Health Record number of Japanese dental clinics forced to close shop

Dental clinics, once as ubiquitous as convenience stores in Japan, face unprecedented closure rates due to an ageing workforce and rising costs. Many dentists struggle to adapt, with rising operational expenses and difficulty finding qualified successors. While some are turning to digital technology for improved efficiency and patient care, the high cost of implementing these solutions presents a significant barrier for many clinics.

According to Teikoku Databank, a record 126 dental clinics went bankrupt or closed between January and October 2024, a significant increase compared to the same period in the previous year. These closures typically involved clinics with liabilities of more than 10 million yen ($65,000). The average age of dentists closing their practices in 2024 was 69.3.

I know that my go-to dentist must now be near that age.

Another problem plaguing dental clinics is the surging prices of alloys and other materials used in tooth treatment. Their losses in income come at a time when dental clinics are seeking to buy and use the most advanced technologies available to win over new patients. [...] A remaining problem is the cost of treatment. Some phases, such as scanning for mold creation and application of certain fillings, are covered by health insurance. But many others that are not covered are quite pricey. Takabe said that placing a crown on a front tooth costs the patient 140,000 yen to 180,000 yen. The patient also needs to pay 80,000 yen to 140,000 yen for a back tooth filling.

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