English speaking dentists in Okinawa

[blacktulip]

Hi I'm assuming not everyone here is related to the military and will have to see a civilian dentist. Are there any english speaking dentists, or foreign dentists working in Okinawa?

[TheNoNamedOne]

Go to Life Dental Clinic in Ginowan city. Dr. Oshiro is just excellent and is always trying to keep up with improvements within dentistry.

Great dentist and English speaker. A lot of his patients are foreignors. He is just excellent and making sure you feel no pain is of great concern to him.

If you want, PM me for the tel number so you can set up an appt, and I will try to explain how to get there, unless dk, doesn't mind if I post his office # in the open.

[dk]

Go ahead, I love Life Dental Clinic. Those guys made my year. :D

I had a lot of work done by those guys this year. Long story TP. I'll tell you what they fixed sometime if you're ever interested, but I spent about 3 or 4 months going there every week or two, and I still need more work done.

They've been great to me.

[DoctorP]

I know of a place near Courtney if you are up that way. They are not fluent, but the guy does a great job!

[TheNoNamedOne]

Go ahead, I love Life Dental Clinic. Those guys made my year. :D

I had a lot of work done by those guys this year. Long story TP. I'll tell you what they fixed sometime if you're ever interested, but I spent about 3 or 4 months going there every week or two, and I still need more work done.

They've been great to me.

Yeah, Life Dental Clinic is great! The owner/dentist worked at Adventist Medical Center at the dental clinic there before he struck out on his own. As soon as he did, I followed him. All his nurses are great, too.

I can't count how many people I have sent his way -- both Jpn and foreignors.

Ok... here is the #098-890-5322

If after calling there, and you are not clear on how to get there, let me know and I will explain detailed instructions. Kinda close to the Jimmy Store/restaurant in Oyama, Ginowan -- but on the opposite side of 58 and half way between 58 and Convention bi-pass.

Oh, and when you go there, he will quiz you to see if you know how long you are supposed to brush your teeth -- answer: 18 minutes.

[dk]

I've never been faced with the doctor. Just the (cute) nurses.

I didn't even realize there was a "he" doctor. I had a hunch the woman who was working on me was the lead since she had been in command of my mouth for over 3 months.

[TheNoNamedOne]

The lead doctor and owner is Mr. Oshiro. About 48~50 yrs old. His second in command is the Orthodontist, who also does some of the regular dentistry as well.

My oral care has been top notch since living here and seeing him. I don't ever think I had as good of a dentist in the States as I do here with his clinic. Hope he never burns out and closes shop.

Though, his clinic is around 10 yrs old now. He needs to spend a little money on maintenance e.g. wall paper is raveling, wood floor all scratched up, front sign is rusting a tad. All minor things, and I could ignore it knowing he spends money on all the latest dentistry technology, but waiting room image is always good for new customers, and I like to see those I like succeed as much as possible and keep building their customer base. I am sure he will continue to do so, but image does count for some walking in the office for the first time.

[smhersweetie]

Damn...18 minutes? Doesn't that sound a bit too long?

[TheNoNamedOne]

Damn...18 minutes? Doesn't that sound a bit too long?

Yeah, I think so, too. But he insists on that. But, I never brush my teeth that long. In fact, I read in Reader's Digest that anything over 6~8 minutes may scractch off enamel or dentine.

Been tempted to tell him that, but thought it would be rude to do so, and I would hate for his reply to be, "Well, then have Reader's Digest do your dental work for you."

[blacktulip]

Thanks everyone for the replies. :D

I'm actually looking at the possibility of working in Okinawa. I'm a dentist myself. :p

Does Dr. Oshiro have an email address?

[blacktulip]

Yeah, I think so, too. But he insists on that. But, I never brush my teeth that long. In fact, I read in Reader's Digest that anything over 6~8 minutes may scractch off enamel or dentine.

Yeah you're right there. In fact I've been telling some of my patients not to brush too long because they'd brushed away their enamel and are now complaining about sensitive teeth! Poor things can't even drink water from the tap now.

[DoctorP]

I like the one my kids use. Video screens that swivel right in front of you and double as a monitor for the camera he puts into your mouth. No more trying to see into your mouth with that tiny mirror. Also, they can take xrays right in the chair and "bam" they show up on the same screen!

