Master's course
Establishment of 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 acquire an even wider range of advanced knowledge and to possess specialized skills based on such knowledge. To promote the research and 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 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, health guidance, 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 for these types of individuals, and opened the door for specialized education and research in dentistry and oral science with the aim of cultivating the abilities needed for such advanced specialist professions, or the ability to conduct research on dentistry and oral science.
Admissions policy
The master’s course seeks students who have diverse specialized knowledge and skills in disciplines such as oral hygiene, public health, health science, speech therapy, medical sociology, agriculture, engineering, science, and food/nutritional science and highly motivated to study dental science, dental care, oral health, and other such fields.
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, dental care, and oral health, as well as 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 dental health, 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.
- Provide specialized and transdisciplinary courses in dental science, dental care, and oral health, as well as an educational environment that enables students to focus on research for their master's thesis and other purposes.
- Provide opportunities to develop the high ethical standards expected of researchers and sophisticated professionals, opportunities to learn about the latest advances in Japanese/ international dental science research and dental care technologies, and practical opportunities enabling students to acquire communication skills and advanced specialized techniques.
- 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 has in-depth knowledge that functions as a foundation for research and operational 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 the school’s educational philosophy and objectives, has completed the study 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Course acceleration
- Students with excellent research achievements (eg, a first-authored paper accepted by an established journal) may complete the course in one year.
- Long-term enrollment
- 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.
