Application Guide for Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program,Graduate School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo

Special Program for International Students
Admission in October 2024/April 2025

The Nippon Dental University

Aims and Diplomapolicy
The Nippon Dental University Graduate School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo aims to contributefor the development of life dentistry and for improving the health and welfare of humankind
by vigorously pursuing scientific research related to life dentistry grounded in independent
spirit as the Nippon Dental University’s school philosophy since the establishment. We also
contribute to the objectives by fostering and training scientists with extensive knowledge
and sophisticated self-reliant research abilities in relation to life dentistry and with pursuing
cutting-edge research or create new academic disciplines, and by training excellent educators
who have the ability to elicit students’ originality, creativity, and future orientation, andhighly skilled specialists who are capable of performing advanced dental treatment.

Candidates for application
Ph.D. program: A few special proposals from working students and from international
students
Major subjects

Principal subjects
AnatomyHistologyPhysiology
Biochemistry

Basic dental
sciences

Pathology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Oral Health
Dental Materials Science
Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine
Forensic Dentistry
Endodontics
Removable Prosthodontics
Crown & Bridge Prosthodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Clinical dental
sciences

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Anesthesiology
Periodontology
Adhesive Dentistry
Clinical Oral Rehabilitation

N.B. Currently, applications for Clinical Oral Rehabilitation are not accepted.
−1−Remark : Special Application from International Students
Citizens of other countries can advance their education by enrolling in the graduate school,
and receiving lectures and research supervising.

Course term1
Standard term: 4 years

Requirements for program completion and conferring of degrees
1. Students must attend the Graduate School for the standard 4 years, take the courses
by lectures, seminars, experiments and paper writing while obtaining at least 30credits. After receiving the research supervising, they are able to receive the academic
dissertation examination and final examination.
2. As required by the rules of the Graduate School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, a doctorof philosophy degree (dentistry) will be conferred on students who complete the aboveprescribed program.

Eligibility criteria for applicants
1. Persons who have graduated from a course of studies in medicine, dentistry, orveterinary medicine which is 6-year program (if under 6-year, contact us) at a university
or college.
2. Persons who have completed an 18-year program of schooling abroad (the final course
must be medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine).
3. Persons designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (1955 Ministry of Education, Science and Culture Bulletin No. 39).
1) Persons who according to the old university ordinance (Imperial Edict No. 338 of 1918)
completed a course of studies in medicine or dentistry in those schools and graduatedfrom the school.
2) Persons who in accordance with the Defense Agency Establishment Act (Law No. 164of 1954) graduated from a National Defense Medical College.

−2−3) Individuals, who have completed a master course, and who are eligible to receive amaster degree, or who have been in a Ph.D 5-year program, for at least 2 years, haveacquired 30 or more credits under the required research supervision in a graduate
school or graduate course (including individuals who fall under Academic Degree
Regulations Article 6, Clause 1 [Ministry of Education, Science and Culture Ministerial
Ordinance No. 9 of 1953] before amendment of by a ministerial ordinance thatpartially amended the academic degree regulations[Ministry of Education, Scienceand Culture Ministerial Ordinance No. 29 of 1974]) , and also have been recognized
as involving academic ability equal to or greater than individuals graduated from auniversity program of medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine .
4) Individuals who graduated from a college/university (except a program of medicine,dentistry, or veterinary medicine) and have been engaged in research for at least
2 years at a college/university, research institution, etc., after completing a 16-year
program of schooling abroad, and have achieved the a research accomplishment
the recognized as involving academic ability that is equal to or greater than that ofindividuals who have graduated from a university program of medicine, dentistry or
veterinary medicine in a graduate school or graduate course.
4. Individuals who have been recognized by Nippon Dental University Graduate Schoolof Life Dentistry at Tokyo as involving academic ability equal to or greater than thatof the individuals graduated from a undergraduate program of medicine, dentistry, orveterinary medicine (6-year course) at a university.
5. Persons who are not Japanese citizens.
Applicants for clinical dentistry must have 1 or more year of clinical experience.

Term for Application
Admission in October 2024：August 1, 2024 to August 9, 2024
Admission in April 2025

：February 3, 2025 to February 7, 2025Except Saturdays, Sundays, and National holidays.
In-person applications will be accepted from 9 am to 4 pm.
※ Applications must be submitted only after conferring with the expected supervisor for themajor subject desired.

−3−

Place for Application
Educational and Student Affairs Department, Educational and Student Affairs Department,
Nippon Dental University Graduate School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo.

