Graduate School

The Graduate School

The Graduate School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo and that at Niigata were established in April 1960 and April 1990, respectively. The schools' objectives are, first, to conduct research on and April 1990 training in dental theory and practice; second, to give students a high degree of expertise to enable them to contribute to advances in dentistry; third, to provide training in a broad spectrum of research fields so students can practice in many places, such as in international research institutions. A unique curriculum has been introduced that is free of preconceived or conventional ideas and integrates both basic studies and clinical practice. New research facilities as well as those for collaborative research are available for the students' use, and many students who complete the graduate course remain at the university for further research while teaching undergraduates.

Major Subject Programs and Themes of Study

The principal research content of the research department at the Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo.

Basic Dental Subjects

Major Subject Programs (Director) Themes of Study
Anatomy
(Masataka Sunohara)
  1. Meso-scale anatomical analysis of vascular network patterning in the maxillofacial region
  2. Analysis of molecular mechanisms in the vessel formation and angiogenesis process during tooth germ development
  3. Analysis of structural changes in three-dimensional micromorphology during growth and development of the maxillary and mandibular bone
Histology
(Kenichiro Kikuchi)
  1. Histochemistry research on embryology, differentiation and aging of the salivary gland
  2. Molecular biological study on injury and recovery of the salivary gland
  3. Analysis of mechanisms of Epithelial-mesenchymal Interactions in Oral tissue
Physiology
(Chikako Saiki)
  1. Effect of oral and maxillofacial perception and/or motor activity on body functions
  2. Taste sensation and the cognitive processing in human subjects
  3. Research on physiological homeostasis ; influence of environmental factors on respiration, circulation and metabolism
Biochemistry
(Kazushi Imai)
  1. Analysis of signal transduction and gene transcription mechanisms in cancer tissue
  2. Molecular biological analysis of keratinocyte differentiation and dedifferentiation mechanisms
  3. Analysis of mechanisms related to the development and progression of non-neoplastic diseases
Pathology
(Yuuichi Soeno)
  1. Multifaceted structural/functional analysis of oral cancer and mucosal lesions
  2. Comparative pathological analysis of oral diseases in animal models
  3. Molecular network analysis of maxillofacial development and the pathogenesis of congenital anomalies
Microbiology
(Yukihiro Takahashi)
  1. Research on the pathogenicity of oral streptococci in infectious endocarditis
  2. Molecular biological analysis on the pathogenetic factors of the causative agents of chronic periodontitis
  3. Molecular biological analysis on the pathogenetic factors of the causative agents of aggressive periodontitis
Pharmacology
(Takeo Tsutsui)
  1. Functional analysis of stem cells
  2. Development of tooth and dental pulp regeneration techniques
  3. Investigation for the safety and efficacy of medicines
Oral Health
(　　　　　　)
  1. Liver, heart, and pancreas regeneration by dental pulp stem cells and volatile sulfur compounds
  2. Research on dental health activities at each life stage
  3. Research on socioeconomic approaches for preventive dentistry
Dental Materials Science
(Akikazu Shinya)
  1. Clinical application of intraoral scanner and it’s precision
  2. Applications of novel resin composites and resin adhesive cement
  3. Research on the mechanical properties of novel dental materials, and clinical procedures
  4. Clinical application of CAD/CAM technique
  5. Basic and clinical applications of 3D printers
Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine
(Taka Nakahara)
  1. Isolation, characterization, and differentiation of multipotent stem cells derived from human teeth
  2. Engineering of test-tube dental implants for regenerative therapy
  3. Cell and molecular biology of tooth/periodontal development and regeneration
Forensic Dentistry
(Kaori Iwahara)
  1. Recognition, prevention of physical abuse and neglect, and child care support
  2. Personal dental identification
  3. Disaster dentistry

Dental Clinical Subjects

Major Subject Programs (Director) Themes of Study
Endodontics
(　　　　　　)
  1. Research and development of endodontic equipments, instruments and materials
  2. Research on root canal preparation and root canal obturation methods
  3. Research on regeneration and healing of the dental pulp and apical periodontal tissue on endodontic diseases
  4. Research on accuracy of radiographical examination on endodontic diseases
  5. Immunohistochemical research on generation and development of tooth and jawbone
Removable Prosthodontics
(Yuka Sumita)
  1. Relationship between oral health and general health
  2. Relationship between prosthodontic treatment and oral function, general health
  3. Development of the device to evaluate the oral function
  4. Research for prosthodontic materials.
Crown & Bridge Prosthodontics
(Harunori Gomi)
  1. Clinical application of glass-fiber-reinforced hybrid resin restorative materials
  2. Computer-supported examination, diagnosis, and restorative appliance system
  3. Adhesion techniques and CAD/CAM esthetic restorations
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
(Takafumi Satomi)
  1. Research of local invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
  2. Tissue regeneration program that uses growth factors and biomaterials
  3. Development of a novel bone reconstruction procedure using 3D-printing techniques.
  4. Research and development of new tissue regeneration therapies from human dental pulp stem cells
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
(Kazuhito Arai)
  1. Anthropologic investigation of the causes of malocclusion
  2. Research on new diagnostic methods of malocclusion
  3. Biomechanical research in orthodontic appliances
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
(Taisuke Kawai)
  1. Research on image diagnosis for maxillofacial region
  2. Research related to radiation protection during radiological examinations
  3. Research on image quality of the CBCT examination
  4. Research on computer aided diagnosis in dentistry
  5. Research on ultrasound-guided nerve ganglion block
Pediatric Dentistry
(Hiroyuki Karibe)
  1. Emotional response in children during dental treatment
  2. Prevention of oral diseases in childhood
  3. Dental development in children with systemic diseases
Dental Anesthesiology
(Katsuhisa Sunada)
  1. Research on the disposition and potency of local anesthetics
  2. Application of α2 receptor agonists in the dental anesthesia field
  3. Research on ambulatory anesthesia: Drugs, evaluation, techniques, etc.
Periodontology
(Yukihiro Numabe)
  1. Research on the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic disease
  2. Research on the effects of smoking on periodontal tissue
  3. Development on the new examination for periodontal diseases
  4. Epidemiological research on periodontal diseases
  5. Application of LED and lasers to periodontal treatment
  6. Research on the pathological condition improving factor for periodontal disease
  7. Development of oral and gut microbiome-targeted therapies for periodontal disease
Adhesive Dentistry
(　　　　　　)
  1. Evaluation for the behavior of metal-free adhesive restorations in in vivo and in vitro environments
  2. Development and evaluation of novel restoration methods and materials contributed to the next generation MID esthetic restorations
  3. Comprehensive investigation of the innovative digital restoration system
  4. Revitalization of bio-adhesion for the affinity of tooth substance
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