[TheNoNamedOne]

Yes, he does. I will have to find his card. It is on there. I will try to post it tomorrow.

[blacktulip]

Yes, he does. I will have to find his card. It is on there. I will try to post it tomorrow.

Thanks! :D

[TheNoNamedOne]

Yeah you're right there. In fact I've been telling some of my patients not to brush too long because they'd brushed away their enamel and are now complaining about sensitive teeth! Poor things can't even drink water from the tap now.

That is me!

Actually, when he first began telling me the 18 min thing, I followed his advice. But after a month my teeth were getting real sensitive. Then I read the Reader's Digest story and thought this had to be it. So, I cut down to 6 mins. Since then I haven't noticed any worsening condition.

[blacktulip]

That is me!

Actually, when he first began telling me the 18 min thing, I followed his advice. But after a month my teeth were getting real sensitive. Then I read the Reader's Digest story and thought this had to be it. So, I cut down to 6 mins. Since then I haven't noticed any worsening condition.

You can get some toothpaste for sensitive teeth but instead of using it to brush, rub it on the sensitive areas after brushing (with normal toothpaste), do it twice a day, don't have to rinse it out, leave it in there for as long as you can, don't eat, rinse or drink for at least half an hour. ;) Might take sometimes to work, maybe weeks or even months, but it works.

[TheNoNamedOne]

BlackTulip, a little off topic, but since you are a dentist, I have question for you:

How can I make molds like dentists do? What do they use in making molds and can I get all the materials from any home center here? I am talking about that rubbery stuff they put in my mouth, have me bite into the goo for 2 mina, take it out and poor plaster into it making my teeth. What is that rubbery goo made of?

[TheNoNamedOne]

You can get some toothpaste for sensitive teeth but instead of using it to brush, rub it on the sensitive areas after brushing (with normal toothpaste), do it twice a day, don't have to rinse it out, leave it in there for as long as you can, don't eat, rinse or drink for at least half an hour. ;) Might take sometimes to work, maybe weeks or even months, but it works.

Yes, Dr. Oshiro gave me some and then I bought my extra at the drug store. Worked pretty well.

[blacktulip]

BlackTulip, a little off topic, but since you are a dentist, I have question for you:

How can I make molds like dentists do? What do they use in making molds and can I get all the materials from any home center here? I am talking about that rubbery stuff they put in my mouth, have me bite into the goo for 2 mina, take it out and poor plaster into it making my teeth. What is that rubbery goo made of?

We use different things, but in this case I'm assuming you're talking about the one for the first mould. It's called alginate, and it's made of *drumroll* seaweed haha! I'm serious. I don't think you can buy it from any home centre, but you'll be able to get it from dental supply companies. Why do you need that anyway?

[TheNoNamedOne]

I've always been interested in sculptures. Sometimes I see a small one, and wonder if I could make a mould of it to recreate it. I thought that if I could just copy the dental thing I would be able to fill two halves of a box up with it, then press the piece I want to copy between the two boxes, let it dry somewhat, then separate the two halves, pull out the piece and then have the hollow indent of each side, and then put the two halves back together and poor in plaster from the top -- and presto -- exact duplicate.

See what I mean? I want to do that!

[blacktulip]

Good idea, but that thing is a pain in the a*** to mix. After 5 years of dental school and 4 years of working I still haven't master the art of mixing it properly. :mad: I love my dental assistant. :D

Maybe you can ask Dr. Oshiro whether he can get some for you, and maybe lend you one of his nurses to help you. ;)

[smhersweetie]

Black Tulip...question for you then. It's dentist related, but not about the subject on brushing. My daughter grinds her teeth..she's 6 now. I got her a mouth guard for that from her previous dentist. The dentist lady that I took her too..she said that some kids stop when they turn six...so does that mean if they don't stop after that they'll just keep grinding their teeth. And also another question...none of her baby teeths has fallen out yet..is that a good thing or bad? Cause alot of kids her age they've lost their front teeths and my daughter hasn't yet. Hope you can answer my questions...sorry.

[blacktulip]

My bro used to grind his teeth when he was a kid, and I think he only stopped doing that in his teen.