Application documents⑴ Prescribed enrollment examination application form ………………………… 2 copies
N.B. Applications can be made for up to a second-choice of major subject.
⑵ Portrait photograph ……………………………………………………… 2 photographs
N.B. A full frontal upper body photograph measuring 5 cm high × 4 cm wide,
taken within 3 months of the application, without a hat, with nothing in thebackground, must be affixed to the space for a photograph on the applicationform.
⑶ Transcript from the president of your graduating college/university(unnecessary if a graduate of Nippon Dental University) …………………… 1 copy
N.B. Only transcripts that have been sealed closed at the source are acceptable.
⑷ College/university diploma(unnecessary if a graduate of Nippon Dental University)………………… 1 copy⑸ Extract of family register or foreign resident registration card
(unnecessary if a graduate of Nippon Dental University) …………………… 1 copy⑹ Medical examination report(unnecessary if a graduate of Nippon Dental University) …………………… 1 copy
N.B. Submit a medical examination report (there is no specially prescribed format
but must be in English or Japanese) that includes the following 4 items andhas been prepared by a physician within 6 months prior to applying:[1] visual acuity, [2] hearing acuity, [3] tuberculosis,[4] any other diseases or abnormal findings⑺ Submit the following documents in addition to application documents in① – ⑥above, for exemption from the written test, document ⑥ is required.
① A statement of the reason for applying ……………………………………… 1 copy
② Certification of information recorded on foreign resident registration … 1 copy
N.B. A certification issued by the mayor of the municipality within the previous
3 months.

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③ Copy of passport………………………………………………………………… 1 copy
N.B. Copy of the page showing applicant’s name, passport number, and attachedportrait photograph④ Personal reference guarantee ………………………………………………… 1 copy
⑤ Research history certificate (only if the applicant is affiliated with a research
institution, etc.) ………………………………………………………………… 1 copy
⑥ Document certifying exemption from the written tests (described later)

1 copy⑦ For clinical dentistry majors, submit summary of research history,
clinical history, etc.……………………………………………………………… 1 copy

How to applyInclude the entrance examination fee with the prescribed documents and submit at theapplication sites.

Entrance examination fee
20,000 yen

Examination items
Special Application from International Students
1. English language or Japanese language
N.B. Applicants are permitted to bring a Japanese-native language dictionary (applicants
are not permitted bring any electronic dictionaries, dental dictionaries, etc., or
similar items).
2. Interview
Applicants who meet one of the following conditions will be exempted from the written
examinations:1) Applicants who can provide proof of a score of at least 79 points on the TOEFL
Internet-based test (iBT).
2) Applicants who can provide proof of Japanese-Language Proficiency Test by Japan
Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES) status of N2 or more.
3) Applicants who have experienced schooling other than ESL schooling for 3 or more
years in a country where the native language is English.

−5−Date of the examinations
Year/Month/Day(Day of the week)

August 22, 2024

Admission Schedule

Admission in October 2024

February 13, 2025

Admission in April 2025

Time Schedule

SubjectMeeting 9:20 am
9:30–11:00 am

Language(International students:English or Japanese)

11:10–12:00

Written examination

Starting at 2:00 pm

Interview

Meeting 9:20 am
9:30–11:00 am

Language(International students:English or Japanese)

11:10–12:00

Written examination

Starting at 2:00 pm

Interview

Site of the examinations
The Nippon Dental University Graduate School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo

Announcement of successful applicants
Admission in October 2024：September 3, 2024 4:00 pm
Admission in April 2025：March 4, 2025 4:00 pm

Graduate School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo Main building, 1st floor Bulletin board in front ofthe General Office
N.B. Successful applicants must take enrollment procedures at the Educational Department
or Student Department

Student payments
PaymentAmountRemarks

Enrollment fee

200,000 yen

Only at the time of the enrollment

Tuition

550,000 yen

Every year

Scholarship fund contribution

6,500 yen

Only at the time of the enrollment

Student comprehensive insurance premium

8,000 yen

Every year

Grand total

764,500 yen−6−First year payment amountAdmission procedure
Admission in October 2024：
Term：September 4, 2024 to September 11, 2024
Admission in April 2025

：Term：March 5, 2025 to March 12, 2025
Procedures：Follow the“Admission procedure guide”provided to successful applicants.

Additional information
Student payments that have already been made will not be refunded for any reason.

Where to inquire
Educational/Student Affairs Office
The Nippon Dental University Graduate School of Life Dentistry
1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8159 Japan
Tel: +81-3-3261-8311−7−

Principal major
subjects

Research topics(Academic supervisor)

Anatomy(Professor Masataka Sunohara)

Histology(Professor Kenichiro Kikuchi)

Physiology(Professor Chikako Saiki)

Biochemistry(Professor Kazushi Imai)

Pathology(Professor Yuuichi Soeno)

Microbiology(Professor Yukihiro Takahashi)

1. Meso-scale anatomical analysis of vascular network patterning in themaxillofacial region
2. Analysis of molecular mechanisms in the vessel formation andangiogenesis process during tooth germ development
3. Analysis of structural changes in three-dimensional micromorphology
during growth and development of the maxillary and mandibular bone
1. Histochemistry research on embryology, differentiation and aging of thesalivary gland
2. Molecular biological study on injury and recovery of the salivary gland
3. Analysis of mechanisms of Epithelial-mesenchymal Interactions in Oraltissue
1. Effect of oral and maxillofacial perception and/or motor activity on bodyfunctions
2. Taste sensation and the cognitive processing in human subjects
3. Research on physiological homeostasis ; influence of environmental factors
on respiration, circulation and metabolism
1. Analysis of signal transduction and gene transcription mechanisms incancer tissue
2. Molecular biological analysis of keratinocyte differentiation anddedifferentiation mechanisms
3. Analysis of mechanisms related to the development and progression of
non-neoplastic diseases
1. Multifaceted structural/functional analysis of oral cancer and mucosal
lesions
2. Comparative pathological analysis of oral diseases in animal models
3. Molecular network analysis of maxillofacial development and thepathogenesis of congenital anomalies
1. Research on the pathogenicity of oral streptococci in infectious
endocarditis
2. Molecular biological analysis on the pathogenetic factors of the causative
agents of chronic periodontitis
3. Molecular biological analysis on the pathogenetic factors of the causative
agents of aggressive periodontitis

