental biomaterials• Metabolism of host cells, including oral cancer cells▲"The anaerobic experimental system" thatcreates anaerobic and hypoxic conditions

Oral Microbiolog yOral Molecular Bioregulation

Professor

Nobuhiro Takahashi(collateral office)Interaction among oral mucosal cells, saliva and immune cells through immune regulatory factors
and cell-to-cell contact is critical for mucosal defense, and dysfunction (disorder) of the interaction
leads to onset of oral mucosal and salivary gland diseases. We investigate the underlying molecularmechanism to overcome these diseases. Moreover, we investigate the innate immune responses
induced by the infection with oral bacteria, especially the enhancement or failure of immunologicalhomeostasis in the oral mucosa.

Mainresearchthemes▲Oral mucosal defense and research aim• Host Defense and Diseases in the Oral Mucosa• Inflammatory Mediators and Cytokines in Pathological Conditions• Immune Regulation of Saliva and Diseases in the Salivary Glands• Mechanism of Metal Allergy Development• Regulation of Inflammation by Biotin▲

P. gingivalis
increases IL-33
expression inhuman gingival
epithelial cells.

• Role of chronic allergic inflammation in oral infectious diseases• Role of epithelial barrier dysfunction in oral infectious diseases• Regulation of oral mucosal homeostasis by oral commensal bacteria• Innate immune responses of bacterial cellular components

Periodontolog y and Endodontolog yProfessor

Satoru Yamada

One of our projects is studying on the onset mechanism of periodontal disease (marginal and apicalperiodontitis), representative chronic inflammation in the oral cavity, in terms of the interaction between
host cells and bacteria, and also we study on the regenerative mechanism of periodontal tissue. In addition,
I perform the study for apply ME such as lasers for periodontics and endodontics.

Main
researchthemes• Analysis of the onset mechanism of marginal and apical periodontitis▲The calcified nodule formed of
Periodontal Ligament Cells.

• Analysis of the interaction between cells in the periodontium• Analysis of the periodontal regenerative mechanism and application to the treatment• Development of method for periodontal diagnosis using ME• Development of periodontal regenerative therapy using new biomaterials

Operative Dentistry

Professor

Masahiro Saito

Main
researchthemes12Development of tooth regeneration therapy
A model for tooth regeneration therapy (Upper panel)
Cell transplantation by using sheet technology (Lower left panel)
Local administration of bioactive molecules (Lower right panel).
Arrow indicated regeneration of fibers in tooth.

▲We work mainly on research of the following topics from a clinical perspective:
physical properties of composite resins used in restoration for diseases of the hardtissues such as the dental carries; measurement of adhesive strength onto enamel anddentin; observation of adhesion/joining conditions by electron microscope; long-termclinical performance of oral restorative materials using the replica method; conformity
precision with respect to castability of titanium restorative materials and dentin; andstrengthening of the physical properties of porcelain inlays. We also work on clinicalstudies that are re-restoration treatment with materials not containing allergic materials, and application of novel disinfecting technique using functional water. In addition
to these studies, we develop regenerative therapy which expected to create innovative
dental therapeutic systems in the 21st century. A feasibility study of the realizationof tooth regeneration therapy is performed in research projects that are stem cell transplantation and local administration of bioactive molecules.

• Development of Tooth Regeneration Therapy• Investigation of Molecular Mechanisms that regulate Periodontal ligament formation• Research Related to Physical Properties and Adhesion/Joining Conditions onto Dentin of Composite Resin• Research Related to Dental Precision Casting and Level of Conformity of Pure Titanium and Titanium Alloys• Research Related to the Strengthening of Physical Properties and Clinical Application of Ceramic Inlays

Community Social Dentistry

Community Social Dentistry
International Oral HealthProfessor

Ken Osaka

Our research mainly focuses on the influence of socioeconomic and behavioral factors on oral health. Our studies have consistently shown thatsocioeconomic status has an impact on oral health. On the other hand, studies have shown that oral health isassociated with the tendency to become functionally dependent and increased risk of pneumonia deaths.
We have worked on training young researchers in developing countries as a kind of international collaboration. As
well as analyzing the oral health conditions and health inequalities in Japan and deepening our understanding of
the dental care system and long-term care insurance system for the older population.

Main
researchthemes• Association between oral health and social-economic and behavioral factors.
• Understanding the underlying mechanisms that lead to associations between broader social determinants and health(oral & general).
• The oral health care system and health inequalities.
• Infectious disease countermeasures and risk management.

Dental and Digital Forensics

Professor

Ken Osaka (collateral office)Forensic dentistry is the science concerning the application of dental evidence to the resolution of legal problems. We aim to integrate the advanced
knowledge and skills of information science into conventional research methods in forensic dentistry. Our division is the first and only one laboratory in the northern Japan, engaged in research and education of forensic dentistry. The education goal of the division is that the students gain
knowledge and understanding of the process of forensic dentistry in Japan and of personal identification using dental records or skeletal remains.

Mainresearchthemes• Morphological studies on the human skeletal remains• Mass fatality incident management and assistance• Comparative odontology on the mammals

Preventive Dentistry

Professor• Application of dental Information in identification• Morphological studies on the teeth of Japanese

Takeyoshi Koseki

The Division of Preventive Dentistry aims to prevent all oral disorders and to promote and maintain oral
health and its full function. We are also in charge of the Department of Oral Supportive Management andCare at Tohoku University Hospital, developing clinical and research activities focusing on perioperative
oral functional management of cancer patients.

Main
researchthemes▲Portable measuring system of oralmalodor• Prevention and treatment of cancer therapy-induced oral adverse events/oral mucositis• Patient survey of consciousness on perioperative oral management and care
• Research on protective devices in tongue brachytherapy• Association of breath and oral environment with bone metastases and skeletal related events of breast cancer• Impact of COVID-19 on oral cavity• Study of diagnosis and prevention of early caries of enamel and root surfaces• Development of evaluation methods and recording systems of dental clinical skills

Pediatric Dentistry

Professor

Kan Saito

In order to promote the healthy development of children by managing their oral health during childhood, we are investigating
caries, abnormal tooth formation, and oral dysfunction from various angles, such as basic, clinical, and epidemiological research.

