As outlined in our orthodontist job description, this specialty requires the completion of ademanding and rigorous course. Before playing a crucial role in correcting dental malpositions, students wishing to embark on this path will need to be patient. In France, it takes 8 to 9 years of study to become an orthodontist. This article describes the various stages.
Initial stages of medical training
Before starting specialized orthodontic studies in France, you'll need a scientific baccalaureate. You will then have to choose between two options:
- The Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Années Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a miscellaneous minor. This structure not only diversifies skills, but also offers the possibility of reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Students who are admitted to the program enter the health sector.
- Those who do not pass can reorient themselves towards their minor. They can retake the exam the following year.
- The PASS reduces the pressure of the single PACES entrance exam and diversifies students' skills.
- The Health Access License (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of health study courses on offer, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, L.AS students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, encouraging skills and reorientation.
General orthodontic studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), studies to become an orthodontist are divided into two diploma sections:
- Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Odontologiques (DFGSO): this two-year course includes theoretical instruction in anatomy, biology and pathology, and practical work in simulation.
- Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Odontologiques (DFASO): this phase focuses on more specialized teaching and supervised clinical internships. It also lasts two years.
These courses can also be taken at foreign faculties, as long as the country to which they belong is part of the European Union.
Specialization in Orthodontics
After graduating in dental surgery, young dentists can train in orthodontics alongside general practice, but not exclusively as orthodontists. To do so, they will have to continue their studies and specialize in orthodontics through further training:
- Concours de l'Internat en Orthodontie: Admission to this specialization is by means of a selective competitive examination.
- Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Orthopédie Dento-Faciale (DESODF): This diploma is awarded after a further three years of study, including specialized theoretical courses in orthodontics, practical work and intensive clinical internships. Students learn to diagnose and treat dentofacial anomalies, using corrective appliances and advanced techniques.
Orthodontic interns must also write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, he or she obtains a state diploma and is eligible to practice as an orthodontist.
Careers and opportunities in orthodontics
Status of orthodontists
Young orthodontists registered with the Ordre des Chirurgiens-Dentistes can apply for jobs as orthodontists. They will also need to choose the type of practice they wish to pursue:
- Liberal: orthodontists work as independent professionals in their own practice or in collaboration with other oral health professionals. They are free to manage their own schedules, choose their own equipment and set their own fees. However, they must assume administrative and financial responsibility for their work.
- Salaried: orthodontists may be employed by public hospitals, health centers or private clinics. This gives them access to state-of-the-art medical equipment and job stability, but less autonomy than self-employment.
Where orthodontists practice
Orthodontists can choose to practice in the following locations:
- Private practices
- Hospitals and university hospitals
- Private clinics
- Health centers
- Associations
- University and Faculty of Dentistry
- Teleconsultation
- Medworking
The path to becoming an orthodontist is long and demanding, but it enables you to acquire highly specialized skills and play an essential role in the health and well-being of patients. From initial studies in dentistry to specialization in orthodontics, this path offers a comprehensive and diversified training, guaranteeing a rewarding career.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more, take a look at our orthodontist salary sheet!
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Orthodontist M/F - Lyon 69
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Lyon 2e
Orthodontist Job - Lyon 69 A dental practice in Lyon, in the Rhône region, is looking for its new orthodontist M/F for a permanent contract. Terms and conditions - CDI - Full time 36h - 3 RTT per year for full time - Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 18:00 with 1h break - Part-time possible 18h or 27h without RTT The structure This dental clinic is located in Lyon's 2nd arrondissement, close to the Cours de Verdun and well served by public transport. The team is made up of a qualified dental assistant in the chair and one or two receptionists, whose duties include full third-party payment. Multi-site managers are accessible and offer coaching and training on request. All new recruits benefit from a personalized induction program and assessment. Correspondents in private practices and hospitals take charge of implantology and stomatology cases when necessary. Remuneration Retrocession of 29% of gross sales Our missions - Management and follow-up of orthodontic treatments - Placement and adjustment of brackets and ODF orthodontic appliances - Coordination with prosthetists and correspondents for implant and stomatological cases - Manage and organize patient schedules - Participation in integration and quality reviews The benefits - Comprehensive technical platform - Presence of a qualified dental assistant in the chair and a reception team - Excellent working atmosphere and accessible managers - Veasy business software and Doctolib diary - Meal vouchers 11.52 euros per day worked, 60% paid by the employer - Annual profit-sharing bonus in excess of 1,000 euros gross pro rata to working time Equipment - Airel Quetin