The School of Dentistry and the Dental Hospital welcomed two dental students from the College of Dentistry, China Medical University (Taiwan), for a two-week clinical observation program from July 21 to July 31, 2026. The visiting students were Mr. Wei-Chung Bai and Mr. Yen-You Chen from the College of Dentistry, China. Medical University. During their stay, they participated in clinical observation training at the Dental Hospital, gaining firsthand insight into Japanese dental care as well as the educational and clinical systems of our institution.

Throughout the program, the students observed a wide range of clinical departments, including Prosthodontics, Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Hygiene, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, the Cleft Lip and Palate Center, Endodontics, and Orthodontics. This experience allowed them to learn about clinical practice and dental education in various specialties.

Dental education in Taiwan has several distinctive features compared with that of Japan. During the first three years, students study basic medical sciences, basic dental sciences, and general education subjects. In the fourth and fifth years, they undertake clinical dental coursework and clinical clerkships. During the sixth year, students complete a one-year off-campus internship at university hospitals or accredited teaching hospitals (medical centers).

In addition, the Taiwanese National Dental Licensing Examination follows a two-stage system. The first-stage examination is taken after students complete the basic medical and dental science curriculum and before they begin clinical training. Students who pass the first-stage examination, graduate from university, and obtain their degree are then eligible to take the second-stage examination, which covers clinical dentistry, dental-related laws and regulations, and other professional subjects.

The two visiting students had recently completed their fourth year of study and visited our university during their summer vacation. Since the academic year in Taiwan begins in September, they will advance to their fifth year upon returning home. During the sixth year, students participate in clinical training at hospitals until the end of May of the following year and then take the national licensing examination in August. Similar to the educational system at our School of Dentistry, students in their fifth and sixth years focus primarily on clinical training with little or no extended vacation period.

China Medical University and our university have maintained an ongoing student exchange relationship for many years. This training program provided a valuable opportunity not only for enhancing clinical learning but also for promoting mutual understanding through international academic and cultural exchange. The School of Dentistry and the Dental Hospital remain committed to fostering dental professionals with a global perspective and will continue to actively promote educational and research collaborations with our international partner institutions.