Main
researchthemes• Identification and functional analysis of disease genes related to the oral
• Analysis of enamel and dentin formation• Research on differentiation mechanisms of ectodermal organs

Craniofacial Anomalies

Professor• Research on anti-tumor method by inducing calcification• Development of novel dental materials for calcification and anti-caries
Gene mutation• Research on relationship between lifestyle and development in children produced hairs

instead of enamel

Kaoru Igarashi

Our division is a clinical dentistry field specializing in research on the diagnosis and treatment of
craniofacial anomalies, including cleft lip and palate.

Main
researchthemes• Research on the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial anomalies, including cleft lip and palate• Research on the role of immune cells in osteoclastogenesis• Research on growth and development of children with cleft lip and palate• Objective evaluation of oral sensation with somatosensory evoked magnetic fields• Development of a new anti-inflammatory bisphosphonate that also promote bone formation

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics▲Anterior maxillary distraction osteogenesis(AMDO) appliance

Kaoru Igarashi(collateral office)One of the clinical dental department that focus on a research related to the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal
morphological and functional occlusion. Our aim is to develop a new diagnosis and treatment methods and to
elucidate craniofacial growth mechanics, by various clinical and basic scientific research.
We also offer a 3-year postgraduate orthodontic clinical training program with addition to the PhD course. Our
department is accredited by the Japanese Orthodontic Society as a training institute for orthodontic specialists.

Main
researchthemes

1. Clinical research• Development of temporary anchorage
devices for orthodontic treatment• Evaluation on outcomes of orthodontic treatment• Analysis on maxillofacial morphology
and facial soft tissue• Study on the relationship between
malocclusion and orofacial function• 3D simulation of surgical orthodontic
treatment

Professor

2. Basic research• Clarification of biomolecular mechanism of orthodontic tooth movement• Clarification of biomolecular mechanism of craniofacial development• Clarification of responses of osteocytes, periodontal tissue cells andchondrocytes against mechanical stress• Development of orthodontic materials• Development of acceleration techniques of orthodontic tooth movement with physical stimulation• Clarification of regulatory mechanism in endochondral ossification• Study on effects of joint loading on extracellular matrix (ECM) expression of temporomandibular joint

Fluorescent images ofosteocytes

13Guide of course

Disease Management Dentistry

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

Disease Management Dentistry
Oral Physiology

Professor

Junichi Nakai

We are in the field of fundamental studies that establishes basic theories from our understanding of physiological
functions, such as mastication, oral sensation including gustatory sensation, function of saliva and vocalization.
Presently, many still unanswered questions exist in regards to the oral and maxillofacial region’s connection to overallbodily functions, including higher brain functions. In the department of oral physiology we focus on individualorganism and cell level research that investigate these questions by using electrophysiological and molecular biological
techniques.

Main
researchthemes• Neural mechanisms of sensory and motor system• Psychophysical studies on gustatory function and oral fat sensitivity• Molecular mechanisms of differentiation, regeneration, and apoptosis in osteoblasts and neurons

Dental Pharmacology

Professor▲A spinal dorsal horn neuron andserotoninergic axon terminals.

▲Distribution of synapses between
a spinal dorsal horn neuron andserotoninergic axon terminals.

Minoru Wakamori

The major goal of our research programs is to elucidate the operating principles of the body to keep homeostasis on the molecularlevel by utilizing electrophysiological and molecular biological techniques. Specifically, we are interested in “mechanisms toregulate intracellular Ca2+ concentration”, “transduction mechanisms of oral sensations”, and “regenerative medicine”.

Main
researchthemes• Functional analysis of Ca2+-permeable cation channels• Molecular and neurobiological studies of taste, pain and mechanical stress sensations• Developmental biology and morphogenesis of bone and teeth• Chemical and pharmacological approach to stem-cell biology and regenerative medicine

Oral Pathology

Professor

Periodontal ligaments enhance
neurite outgrowth in trigeminal
ganglion neuron through Wnt5a
production induced bymechanical stimulation.

Hiroyuki Kumamoto

To clarify the etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and outcome of various lesions occurring in
the oral and maxillofacial region, basic macroscopic and microscopic observations as well as further
analyses are performed. Our division research fields are as follows.

Mainresearchthemes• Molecular pathology of lesions of the jaws
• Clinicopathological and genetic studies of developmental abnormalities of the teeth• Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical studies of the oral immune diseases and cancer• Investigation on regeneration of the oral and maxillofacial tissues and application of biomaterials

Dental Informatics and Radiology

Professor

Masahiro Iikubo

Our main research themes include the development of new medical devices and new treatment support
systems in collaboration with other faculties, and research on improving diagnostic accuracy for oral
and maxillofacial diseases using the latest imaging modalities, such as CT, MRI, Ultrasonogram, andnuclear medicine imaging. In addition, clinical research on oral management for patients with systemic
diseases is performed in collaboration with the Perioperative Oral Health Management Department.

Main
researchthemes▲Expression of telomerase in ameloblastoma(a: TRAP assay, b: immunohistochemistry)(1) Development of new medical devices(2) Imaging diagnosis of oral and maxilla-facial lesion(3) Study on the relationship between systemic diseases and oral conditions

Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery

Professor

A

BC▲X-ray imaging using a semiconductor detector,
which is currently under development, can reveal theeffective atomic number and electron density of amaterial. A; Plane X-ray image, B; Color image ofeffective atomic number, C; Color image of electron
densityKensuke Yamauchi

Our department focuses on the treatment of diseases with skeletal deformities in the maxillofacial
region, with the goal of reconstructing morphology and function up to the restoration of occlusal
function. We strive to restore function through reconstruction, including dental implants, not only
for jaw deformities, temporomandibular joint disorders, congenital and acquired deformities, andtraumatic injuries, but also for secondary problems caused by morphofunctional abnormalities
resulting from treatment of inflammation (including osteomyelitis), tumors, and other diseases.