K2 neon orthodontic chairs - Technodent and Sting orthodontic chairs - Medit i900 optical cameras - EndoPilot endodontic motor, latest model 2025, integrating Komet apex locator and burs - Radio Care Stream 2D panoramic - Silicone mixer - Leon ODF brackets - ODF gutters, no Invisalign - Biotech and Global D implantology fittings - Consumables supplied by GACD or Henri Schein - Standard sterilization and protocols with DASRI management - Logistical support from the facility's support services The little extra Lyon offers a lifestyle appreciated for its gastronomic and cultural richness, with the Presqu'île and its restaurants just a few minutes away, as well as the Parc de la Tête d'Or for your nature escapes. Profile required Orthodontist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre Contact us on: 06 67 76 60 76 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12360 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of dental surgeons in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - B2 French language training - Follow-up for ONCD registration - Help in finding accommodation - Consultant dedicated to your support Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Orthodontist - Biarritz 64
Liberal
5000 - 15000 per month
Biarritz
Orthodontist Job - Biarritz 64 A dental practice in Biarritz, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is actively seeking a freelance orthodontist. Terms and conditions - Private practice - Part-time: Thursdays and Fridays, possibility of working Saturdays too The structure This is a dental clinic based in Biarritz, offering a professional working environment on the Basque coast. In addition, the organization focuses on quality of care and coordination between administrative and clinical functions. The partnership begins with two days' presence per week, without a dedicated assistant in the treatment room, and can evolve into a minority partnership within the SELARL after six months if the collaboration is going well. Remuneration - Collaboration: Retrocession of 70% gross of sales, with prosthetic costs, materials and software paid by the orthodontist - After 6 months, possibility of minority partnership with adjusted retrocession: without assistant 75% gross of sales, with dedicated assistant 65% gross of sales Duties - Carry out orthodontic assessments and draw up treatment plans - Fit and monitor fixed and removable orthodontic appliances - Ensure regular clinical follow-up of patients and necessary adjustments - Collaborate with the secretary's office to manage appointments and patient files - Participate in clinical meetings and ensure traceability of care - Coordinate with prosthetic specialists when necessary The benefits - Flexible consultation days and the possibility of working on Saturdays - Secretarial and sterilization services provided by the team - Possibility of minority partnership after 6 months - Possibility of hiring a dedicated assistant after 6 months - Practice in an attractive area on the Basque coast The little extra Biarritz is famous for its surf spots, notably the Côte des Basques beach, and for the Rocher de la Vierge, which offers an emblematic view of the ocean. The town offers an art of living that combines beaches, walks and Basque gastronomy. Profile required Orthodontist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. A minimum of one to two years' experience is required. Contact us at: 06 67 76 60 76 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ad reference : 12241 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of dental surgeons in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - B2 French language training - Support in registering with the French Dental Association (ONCD) - Help in finding accommodation - Consultant dedicated to your support Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Orthodontist - Sablons 38
Liberal
5000 - 15000 per month
Lyon 5e
A dental establishment in Sablons is looking for its new orthodontist M/F for a liberal collaboration leading to an SCM association as a minority partner. Terms and conditions - Private practice followed by minority partnership - Full-time or part-time The structure This is a large, new 800 m2 practice located within a multidisciplinary health cluster that includes cardiology, physiotherapy, osteopathy and dental care. The premises are also easily accessible, with parking spaces directly in front of the building. Each practitioner is supported by a dedicated assistant and administrative secretary. The team is highly responsive when it comes to equipment maintenance, and the internal organization encourages collaboration between specialties. Remuneration - 55% gross commission on sales - Prostheses paid for by the practitioner Our missions - Complete orthodontic management of patients, including initial consultations and assessments - Design and implementation of orthodontic treatment plans - Placement and adjustment of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances - Regular treatment follow-up and management of follow-up appointments - Collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and communication with the dedicated assistant - Participation in the organization and management of SCM schedules The benefits - Spacious, bright, air-conditioned premises - Parking spaces available in front of the practice - Ready-to-use orthodontic room - Dedicated dental assistant per practitioner and administrative secretariat - High average turnover Our equipment - Latest-generation equipment - Optical camera - Dental chair - Cephalostat - Computer and printer in each cubicle The little extra Sablons offers quick access to major highways and the Alps for weekend getaways. Profile Orthodontist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration. Contact us on: 06 67 76 60 76 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ad reference : 11931 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of dental surgeons in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - B2 French language training - Follow-up for ONCD registration - Help in finding accommodation - Consultant dedicated to your support Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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