Sometimes they don't lose it till they're 7. I won't worry about it.

That's ok, ask me any questions you want. I'm a workaholic. :D

[TheNoNamedOne]

Another question: Do dentists take offense if a patient suggests that the dentist's advice is wrong?

e.g. If I told Mr. Oshiro that his 18 mins of brushing rule is not recommended by a large dental org, would that cause him to be embarrassed or angry?

[TheNoNamedOne]

I have a dental confession I have always wanted to make to a dentist. I guess Black Tulip you will be my dental priest to confess to and you must forgive my sins. Here goes:

I always fake pain after the first novacain shot so that the dentist gives me another shot. I figure a double whammy of novacaine will make sure I don't feel pain. Works like a charm every time.

[blacktulip]

Another question: Do dentists take offense if a patient suggests that the dentist's advice is wrong?

e.g. If I told Mr. Oshiro that his 18 mins of brushing rule is not recommended by a large dental org, would that cause him to be embarrassed or angry?

Not sure, depends on the person I guess. Personally I would like people to tell me if I'm wrong!

[smhersweetie]

Why fake it? Wouldn't they just give you more if you tell them you can still feel the pain? Cause when I got work done a year ago I swear I could still feel it after they gave me a few or so...but then I still felt it. I diddn't want them to overdose me so I just didn't care to ask for more.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I have another confession to get off my chest:

I like the polishing paste they use when polishing my teeth. It is creamy and sweet tasting (unlike the horrid backing soda high jet spray they use). So, after they tell me they are finished polishing and for me to rinse, I just act like I am taking a sip of water to rinse and to a fake spitting. I like to keep that polishing paste on my teeth and enjoy sucking it down.

Ok, I feel better after all these confessions. Am I forgiven?

[TheNoNamedOne]

Why fake it? Wouldn't they just give you more if you tell them you can still feel the pain?

That is the point of faking it. I don't even want to feel pain to the point where I have to ask for more. Just give it to me right from the start to spare me the possibility of even feeling it.

[smhersweetie]

I guess I should try faking it and see...I hate to feel pain period too. It's like when the nurses have to put a needle into me for IV or draw blood....I just want them to get it right the first time because I hate needles. If they don't get it in the first time it's like I get all PO.

[blacktulip]

That is the point of faking it. I don't even want to feel pain to the point where I have to ask for more. Just give it to me right from the start to spare me the possibility of even feeling it.

Haha if you just tell them I'm sure they'll gladly give you extra doses!

[blacktulip]

I have another confession to get off my chest:

I like the polishing paste they use when polishing my teeth. It is creamy and sweet tasting (unlike the horrid backing soda high jet spray they use). So, after they tell me they are finished polishing and for me to rinse, I just act like I am taking a sip of water to rinse and to a fake spitting. I like to keep that polishing paste on my teeth and enjoy sucking it down.

Ok, I feel better after all these confessions. Am I forgiven?

You don't have to rinse it out if you don't want to. We only tell patients to rinse coz we thought they won't like the "sandy" feeling in their mouths, but I always tell them they can rinse if they want to so they can choose what they want to do.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Well, I learned the "fake the pain" thing with dentists many years ago. Believe me, it works! And if you don't mind that numbing feeling in your mouth lasting longer than usual after the visit, I highly recommend it.

But, you have to wait until they start drilling or probing a little. When they do give a little sudden jerk of the head, a squeal in the seat, and lift one of your legs. I have it down pat. It always gets me more novacaine.

[blacktulip]

I shall make a note. No extra novocaine for TheProsecutor. :p

[smhersweetie]

lol..that's just too funny. Prosecutor you stick to the faking and I'll just stiick to asking for the novacaine...lol...You're probably way BETTER at the faking..

[TheNoNamedOne]

Man, when I leave Dr. Oshiro's office, I am really relaxed. He has the greatest elevator music on at the perfect volume and the temperature is set perfect, too -- not to mention the lighting. Just relaxing.

I like it best when they do their work by covering my face with a towel. Sometimes they do that, and sometimes they don't.

One thing I don't like is when they arrange cloth all around my nose and chin so that only the target area is exposed to them -- as if they are doing some major operation. That kind of bothers me. I think a simple towel on the face covering the eyes is quite adequate.