Main
researchthemes• Molecular biological analysis of bone morphogenetic mechanisms and bone morphological repair
processes• Development of bone regenerative method by applying the fracture healing process• Development of new medical technology applying advanced medical equipment in the treatment ofjaw deformities• Molecular biological analysis of trauma and temporomandibular joint diseases to minimally invasive
surgical therapy• Development of futuristic oral surgical treatment by telemedicine and computer-assisted surgery

Occlusal reconstruction using dental implants
for the resected mandible caused by oral cancer

Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgical Sciences
With the goal of reducing the number of patients who die from oral cancer to zero, we asked questions such as,"How can we detect it at an early stage?", "Can we prevent oral cancer?" "How can I treat it so that it does notcause functional impairment?"
We are conducting research on these questions,Main
researchthemes14• Development of early detection methods andbiomarkers for oral cancer• Development of oral cancer diagnostic method using AI• Research on control of oral cancer• Study of oral cancer circulating tumor cells(CTC)• Analysis of genetic abnormalities in oral cancer• Research on oral microbiota that triggers oral cancer• Study of oral microbiota that triggers cancer in otherorgan• Development of new treatments for oral cancer• Research on surgical reconstruction treatment for oral
cancer

It is possible to diagnose oral cancer bymeasuring miRNA in serum.

Professor

Tsuyoshi SugiuraDisease Management Dentistry, Rehabilitation Dentistry

Dento-oral Anesthesiology

Professor

Kentaro Mizuta

Comprehensive Dentistry

Our research advances discovery in perioperative medicine and in a variety of related
studies. The department’s current studies include research in lung physiology and
The departmentof comprehensive
aimsoutcomes,
to developrobotic
superioranesthesia,
primary care in general denimmunology,
neuroscience,
orofacial dentistry
pain, clinicaltistryandalsopracticesthemanagementofclinicaltraining
programfor post graduate residents.
and more.

▲

The role of epithelial rests of Malassez
to promote periodontal regeneration.

Furthermore, following basic and clinical research projects are conducted with the graduate
Exploring novel therapeutic targets for bronchospasm, asthma, and COPD.
students of this •department.

Main
Main
research
researchthemesthemes• Exploring pathogenesis of orofacial pain by in vivo multiscale brain imaging.
• Development of artificial intelligence-assisted robotic system for anesthesia.

• Periodontal regeneration using periodontal ligament cells• Development of new strategies to expand regulatory T cells for the therapy••Relationship• Oral hygiene and oral microorganisms in the elderly
dentaldiseases and systemic illnessof allergic andbetween
autoimmune
diseases.
••Circadianrhythmof dental pain
DevelopmentMelatoninof effective
treatment
methods in primary
MT2
receptor-mediatedAnalysiscareof brain function in animal
Clarificationof the regulatory
mechanisms of histamine production•andits function.
• Exploring the effects of anesthetics on cell metabolism.

exacerbation of asthma symptoms

models of neuropathic orofacial pain

Disease Management Dentistry, Rehabilitation DentistryRehabilitation Dentistry
Hiroshi Egusa (collateral office)Professor
Comprehensive Dentistry
Professor
Hiroyuki Ichikawa
Oraland
Craniofacial
AnatomyThe department of comprehensive dentistry aims to develop superior primary care in general den-

researchthemesMain
researchthemes• Relationship between dental diseases and systemic illness•• Circadian rhythm of dental pain

The role of epithelial rests of Malassez
to promote periodontal regeneration.
(B) indicate▲Arrows (A) and arrowheads
TRPV1-positive nerves and TRPV2-positive cells
in the rat pharyngeal mucosa, respectively.
▲

Our divisionhas
researchthethemesabout theofhumananatomy,focusedon oral structures.
tistryand also
practicesmanagement
clinicaltrainingparticularly
program forpost graduate
residents. The
morphology offollowing
human andbasic
otherandmammalians
is also compared.
In addition,
we withare interested
in motor,
Furthermore,clinical research
projects are
conducted
the graduate
sensory andautonomic
systems of oro-facial regions. For this purpose, the distribution and function of
studentsof thisdepartment.
neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and others substances is investigated in the central and peripheral• Periodontal
nervousMorphometricmethods
areperiodontal
used for theseanatomical
and microscopic studies.
regeneration
using
ligament
cells
Main systems.

• Oral hygiene and oral microorganisms in the elderly• Development of effective treatment methods in primary care
Distribution and function of various sensors in the orofacial andcervical regions of human and other mammalians• Change and mechanism of the pain threshold in animal chronic pain models• Mechanism of motor and sensory dysfunction in muscular atrophy diseases

Rehabilitation
Dentistry
Craniofacial Development and Tissue
Biology

Professor

Yasuyuki Sasano

We have been investigating development, regeneration and healing of bones and teeth using rat experimental
E15 Rat
TYPE I Collagen
Mandiblemodels. In particular, we are interested in regulatory mechanismsof extracellularmatriceson cell and tissue
Professor(collateral office)Hiroyuki
Professor
KenOsakaIchikawa
differentiation in the calcified tissues.
Our division has research themes about the human anatomy, particularly focused on oral structures. The
Regulatoryof extracellularmatriceson differentiationof osteoblasts,chondrocytes,
cementoblasts
Mainmorphologyof•humanandmechanisms
other mammalians
is alsocompared.
In addition,
we are interested
in motor,and odontoblasts
research
sensory
and autonomic
systemsoforo-facial
regions.
For
thispurpose,the
distributionandfunctionofTenascin C
Fibronectin• Remodeling of extracellular matrices in the calcified tissues during development, regeneration and healing
themes▲Arrows (A) and arrowheads (B) indicate
neurotransmitters,
neuromodulators and others substances is investigated in the central and peripheral• Differentiation and maturation of cells and extracellular matrices in the calcified tissue during development,of extracellular▲Expressions
TRPV1-positive
nerves and TRPV2-positive
cells
nervous systems. regeneration
Morphometricmethods are used for these anatomical and microscopic studies.
and healing
molecules
a rat embryonin the rat matrix
pharyngeal
mucosa,inrespectively.