1. Functional analysis of stem cells
2. Development of tooth and dental pulp regeneration techniques（Professor Takeo Tsutsui） 3. Investigation for the safety and efficacy of medicines

Pharmacology（Oral Health

Dental MaterialsScience

1. Liver, heart, and pancreas regeneration by dental pulp stem cells andvolatile sulfur compounds） 2. Research on dental health activities at each life stage
3. Research on socioeconomic approaches for preventive dentistry(Professor Akikazu Shinya)

1. Clinical application of intraoral scanner and it’s precision
2. Applications of novel resin composites and resin adhesive cement
3. Research on the mechanical properties of novel dental materials, andclinical procedures
4. Clinical application of CAD/CAM technique
5. Basic and clinical applications of 3D printers−8−

Principal majorsubjects

Research topics(Academic supervisor)

Tissue Engineering &Regenerative Medicine(Professor Taka Nakahara)

Forensic Dentistry(Professor Kaori Iwahara)((Endodontics

Removable
Prosthodontics))

Crown & Bridge
Prosthodontics(Professor Harunori Gomi)

Oral and
Maxillofacial
Surgery(Professor Takafumi Satomi)

Orthodontics
and Dentofacial
Orthopedics(Professor Kazuhito Arai)

Oral andMaxillofacial
Radiology(Professor Taisuke Kawai)Pediatric Dentistry(Professor Hiroyuki Karibe)

1. Isolation, characterization, and differentiation of multipotent stem cells
derived from human teeth
2. Engineering of test-tube dental implants for regenerative therapy
3. Cell and molecular biology of tooth/periodontal development andregeneration
1. Recognition, prevention of physical abuse and neglect, and child care
support
2. Personal dental identification
3. Disaster dentistry
1. Research and development of endodontic equipments, instruments andmaterials
2. Research on root canal preparation and root canal obturation methods
3. Research on regeneration and healing of the dental pulp and apicalperiodontal tissue on endodontic diseases
4. Research on accuracy of radiographical examination on endodontic
diseases
5. Immunohistochemical research on generation and development of toothand jawbone
1. Relationship between the brain, sleep, or pain mechanisms and masticatory
function and occlusion
2. Relationship between masticatory function and occlusion
3. Establishment of prosthodontic treatment adapted to masticatory function
1. Clinical application of glass-fiber-reinforced hybrid resin restorative
materials
2. Computer-supported examination, diagnosis, and restorative appliancesystem3. Adhesion techniques and CAD/CAM esthetic restorations
1. Research of local invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
2. Tissue regeneration program that uses growth factors and biomaterials
3. Development of a novel bone reconstruction procedure using 3D-printing
techniques.
4. Research and development of new tissue regeneration therapies fromhuman dental pulp stem cells
1. Anthropologic investigation of the causes of malocclusion
2. Research on new diagnostic methods of malocclusion
3. Biomechanical research in orthodontic appliances
1. Research on image diagnosis for maxillofacial region
2. Research related to radiation protection during radiological examinations
3. Research on image quality of the CBCT examination
4. Research on computer aided diagnosis in dentistry
5. Research on ultrasound-guided nerve ganglion block1. Emotional response in children during dental treatment
2. Prevention of oral diseases in childhood
3. Dental development in children with systemic diseases−9−Principal major
subjects(Academic supervisor)

DentalAnesthesiology(Professor Katsuhisa Sunada)

Periodontology(Professor Yukihiro Numabe)

Adhesive Dentistry()

Research topics
1. Research on the disposition and potency of local anesthetics
2. Application of α2 receptor agonists in the dental anesthesia field
3. Research on ambulatory anesthesia: Drugs, evaluation, techniques, etc.
1. Research on the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic
disease
2. Research on the effects of smoking on periodontal tissue
3. Development on the new examination for periodontal diseases
4. Epidemiological research on periodontal diseases
5. Application of LED and lasers to periodontal treatment
6. Research on the pathological condition improving factor for periodontal
disease
7. Development of oral and gut microbiome-targeted therapies forperiodontal disease
1. Evaluation of the behavior of metal-free adhesive restorations in in vivo
and in vitro environments
2. Development and evaluation of novel restoration methods and materials
contributed to the next generation MID esthetic restorations
3. Comprehensive investigation of the innovative digital restoration system
4. Revitalization of bio-adhesion for the affinity of tooth substance− 10 −