Job Discussion Forums

[feijen]

Hi! I just saw my dentist for a check-up, and he recommended (again) that I get braces. I'm moving to Japan next month, so I wanted to get information about getting braces there. Are braces covered under Japanese dental insurance? Approximately how much would they cost? The removable braces are popular here. Does anybody know if they are available in Japan? Thanks in advance for the information!

[lajzar]

If you have any choice at all in the matter, get your dental tratment done in full back home. Treatment here is expensive, and the national insurance scheme does NOT cover teh full ccost. Most international health insurance schemes won't touch cosmetic dentistry (such as this) at all.

Also, Japanese dentists don't have a good reputation for competance

[Gordon]

I second lazjar. Read an earlier post about dentists here. Scary.

[Gordon]

BTW, where are you going in Shikoku?

[fion]

Phew! I just had a look at the 'dentistry' thread. My experience has been different, as in not scary at all. I think the Japanese health insurance scheme is great: I had a lot of dental work done quicker and more cheaply than would have been the case in the U.K. , and in my case the only thing not covered was a titanium implant, which I decided against anyway. Sorry, don't know about braces, but look at it this way: you need health insurance anyway, and if you are going to be in Japan for a while the state healthcare system gives you cover for check-ups etc instead of just emergencies, as most private health insurance companies do. Yes, you will still have to pay a proportion of doctor/dentist bills out of your own pocket,but if you keep the receipts you can claim it off tax.
As for Japanese teeth, they are not so much bad as just a bit squint. I think this is more genetic/cultural than the fault of dentists. Anyway, you get good and bad dentists in all countries.

[feijen]

Thanks for the advice. I'll just hold off on the braces until I return. My teeth just need a little straightening, so I definitely do not need braces right away. I was just secretly hoping that they would be practically free with the dental insurance and that someone would tell me about a great orthodontist in Japan. Even if I had to travel once every month or two to get there, if the braces were inexpensive, then it would probably be more cost effective than getting them in the US. Thanks, again!
And, Gordon, I had PMed you last month about a school in Matsuyama. I decided to accept the position there. Thank you!

[grace]

Hi feijen. I'm a Canadian TEFL teacher based in Matsuyama. I think that you'll like this city. People are friendly, and there's lots to do and see as well. I agree with everyone else regarding avoiding dentists in this country. I've seen a few, and have been disappointed by all of them. E-mail me when you get here if you have any questions about the city. Thanks. Grace