Dental Technician Memorial Day (Shika Gikoushi Kinenbi)

What Is Dental Technician Memorial Day?

Every September 24th is "Dental Technician Memorial Day" (歯科技工士記念日, Shika Gikoushi Kinenbi) in Japan. It was established in 2005 by the Japan Dental Technologists Association, which was founded on this day in 1955. The day aims to raise awareness of dental technicians, the specialists who make dentures, crowns, fillings, and other dental prosthetics, and to highlight their role as medical professionals who support people's health.

What Do Dental Technicians Do?

Dental technicians are medical technical professionals who make and process dentures, post crowns, metal crowns, and other items based on written instructions from dentists.

• A national qualification: In Japan, one must pass the national examination under the Dental Technicians Act and receive a license from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
• An exclusive profession: By law, dental technical work may only be performed by dentists and licensed dental technicians.
• Skills required: Besides precise technical skills, the job requires an aesthetic sense to reproduce each patient's tooth color and shape.
• Workplaces: Dental laboratories, dental clinics, hospitals, and dental materials companies.

Japanese Dentures Began with Wood

In Japan, wooden dentures were made from early times by applying the techniques used to carve Buddhist statues. A full denture made of boxwood, used by a Buddhist nun who founded Ganjo-ji Temple in Wakayama City and died in 1538, is considered the oldest surviving full denture in Japan. In the Edo period, specialist denture makers called ireba-shi appeared, and dentures spread among ordinary people.

Facts About Dental Technology

• Going digital: In recent years, 3D scanners, dental CAD/CAM systems, and 3D printers have spread, and more prosthetics are now designed and made with computers.
• Beyond the mouth: Some dental technicians also make prostheses that replace parts of the face or ears.
• A shortage of new workers: The number of applicants and training schools has dropped sharply, which is seen as a challenge for the profession.
• October 8th is "Denture Appreciation Day": The Japan Dental Technologists Association also designated October 8th as a day to appreciate dentures, based on the wordplay i (1), re (0), ba (8) for ireba (dentures).

Ideas for Dental Technician Memorial Day

• Pay attention to the condition of your fillings, crowns, or dentures, and consult a dentist early if something feels wrong.
• Take your time chewing and savoring your meals.
• Learn about professionals who support healthcare behind the scenes.
• Replace your toothbrush, floss, or other oral care items.

The Craftspeople Behind Every Meal

Teeth that fit your mouth perfectly are made through a dentist's diagnosis and the careful handiwork of dental technicians. September 24 is a day to think about the work of dental technicians, whom we rarely get to see.