Oral and Craniofacial Anatomy

Mainresearchthemesic mandible• Regulatory mechanisms of calcification• Distribution and function of various sensors in the orofacial and cervical regions of human and other mammalians• Change and mechanism of the pain threshold in animal chronic pain models• Mechanism of motor and sensory dysfunction in muscular atrophy diseases

Professor
Osamu Suzuki (collateral office)Dental Biomaterials
Craniofacial Development and Tissue Biology

Professor

MinoruWakamori
Yasuyuki
Sasano(collateral
office)We have been investigating development, regeneration and healing of bones and teeth using rat experimental
models. In particular, we are interested in regulatory mechanisms of extracellular matrices on cell and tissue
differentiation in the calcified tissues.

Mainresearchthemes

E15 Rat
Mandible

TYPE I Collagen• Regulatory mechanisms of extracellular matrices on differentiation of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, cementoblasts

and odontoblasts• Remodeling of extracellular matrices in the calcified tissues during development, regeneration and healing• Differentiation and maturation of cells and extracellular matrices in the calcified tissue during development,

regeneration and healing• Regulatory mechanisms of calcification

Fibronectin

Tenascin C▲Expressions of extracellularmatrix molecules in a rat embryonic mandible

Professor
Osamu Suzuki (collateral office)DentalBiomaterials
Professor
Osamu Suzuki(CFE)
Craniofacial
Function Engineering

We are focusing on the development of new dental materials and devices that are used in oral
We are focusing on the fundamental science and the applied research of tissue engineering with thecavities.
We aim at upgrading of the dental treatment quality through the wide range of ourbiomaterial science and biology to investigate about regeneration of various bone defects in the fields ofinvestigations
from synthesis, processing, and functional evaluation of dental materials/devices
dentistry, oral surgery, and an orthopedic surgery. Especially, we are developing new functional biomain
oralconditions.
terials and new devices based on biomimetics.

Main
Main
research
researchthemesthemes• Developmentof bio-inspired
materials
and totheirapplicationin our laboratory
and becoming
clear
beclinicalreplacedto hydroxyapatite (HA) spontaneously when
• Development
soft biological tissue adhesives and their clinical application
implanted inof
vivo
Control developmentof surface morphology
propertyreleaseon materials
andgrowth
its evaluation•• Deviceof the andcontrolledof thefactors which reproduce bone and• Developmentof new material evaluation methods and their clinical application
periodontal tissues• Surface designing of the metal implants using calcium phosphates to increase bone regeneration capability and mechanical adaptability• Elucidation of biomineralization and its application to bone regeneration using synthetic or natural
Artificial enamel rods
polymer carriers• Development of the drug and the gene delivery methods utilizing the synthetic calcium phosphates
and translational research into bone regeneration field
Professor
Osamu Suzuki( examination)• Micro-nano manipulation technology in cell culture andusing tissue engineering
methods• Development of the method to evaluate bone quality of the regenerated bone tissue

Craniofacial Function Engineering CFE

We are focusing on the fundamental science and the applied research of tissue engineering with thebiomaterial science and biology to investigate about regeneration of various bone defects in the fields ofdentistry, oral surgery, and an orthopedic surgery. Especially, we are developing new functional biomaterials and new devices based on biomimetics.

Main
research▲The bone regeneration research using theoriginally developed artificial material

Developmentof newusing
dentalthematerials
and their
clinical application
Surface-treated(synthetictitanium octacalcium
and solid-state
adhesive•• Boneregeneration
synthetic
octacalcium
phosphate (OCP), which is originally developed
phosphate(OCP)) to• Bone regeneration using the synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP), which is originally developedin our laboratory and becoming clear to be replaced to hydroxyapatite (HA) spontaneously wheninduce differentiation of osteoblastic cells andanalysis of bone regeneration mechanisms.

Zirconia nanofibers and tubes▲Development of the culture device toload a mechanical stress on osteoblasts
and chondrocytes. Analysis of stem celldifferentiation process into osteoblasts
and chondrocytes using the micro-nanomanipulation technology.

▲The bone regeneration research using theoriginally developed artificial material(synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP)) to
induce differentiation of osteoblastic cells and15

Guide of course

Rehabilitation Dentistry, Innovative Liaison Dentistry

Osamu Suzuki

Professor

We are focusing on the fundamental science and the applied research of tissue engineering with the
Focus of research
our division
is onreconstructionof morphology
functionof thebiomaterialscienceand
andeducation
biology toof
investigate
about
regenerationof various
bone defectsandin thefields ofpatients withedentulism
or maxillofacial
defects.
In addition
to developing
conventional
prostdentistry,
oralpartial
surgery,
and an orthopedic
surgery.
Especially,
we are developing
newthefunctional
biomahodontic
such
as removableand fixed dentures, we aim to create novel prosthodontics utilizing
terials
andmodalities
new devices
based
on biomimetics.
the dental implant, tooth transplantation, and tissue regeneration, and to clarify the biomechanical and ▲The bone regeneration research using thedeveloped artificial material
mechanobiologicalinteraction
the interface
betweenprostheses
consisting
withisbiomaterials
and living originally• Boneregenerationatusing
the synthetic
octacalcium
phosphate(OCP), which
originally developed(synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP)) to
Main
induce differentiationof osteoblastic
andtissues,which is essential
for the successof prosthodontics.
in our laboratory
and becoming
clear to be replaced to hydroxyapatite (HA) spontaneously whenanalysiscells
using▲Muscle fiber
researchthemesanalysisDiffusionof bone regeneration
mechanisms.
Tensor Imaging