[Tempestuous]

Haha if you just tell them I'm sure they'll gladly give you extra doses!

After hearing everyone complain about dental pain- & I had my first cavity worked on- he medicated me and went to work- I thought the norm was you still felt it. So he gets down to business, at first it wasn't to bad but it started to get a little rough & at one point I tightened my body from the pain and he goes....You felt that?!?!?!?!? Why didn't you say something?!?!?!?! You are NOT supposed to be feeling that!
He shoots me up again & says
"this time, I am going to tap around- you tell me if you feel anything!!"

After that re-dose- I didn't feel a thing

I am sure he was shaking his head at me! I told him from everything you hear- I just didn't expect a total block.

[TheNoNamedOne]

BlackTulip, I get a lot of headaches and because of that I take a lot of aspirin. They tell me that causes my gums to bleed.

Oh, another dental confession:

I have two kinda deep pockets on my bottom teeth on the sides. I really like it when they probe their pick in there to measure the depth. Feels really good when that pick hits gum bottom in the pocket. I'm like, "don't stop. Keep probing."

[blacktulip]

It's almost 3am, my bed is calling me. Good night peeps! Have fun!

[Tempestuous]

Well, I learned the "fake the pain" thing with dentists many years ago. Believe me, it works! And if you don't mind that numbing feeling in your mouth lasting longer than usual after the visit, I highly recommend it.

But, you have to wait until they start drilling or probing a little. When they do give a little sudden jerk of the head, a squeal in the seat, and lift one of your legs. I have it down pat. It always gets me more novacaine.


You sneaky little bugger you!

Careful, don't want you turning into some pain med freak!;)

[TheNoNamedOne]

lol..that's just too funny. Prosecutor you stick to the faking and I'll just stiick to asking for the novacaine...lol...You're probably way BETTER at the faking..

lol.

I think they are starting to think I am a novacain junkie.

[Tempestuous]

lol.

I think they are starting to think I am a novacain junkie.

You are probably right. I wonder at what point you say you can still feel it do they just pretend to give you another shot.

I have seen that with hospital patients- I can still feel it! It hurts!!! As the doc is standing there pinching as hard as they can with no response....they DON'T feel it for real....either they are just sayin that or are "feeling it" in their head

[TheNoNamedOne]

I can tell they give me another shot. Usually they will shoot me up in a slightly different area that is still sensitive because the novacain hadn't spread fully there.

The only reason I would never want to time travel into the past is because of poor dental care then. That is the only thing that keeps me from finding my own deserted south Pacific island to become a recluse on, too. I keep remembering Tom Hanks in Castaway pulling out his his rotted tooth with a ice skating blade. Oh, freakin Crikey -- I get freaked everytime I remember that scene!

[TheNoNamedOne]

If I had to choose between a fire department in my town or a dentist, I would choose the dentist.

More than firefighters, they rate tops in my book as unsung heros. I hope they feel and know they are deeply appreciated and not taken for granted. Well, at least the ones who use a lot of novacaine aren't.

[TheNoNamedOne]

BlackTulip, I found Life Dental Clinic's card (appointment card -- not business card) but it seems I was mistaken. I see no e-mail or homepage address on it. I had previously also tried to find it by doing a search on Yahoo Japan but no luck. The card I found seemed a little old, perhaps I have a newer card around here, and maybe that one will have an e-mail address.

I take it you are still in Autralia and looking for a job from there, right? You may just want to send a letter or your resume snail mail to him, and I would bet he would respond to your e-mail address in there. Just to get your foot in the door, you may want to offer your experience in the form of being interested in learning about Japanese dental practices and would like to volunteer for a month, and then ask if that could lead to some kind of limited or full employment after that. Just a thought.

But, here is the address:

Life Dental Clinic
Dr. Oshiro

6-24-9 Oyama 102
Ginowan City, Okinawa
Japan 901-2223

And here is the tel # again: (098)890-5322

That also is used as the fax # as well.

I will post again if I find his e-mail address.

[Tempestuous]

Black Tulip... is there an expected time frame for wisdom teeth to be in once they rupture?
Is there any particular symptoms that you would recommend to have them checked to insure there isn't an issue?

