Translation guide
The medical field focused on teeth, gums, and oral health. In Japanese, the most common term is 歯科 (shika), often used in compounds like 歯医者 (haisha) for a dentist or dental clinic.
Referring to dentistry as a medical discipline or area of study.
The standard term for dentistry as a field. Used in formal and medical contexts, such as 歯科学 (dentistry as a science) or 歯科医院 (dental clinic).
彼は歯科の学生です。
He is a dentistry student.
歯科は医療の重要な分野です。
Dentistry is an important field of medicine.
Specifically refers to the academic study of dentistry, similar to 'odontology'. More technical.
彼女は歯科学の博士号を持っています。
She has a doctorate in dentistry.
A formal term for dental medicine, used in academic or institutional names.
歯科医学の進歩は目覚ましい。
Advances in dental medicine are remarkable.
Referring to the place where a dentist works, or the practice itself.
The most common, everyday word for a dentist or a dental clinic. Can mean both the person and the place.
明日、歯医者に行きます。
I'm going to the dentist tomorrow.
あの歯医者はとても優しい。
That dentist is very kind.
A more formal term for a dental clinic, often used in signage or official names.
A technical/legal term for a dental clinic, used in official documents.
この歯科診療所は予約制です。
This dental clinic is by appointment only.
Referring to the act of receiving dental treatment or the general concept of dental care.
Literally 'tooth treatment', the most natural way to say dental treatment.
歯の治療は痛かった。
The dental treatment was painful.
A more formal term for dental treatment, used in medical contexts.
歯科治療には保険が適用されます。
Insurance covers dental treatment.
To go to the dentist regularly, implying ongoing dental care.
虫歯が多くて、よく歯医者に通っています。
I have a lot of cavities, so I go to the dentist often.
歯医者 (はいしゃ) is the common, everyday word for a dentist or dental clinic. 歯科医 (しかい) is a more formal term for a dentist as a medical professional, often used in official contexts. In casual conversation, 歯医者 is preferred.
彼は歯科医です。
He is a dentist (formal).
歯医者さんに診てもらった。
I saw a dentist (casual).
歯科 is often combined with other words to form terms like 歯科衛生士 (dental hygienist), 歯科技工士 (dental technician), and 歯科矯正 (orthodontics). When in doubt, 歯科 is the safe, formal root for dental-related terms.
新しい歯科医院が駅前にできた。
A new dental clinic opened in front of the station.