implanted in vivo

• Device development of the controlled release of the growth factors which reproducebone andperiodontal tissues• Biomechanics
and mechanobiology for stomatognathic morphology and function based on in vivo measurements• Surfacedesigning of the metal implants using calcium phosphates to increase bone regeneration capaand evaluation
DentistryInnovative
Guide of course • Studies
Rehabilitation
bility andmechanicalDentistry,
adaptabilityontransplantation,
regeneration
andLiaison
construction
for prosthodontics, implantology and maxillofacial rehabilitationof biomineralizationand its application
to bone regeneration using synthetic or natural
Main
Liaison Dentistry
Dentistry, Innovativeof course • Elucidation
Guide
Rehabilitation• Studies
research
oncarriers
development and clinical application of novel biomaterials and creation of novel interfaces for ▲Development of the culture device topolymer
Dentistry
LiaisonInnovative
Dentistry,of course • Development
Guide
Rehabilitation
themesprosthodontics,
andmaxillofacial
rehabilitationload a mechanical stress on osteoblastsof implantology
the drugand thegenedeliverymethods
utilizing the synthetic calcium phosphates• Developmental and translational research for novel dental treatment technology and dental equipment and chondrocytes. Analysis of stem cellresearch
into boneregeneration
Dentistry
Liaison field
Innovative
Dentistry,
Guide of course and translational
Rehabilitationdifferentiation process into osteoblasts
based
upon
multi-disciplinary
researchandacademia-industrial
collaboration• Micro-nano manipulation technology in cell culture and examination using tissue engineering methods
and chondrocytes using the micro-nano• Studies on clinical outcome of prosthodontics, implantology and maxillofacial rehabilitation• Development of the method to evaluate bone quality of the regenerated bone tissue
i-implant bone stressmanipulation▲ P e r technology.

Advanced Prosthetic Dentistry
Advanced Prosthetic Dentistry
Focus of research and education of our division is on reconstruction of morphology and function of theAdvanced
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partialedentulism
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Molecular and Regenerative Prosthodontics

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research
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and evaluation

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h e inp avivot i e nmeasurements
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diagnostics.
• Studieson clinicaloutcome of prosthodontics,
prosthodontics,
implantology
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rehabilitationand maxillofacial rehabilitation▲

Dentistry
Dentistryofofof Dentistryof Dentistry
SchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolGraduate
Graduate
Graduate
Graduate
University
University
University
University
Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry
TohokuTohokuTohokuTohokuCraniofacial
FunctionDentistryEngineering (CFE)
Advanced Prosthetic▲Peri-implant bone stress
distribution analysis by FEM▲Peri-implant bone stress
distribution analysis by FEM▲Peri-implant bone stress
distribution analysis by FEM
Peri-implant bone stress
Hiroshi Egusa ▲distribution analysis by FEM

based upon multi-disciplinary research and academia-industrial collaboration• Developmental and translational research for novel dental treatment technology and dental equipment• Studies on clinical outcome of prosthodontics, implantology and maxillofacial rehabilitation
based upon multi-disciplinary research and academia-industrial collaboration• Studies on clinical outcome of prosthodontics, implantology and maxillofacial rehabilitation

Professor
Molecular
and Regenerative
Professor
Yoshinori Hattori
Aging and Geriatric
Dentistry Prosthodontics
Professor
Hiroshi Egusa
Molecular
andisRegenerative
Prosthodontics
Our
major
research
focus range
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1 ) Professor
regeneratewith
missing
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onnext-generation
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Molecular
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alveolarbone
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forisfunctionaland esthetic
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Molecular
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major
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diagnostics.
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tions,
as
well
as
for
in
vitro
diagnostics.
• Development of AI evaluation system for tooth preparation

Aging and Geriatric Dentistry
Innovative
Liaison Dentistry
Aging and Geriatric Dentistry

applications for tailor-madediagnostics.
Yoshinori Hattori
Professor
Yoshinori Hattori
Through gaining a broad range of experience on dental practice,includesHattoricollaboration withProfessorwhich
Yoshinorivariousdomiciliarycare,
we examine
best to ensure
Throughdifferent
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Hattori
geriatricoral healthcare in the in
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weexaminehow
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Our major
research
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aprofessions,
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uationand rehabilitation
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researchuationand rehabilitation
methodologies
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•• Analysis
Developmentof functional
biomaterials

Professor

Aging and Geriatric Dentistry
Aging
and Geriatric
Dentistry and Innovative Dentistry
International
Collaborative

Main
themesMain
research
researchMainthemesthemesresearchMainthemesresearchthemesResearch on the aging of oral functionsof evaluation
methodsof oral functionsdental
by applying
anddiverse modalities.
••• Development
Rheologyof biopolymer
materials
Study
on of
the
deliveringsystemof oralmultidisciplinary
care forthecombining
elderly
Analysis
relationshipofand systemic health/QoL
throughlarge-scale cohort study.
oncausaltheaging
of dental
oral functions••• Research
Developmentof metal
free
implant materials
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methodsof
oralfunctionsbyapplying
andcombining
diverse modalities.
Study
on of
the deliveringsystem ofofmultidisciplinary
dental care forthe elderly•••• Analysis
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standardof dental
materials
oralandsystemic
health/QoL
throughlarge-scale cohort study.
oncausaltheaging of on
oralfunctions•• Research
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digitaltransformationin healthcare
and educationalsettingsdiverse modalities.
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methodsof
oralfunctionsbyapplying
andcombining• Study on the delivering system of multidisciplinary dental care for the elderly• Research on the aging of oral functions• Study on the delivering system of multidisciplinary dental care for the elderly