(hey this is pretty cool to have a professional on here!!!)

[dk]

(hey this is pretty cool to have a professional on here!!!)
It really is. :D I hope she doesn't mind, but I'm going to be bugging her everytime I have a dental question.

[blacktulip]

After hearing everyone complain about dental pain- & I had my first cavity worked on- he medicated me and went to work- I thought the norm was you still felt it. So he gets down to business, at first it wasn't to bad but it started to get a little rough & at one point I tightened my body from the pain and he goes....You felt that?!?!?!?!? Why didn't you say something?!?!?!?! You are NOT supposed to be feeling that!
He shoots me up again & says
"this time, I am going to tap around- you tell me if you feel anything!!"

After that re-dose- I didn't feel a thing

I am sure he was shaking his head at me! I told him from everything you hear- I just didn't expect a total block.

Yeah, sometimes you need a few jabs to numb up, but if you don't tell us we won't know! :p

[blacktulip]

BlackTulip, I get a lot of headaches and because of that I take a lot of aspirin. They tell me that causes my gums to bleed.

Oh, another dental confession:

I have two kinda deep pockets on my bottom teeth on the sides. I really like it when they probe their pick in there to measure the depth. Feels really good when that pick hits gum bottom in the pocket. I'm like, "don't stop. Keep probing."

LOL If only all my patients're like you! When I probe they squirm and mourn in pain, make me feel bad everytime they do that! :mad:
Aspirin itself doesn't cause your gum to bleed, but if you've an injury or if your gum is inflammed it will bleed more.

[blacktulip]

TheProsecutor,

Thanks for the info! The problem is with the dental professional it's not just a matter of pack up and go. There're lots of bureaucratic red tapes for dentists to work overseas. I've to find out first whether my degree is recognized over there, sometimes I have to sit for a licensing exam. E.g. for me to work in America, I've to get my feet into the dental school first and start all over again, then pass the board exam before I can work, if not I won't even be allowed to work as a dental nurse over there. ;(
I'll probably give Dr. Oshiro a call next week and ask him about it since I can't find any information on the internet regarding foreign dentists working in Japan. I know a little bit of Japanese and I can read all the kanji but not enough for me to do a search on the Japanese websites. ;(

[blacktulip]

Black Tulip... is there an expected time frame for wisdom teeth to be in once they rupture?
Is there any particular symptoms that you would recommend to have them checked to insure there isn't an issue?

(hey this is pretty cool to have a professional on here!!!)

Unfortunately, nope. My wisdom teeth are still only half way through. :D There's no way you can tell when they gonna play up, mine still give me grief every now and then (but I refused to have them taken out :p).
But if you keep them clean and have regular check up (and xrays every 2 years) you should be fine.

[blacktulip]

It really is. :D I hope she doesn't mind, but I'm going to be bugging her everytime I have a dental question.

No, I don't mind at all. :D
If you've any questions just shoot. :D

[Tempestuous]

Unfortunately, nope. My wisdom teeth are still only half way through. :D There's no way you can tell when they gonna play up, mine still give me grief every now and then (but I refused to have them taken out :p).
But if you keep them clean and have regular check up (and xrays every 2 years) you should be fine.

Two of mine ruptured through....19mths ago and have barely progressed any further in that amt of time, so I was just checkin.
Callin tomorrow to schedule our routine exams (a little over due....not as much as dk though :)).
I am beginning to have some ear/jaw and facial pain on one side, don't know if it is coincidence of if there is an issue. They thought I would have room, but you never know for sure how things will come through.

Thanks for your feedback!

[thistle]

Prosecutor,

I have been going to Life Dental Clinic for 7 years now, and also have nothing but good things to say about it. I also have 2 deep pockets, one time they were going to operate, cut it open and sew them up again, however I fainted
just before they were about to begin so never got it done.

Only thing I don't recommend is taking small children there, definitely for older children and adults. But if anyone needs a Dentist for young children who are terrified of the dentist I can recommend one(no english though!).

[socalheart]

As a kid growing up here, we went to Seventh Day Adventists dental clinic. They gave me my first root canal at 16. I never had any problems, beyond the general fear of dentists.

