I recently commented on my friend’s blog on Japanese dentist. Thought it was applicable to this site’s theme, so here. (NOTE: I edited a little bit to include more info.)

Most Japanese dentists never finish anything in just one visit no matter how simple the actual work might be.

For example, a routine plaque removal procedure goes like this: In your first visit, they just work on your upper teeth, which takes about 10 minutes max. In the second visit they work on your lower teeth, which also takes about 10 minutes max. In the third visit “The big sensei” comes out and do his usual comprehensive check-up, which takes about 2 minutes max and involves in cursing and harsh criticisms on one’s dental habit. He usually won’t applaud unless you brush AND floss your teeth whenever you eat something, and supposedly he can tell whether you do that regularly simply by glancing at your teeth. After all is said and done, another nurse would teach you how to floss properly.

You pay about ¥2,000 ~ ¥2,500 grand total at the most, but they get to file three separate insurance statements since they divided one appointment into three. Patient’s share is 30% of the total cost. Go figure…

At some festival…

I don’t remember when I had this meal…