Innovative
Liaison Dentistry
Co-Creative Dentistry
Innovative
Liaison Dentistry
Innovative
LiaisonDentistry
International Collaborativeand Innovative
DentistryInnovative
LiaisonDentistry
International Collaborative and Innovative Dentistry
Professor

International Collaborative and Innovative Dentistry
International Collaborative and Innovative Dentistry•• Rheologyof biopolymer
materials standard of dental materials
Establishmentof the international•• Developmentofbiomaterials
of functional
metal free dental
implant
materials in healthcare and educational settings•• Development
Researchanddevelopment
on digitaltransformation
Rheologyofbiopolymer
materials
Establishmentof
offunctional
the international
standard of dental materials••• Development
biomaterials
Developmentof metal free dental
implant
materials•• Researchanddevelopmentondigitaltransformation
healthcare and educational settingsof biopolymer
materials standard of dental in• Rheology
Establishmentof the international
materials•• Developmentof metal free dental
implant
materials in healthcare and educational settings
Research and development
on digitaltransformation• Establishment of the international standard ofProfessor
dental materials
Hiroyasu Kanetaka• Research and development on digital transformation in healthcare and educational settings

Co-Creative Dentistry▲Mapping of masticatory muscle
activities registered by using mfMRI
masticatory▲Mapping(left unilateralofmolar
clench) muscle
activities registered by using mfMRI
masticatory▲Mapping(left unilateralofmolar
clench) muscle
activities registered by using mfMRI
ofmasticatory▲Mapping(left unilateral molar clench) muscle
activities registered by using mfMRI(left unilateral molar clench)

Cranial suture
expander using
Professor
Guang Hongnewly developed nickel-free
shape memory
alloy
Professor
Guang Hong
(Upper figure) Application ofHonge x p a n d i n g Professorf o r c e t o t h eGuang
ratparietal sagittal
sutureProfessor
Guang Hong
(Lower figure) Micro CT image(2 weeks after application): The
suture enlargement and bone
addition were confirmed.

▲

Our major research is focus on development and applied research of biomaterials anddigitaltransformation
healthand educationalsettings
based onthe international
Our major
research is infocus
on caredevelopment
and appliedresearchof biomaterials
andindustry-academia/interdisciplinary
collaboration
to improveoral health
QOL.
digitaltransformation
healthand educationalsettings
basedon
therelated
international
Main
Our
major
research is infocus
on caredevelopment
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andindustry-academia/interdisciplinary
collaboration
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QOL.
research
digitaltransformationinhealthcare
and educationalsettings
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therelated
international
Our
major
research
is
focus
on
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andappliedresearchofbiomaterials
andthemes• Development of functional
biomaterials to improve oral health related QOL.
industry-academia/interdisciplinary
digitalinofhealthcare collaborationand educationalsettings based on the international
Maintransformation• Rheology
biopolymer
materials•• Development
biomaterials
industry-academia/interdisciplinary
collaboration
to improve oral health related QOL.
research
Development ofof functional
metal freedentalimplant materials

16

Guang Hong

Hiroyasu Kanetaka

Our major researches are focus on translational research and regulatory science based oninterdisciplinary research, industry-government-academia collaboration research.

MainthemesresearchMainthemesresearchMainthemesresearchthemesProfessor

15

Main
researchthemes• Development of functional biomaterials• Rheology of biopolymer materials
Tumor, Bio-Dental Engineering, Advanced Biomaterialsof Oral• Development ofMolecular
metal freePathogenesis
dental implantmaterials• Establishment of the international standard of dental materials
Innovative
LiaisonDentistry,
Molecular
Pathogenesis
ofeducational
Oral Tumor,
Bio-DentalBiomaterials
Engineering, Advanced Biomaterials
AdvancedEngineering,
Tumor,inBio-Dental
Oralof
Pathogenesis
Molecular• Research and development on digital transformation
healthcare andsettings

Molecular
Pathogenesis of Oral Tumor
Co-Creative Dentistry
Molecular
Pathogenesis of Oral Tumor
Hiroyasu Kanetaka

Professor

Oral Cancer Therapeutics• Translational research on medical device / material development
Oral Cancer• RegulatoryTherapeutics
science through industry-government-academia collaboration

Cranial suture expander using
newly developed nickel-free▲

Our major researches are focus on translational research and regulatory science based oninterdisciplinary research, industry-government-academia collaboration research.

Molecular Pathogenesis of Oral Tumor, Bio-Dental Engineering, Advanced Biomaterials
shape memory alloy(Upper figure) Application of
expanding force to the rat
parietal sagittal suture(Lower figure) Micro CT image(2 weeks after application): The
suture enlargement and bone
addition were confirmed.

research
Molecular
Pathogenesis of Oral Tumor
themesMain

16• Formulation of international and domestic guidelines for various medical devices and materials• Development of advanced medical device / material through interdisciplinary research• Development of medical system applying the latest AI technology• Development of new functional food through industry-academia-government collaboration• Functional brain analysis of oral functions
Engineering, Advanced Biomaterials
Tumor,toBio-Dentalof Oral
Molecular Pathogenesis• Application of next-generationsynchrotron
radiation
the dental field

Oral Cancer Therapeutics

Molecular
Pathogenesis of Oral Tumor
Dental Nuclear Medicine and Radiology
Professor

Dental Nuclear Medicine and Radiology
Oral Cancer Therapeutics

Yasuyuki Taki

Yasuyuki Taki
It is important to preserve our cognitive function for entire life by preventing us from pathological brain aging in a super-aging society like
Japan.
In the situation,
we aimto understandthe recent
researches
for the relationshipbetween dental
issuesandand also
underIt is importantto preserve
our cognitive
functionfor entire
life by preventing
us from pathological
brain
aging
indementia,
a super-aging
societylikestandof brain
MRI
image analysis.
Japan.theIn methodology
the situation, we
aim tounderstandthe recent researches for the relationship between dental issues and dementia, and also underProfessor

stand the methodology of brain MRI image analysis.