Adventist Medical Center Japan
(Okinawa Medical Center)
868 Aza Kochi
Nishihara, Okinawa 903-01 Japan
Phone: 81-989-46-2833 or 2834
Fax: 81-989-46-7137

[knj_822]

Life Dental Clinic?

Can somebody help in giving directions on how to get to the clinic? How much does it cost for ordinary services? (i.e. fills, check up, etc.) Walk ins ok?

Thanks!

[Muku]

Life Dental Clinic?

Can somebody help in giving directions on how to get to the clinic? How much does it cost for ordinary services? (i.e. fills, check up, etc.) Walk ins ok?

Thanks!
Did you read the directions included in the earlier part of this thread? :D

[IkoIko]

I, and many other non-military related people use New York Dental Clinic. I cannot remember the dentists name, but both he and his wife (who is the receptionist) speak fairly good English.

Their surgery is very very modern and clean. They have onsite x-ray.

Its located in Naha...kind of near Main Place (the large shopping center). I also think they might have an ad in the English Yellow Pages.

Phone number is 098 869 6932.

[ja_Patriot]

IkoIko,

"English Yellow Pages".

Interesting. That's something new to me. Are those part of the NTT phone book? We have one which got delivered with the phone but I never really looked into it.


#

[IkoIko]

IkoIko,

"English Yellow Pages".

Interesting. That's something new to me. Are those part of the NTT phone book? We have one which got delivered with the phone but I never really looked into it.


#

I think it's the 'unofficial' Yellow Pages, written in English. I believe that one of the housing agencies (office in Chatan somewhere) with a hand in the internet/phone business publishes it once every few years. To my knowledge its not the NTT book.

Its by no means comprehensive, but its a handy guide to whats around.

Ill find out the details and post them tonight.

[Phillybug]

Does Life Dental Clinic offer Orthodontic services as well?? B/c I need braces but not bad enough that the military will pay for them.

[WendyO]

Hi does anyone know of any English speaking Orthodontists? My son desperatly needs to see one and of course he didn't get selected by the board at Evans. Does anyone know of a civilian ortho that they or a friend has used? Any info would be appreciated, you can email me at ericwendyj1@msn.com as I might not be able to find this thread again :ohmy:

[TheNoNamedOne]

Adventist Medical Hospital in Nishihara does orthodontist work. So does Life Dental Clinic in Ginowan. Both have dentists/orthos that speak English very well.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Does Life Dental Clinic offer Orthodontic services as well?? B/c I need braces but not bad enough that the military will pay for them.

Yes, I am pretty sure they do.

Sorry to not answer this for such a long time. It passed by me.

[themadscientist]

Life dental is awesome. They yanked all my wisdom teeth with very little pain and did my gold crown. I highly recommend them! :thumbup1:

[aerinsmammy]

Prosecutor,

I have been going to Life Dental Clinic for 7 years now, and also have nothing but good things to say about it. I also have 2 deep pockets, one time they were going to operate, cut it open and sew them up again, however I fainted
just before they were about to begin so never got it done.

Only thing I don't recommend is taking small children there, definitely for older children and adults. But if anyone needs a Dentist for young children who are terrified of the dentist I can recommend one(no english though!).
Could you recommend a dentist for a small child who is terrified of visiting the dentist? I have one of those who needs a checkup in the spring...

[thistle]

Could you recommend a dentist for a small child who is terrified of visiting the dentist? I have one of those who needs a checkup in the spring...

Well yes, I can in the Futenma area. But I ama civilian.

They speak no english there, so unless your child can understand Japanese it may not work.

[commando]

The pamphlet put out by these guys has English dental clinics too. http://www.oihf.or.jp/

[IkoIko]

http://www.nydc.jp/en/facilities.html

New York Dental clinic near Main Place shopping center in Naha is great. Lovely, shiny new clinic, best equipment, dentist speaks reasonable English, reception staff speak English, onsite car parking.

Other than this, there is a dental clinic at the Adventist MC that has English speaking staff.

[macker]

Does anyone have a MAP to Life Dental clinic? Landmarks or anything?

[thistle]

Does anyone have a MAP to Life Dental clinic? Landmarks or anything?


The LIfe Dental clinic in Ginowan, it is on the road going down to the Convention centre, Macker. If you want directions let me know.