Doctoral course

Admissions policy

The doctoral course seeks students who are highly motivated to study dental science, possess outstanding competencies, a broad perspective, and flexibility, and are able to pursue original, advanced, transdisciplinary, and exploratory 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 of specialized disciplines, an externally administered certification exam of English reading comprehension, an interview, statement of purpose, and transcript review for comprehensively assessing whether the applicants 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 through four exams: a written exam of knowledge and understanding of specialized disciplines, an externally administered certification exam of English reading comprehension, and an interview and a review of transcripts 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 and understanding of specialized disciplines, an English certificate to measure reading comprehension, an interview, statement of purpose, and transcript review for comprehensively assessing whether the applicants possess strong motivation to study dental science, and outstanding competencies. These exams are given approximately equal weight in the selection process.
Those who are not native speakers of English are expected to acquire sufficient ability in English comprehension and communication before enrolling.

Curriculum policy

The Graduate School of Dentistry formulates and implements the curriculum based on the following policy in order to enable students to achieve 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 that expertise.
2. Provide opportunities to develop the high ethical standards and leadership necessary for engaging in research, and opportunities in Japan and abroad to learn about and report the latest findings in cutting-edge research.
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 research capabilities and extensive knowledge necessary for research activities and highly professional duties, and by evaluating final exams.

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 required by 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-level specialized knowledge and skills.
2. Be able to contribute to the advancement of society and scholarship by 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 international perspective and communication skills, and by disseminating world-class research findings.

Doctoral course program

【IOHS course】

【CA⁺inD course】

Course Curriculum (Syllabus)

• Master's and Doctoral course (PDF)

Brochure

• Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry 2025(PDF)