Established in 1928, Tokyo Medical and Dental University was the oldest national school of dentistry in Japan.

The school received university status in 1944 as Tokyo Medical and Dental College.

Since 2002 the university has had an agreement with Partners Harvard Medical International involving enhancement of TMDU's education programs.

[4] Yushima (湯島, Yushima) Campus was the main campus located in Bunkyō, close to Ochanomizu Station, which contains the main university hospital buildings and research facilities including the 126m-tall M&D tower.

[3] The campus was close to Yushima Tenjin, from which the university plum blossom symbol (five petals) was derived.