Main
researchMainthemesresearchthemes• Pathogenesis of the relationship between dental issues and dementia• Methodology of brain MRI image analysis• Pathogenesis of the relationship between dental issues and dementia• Methodology of brain and dental imaging epidemiology• Methodology of brain MRI image analysis

Dental Nuclear
Medicine and Radiology
Methodology of brain and dental imaging epidemiology

Professor•

Yasuyuki Taki

It is important to preserve our cognitive function for entire life by preventing us from pathological brain aging in a super-aging society like
Japan. In the situation, we aim to understand the recent researches for the relationship between dental issues and dementia, and also understand the methodology of brain MRI image analysis.

Bio-Dental Engineering
Bio-Dental
Engineering
Main
DentalNuclear Medicine and Radiology• Pathogenesis of the relationship between dental issues and dementia

Professor

Yasuyuki Taki

Methodologyof brain MRI image analysis Professor
Shinji Kamakura
Bio-Dental
Engineering
Methodologyof brainand dental
imaging
It is important topreserve our
cognitivefunctionforepidemiology
entirelife by Shinji
preventing
us from pathological brain aging in a super-aging society like
Professor
Kamakura
Bio-Dental
Engineering
Teeth
are
workedenoughwhenroot of athetooth
is surroundedbythe
intactbone tissue.
If thedentalbone issues
aroundthedementia, and also underJapan.
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andbonethat waslost byoral andincluding
dental diseases
with applying
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aims disturbances.
to regenerate• Pathogenesis
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afunctional
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lost
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research• Methodology of brain MRI image analysis
forpatients.
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both
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and
appliedresearchwithconsideringalow-burden
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for patients.
Professor
Shinji Kamakura

Bio-Dental Engineering•()

Clinical application of OCP/Collagen (＊)
after cystectomy: Radiopacity in the affected▲

Bio-Dental
Engineering
Bone regeneration
by octacalcium collagen composite OCP/Collagen
Main
Bio-Dental Engineeringresearch• Establishment of a new animal model for bone regeneration
Teeth
are worked
enoughwhenbytheroot of collagena toothcomposite
is surrounded
by intacttissue.
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around the(OCP/Collagen) boneClinical
OCP/Collagen(＊)• Boneregeneration
octacalcium
Main
regionat 2application
days
after
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ofthemes• Research for quantification of regenerated bone tissue
after
cystectomy:
Radiopacity
the affected
teeth
were
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such as periodontal diseases,
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andresearch• Establishment
OCP/Collagenis increased
at 6inmonths(6M).
of a oral
new animalmodel diseases,for bone regeneration
region
at
2
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(2D)
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jaw tumors, several
problems
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OCP/Collagen is increased at 6 months (6M).
bone that was lost by oral and dental diseases with applying biomaterials, and recover the functional disturbances.
Furthermore, the division has managed both basic and applied research with considering a low-burden treatment
Professor
Shinji Kamakura
for patients.
▲

Bio-Dental Engineering
Bio-Dental Engineering

Advanced Biomaterials
Main
Advanced
Biomaterials
research▲

Teeth are worked enough when the root of a tooth is surrounded by intact bone tissue. If the bone around theteeth were broken
byregeneration
suffering byoral
and dental
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jaw tumors, several
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division
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region
at
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forandquantificationof regenerated
bone tissuebone that was lostby oraldental diseases
with applying
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the functional disturbances.
OCP/Collagen is increased at 6 months (6M).
Furthermore, the division has managed both basic and applied research with considering a low-burden treatment
for patients.

Advanced Biocompatible Materials
Advanced Biocompatible Materials

Mainresearch
Advanced
Biomaterials
themes• Establishment of a new animal model for bone regeneration• Research for quantification of regenerated bone tissue

Clinical application of OCP/Collagen (＊)
after cystectomy: Radiopacity in the affected
region at 2 days (2D) after implantation of
OCP/Collagen is increased at 6 months (6M).

▲• Bone regeneration by octacalcium collagen composite (OCP/Collagen)

Advanced Biofunctional Materials
Advanced
Advanced Biofunctional
BiocompatibleMaterials
Materials

Advanced Biomaterials
Advanced
BiocompatibleMaterials
Materials
Advanced Biofunctional
Advanced Biofunctional Materials
17
17

Guide of course

Immune Regulation and Oral Immunity, Geriatric Oral Science, Redox Regulation, Next-Generation Dental Material Engineering

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry

Immune Regulation and Oral Immunity
Immune Regulation and Oral Immunity

Affiliate Professor

Satoshi Takaki

The oral mucosa is a front line of host defense system against microbes and hazardous antigens. It also becomes targets of inflammation
caused by autoimmune or allergic responses. Immune regulation of oral immunity is critical issue to control infections and keep Quality ofLife (QOL) of disease patients. We are investigating, 1) Signal transduction and regulation by
microenvironments operating in the host defense system, 2) Mechanisms for the productionof autoantibodies involved in the disease development and maintenance of autoimmune disorders including Sjögren syndrome, 3) Regulations for the maintenance and expansion of tissue
stem cells, to manipulate and regulate immune responses in oral mucosa.

Mainresearchthemes• Signal transduction and regulation in humoral immune responses• Mechanisms for the generation and function of auto-antibodies involved in various

autoimmune diseases• Development of methods for manipulating or reconstituting the immune system

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Geriatric Oral Science
Geriatric Oral Science

Affiliate Professor

Kenji Matsushita

Japan has the highest longevity in the world. Maintaining the quality of life (QOL) of
elderly is important for each individual and society. Our department conducts researchon the molecular and cellular biology of bone and joint diseases (including alveolarbone and the temporomandibular joint) that lower the QOL of the elderly, and basic
and clinical research on caries and periodontal disease causing tooth loss from theviewpoint of vascular biology and bone metabolism.

Main
researchthemes▲▲Relation of vascular andbone metabolism• The role and application of nitric oxide in the periodontal tissue• Diagnosis and control of the periodontosis• Exploratory research of the aging and disease related biomolecule by Omics analysis

Advanced Free Radical Science
Advanced Free Radical Science

Professor

Nobuhiro Takahashi (collateral office)Free radicals are generated in the innate immune system to kill or inactivate
invading microorganisms. On the other hand, excessive free radical generation
causes damage on healthy tissue. Thus, the control of free radical generation isa critical issue in the field of medicine. In our laboratory, we have conducted research to develop dental therapeutic devices based on antimicrobial chemotherapies utilizing the control technology of free radical generation.
• R&D of dental therapeutic devices based on radical disinfection technique• Development of novel antimicrobial treatment utilizing pro-oxidant
activity of photo-irradiated polyphenol▲▲ Free radicals can be
determined by using an electron
spin resonance spectrometer.
Microorganisms in biofilms are
effectively killed by the radicals.

▲

MainresearchthemesNext-Generation Dental Material Engineering
Next-Generation Dental Material Engineering

Professor

Hiroshi Egusa (collateral office)In our research of dental equipment and materials, our aim is to deliver a healthy society for our ageing population by ensuring that diverse
innovative new technologies that lead the way in the reform of clinical practice are promptly applied in the field of dentistry and used in clinical applications. We will analyze the basic technical properties of dental equipment and materials for reconstruction of lost teeth and bone
tissue, and we will study the design, processing and biological safety of materials including their ability to function as intermediate materials.
We will also develop mandatory test methods to ascertain the long-term durability of the materials themselves in the oral environment sothat they can continue to function and maintain their shape when used in vivo.

Main
researchthemes18• Research of materials for dentures and dental restorative materials that can contribute to oral health care, and an evaluation of their technicalcharacteristics

Tohoku University Hospital

The roots of Tohoku University Hospitallie in the Sendai-han (domain) Medical
School established in 1817, which became the
Tohoku Imperial University College ofMedicine Hospital in 1915, and Tohoku
University Hospital was born. Tohoku University Hospital is government-certified as
an “advanced treatment hospital,” and one ofour missions is safely providing sophisticatedmedical care as well as development andtraining in this field. In the hospital, theDental Division is composed of 11 specialized clinical departments as well as 6 facilities
and 4 centers for specific disorders (seefigure below).
To promote Interface Oral Health Science(IOHS), which is an original concept introduced by the Tohoku University Graduate
School of Dentistry, it is essential to commit
to not only basic research but also high-quality clinical research and clinical trials.
Tohoku University Hospital has been recognized as a core institution for clinical researchin the Tohoku region because it was one of
the first in Japan to be accredited as a “clinicalresearch core hospital”. The Clinical ResearchInnovation and Education Center, Tohoku
University Hospital (CRIETO) promotes awide range of clinical research, drug discovery
and medical equipment development.
Recently established facilities and projects topromote industry-academia collaboration andhigher education and training for artificial
intelligence (AI) include the Advanced
Dental Treatment Center and Clinical AI
Human Resources Development Program.
After admission to the School of Dentistry, many graduate students will utilize thesefacilities and programs to obtaincutting-edge clinical experience at Tohoku
University Hospital. We hope that thestudents will learn much through theirresearch activities and patient care, andbecome global leaders in the development ofdental science/dental care as highly skilled
professionals.

General Vice Director,
Head of Dental Division
Tohoku University Hospital
Prof.

Hiroshi Egusa(Fixed Prosthodontics Dept.)

Tohoku University
Hospital
TohokuUniversity
Hospital

DentalDivision

Oral Health Enhancement
Pediatric Dentistry

Orthodontics

Oral Medicine and Surgery
Oral Supportive Care and Management
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral Anesthesia and Pain Management

Oral Reconstruction
Endodontics

Fixed Prosthodontics

Oral Rehabilitation
Advanced Prosthetic DentistryRehabilitation of Oral Function

Periodontics

Facilities for Specific Disorders
Comprehensive Dentistry
Dental Safety and System Management
Orthodontics and Speech Therapy for Craniofacial Anomalies
Dentistry for Disabled
Perioperative Oral Health Management
Maxillofacial Prosthetics Clinic Dental Implant Center
Oral Medicine Liaison Center
Center for Dysphagia (Dentistry)
Advanced Dental Treatment Center

19

Sendai :Tohoku University is located in Sendai called the “City ofTrees”, Sendai is a great combination of beautiful greeneryand urban sophistication and is also known as an academic
city rich in culture and history.

the City of Trees.

HISTORY
The quintessence of Date culture is still present
Surrounded by greenery and located along the Hirose River, Sendai used to be a castle town that yielded
3 million gallons of rice. Built by Masamune Date 400 years ago, Sendai still has the legacy of the Date
Domain such as Sendai Castle, Zuiho-den and Rinno-ji Temple. It is also an academic town where a large
number of students live. Apart from the museums, cultural activities at Sendai Mediatheque draw much
public attention.

F E S T I VA L S
Traditional festivals taking place throughout the four seasons
Popular festivals taking place in Sendai include theSendai Aoba Festival with floats and dances, a heritageof Date culture, in spring; Sendai Tanabata Festivalwith paper art blowing in the breeze in summer; Jozenji
Street Jazz Festival that fills the streets with music in
the fall; and in winter the Sendai Pageant of Starlightthat feels as if it has come right out of a fairy tale.
Photo credit: Tourist Division, Miyagi Prefectural Government

Location of Tohoku University
140ºE

SapporoSendai City, Miyagi Pref.
AthensLisbonSeoul

Tohoku region

San Francisco

Sendai

Washington

Kyoto
FukuokaTokyo
NagoyaOsaka

Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry
4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan 980-8575 Tel: +81-22-717-8248 Fax: +81-22-717-8279
Website: www.dent.tohoku.ac.jp/english/ E-mail: international@dent.tohoku.ac.jp

38ºN