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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Job Orthodontist - Cannes 06
Employee
1000 - 3500 per month
Cannes
A dental practice in Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, is actively seeking its new orthodontist M/F. The conditions - PERMANENT CONTRACT - Part-time (Friday) The structure You will be joining a seaside dental establishment with a large technical platform and a multidisciplinary organization. The site, comprising eight chairs and a surgical unit, is divided into a medical and a dental section, with several general practitioners and an implantologist. The team's organization fosters synergies between specialties and comprehensive patient care. Remuneration - Remuneration of 32% gross of sales Assignments - Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning - Fitting, adjusting and monitoring orthodontic appliances - Clinical and administrative follow-up of patient files - Create and develop an orthodontic patient base - Coordination with dentists and qualified orthodontic assistant - Help organize Friday consultations The benefits - Extensive technical facilities, including eight chairs and a surgical unit - Qualified dental assistant with orthodontic experience - Multidisciplinary environment conducive to clinical exchanges - High demand for orthodontics, enabling rapid patient growth Our equipment - Optical camera - Pano - Cone Beam The little extra Lunch breaks can take place at the seaside, with the beaches and promenades of Cannes just a few minutes away, offering a pleasant setting for your consultation days. Profile required Orthodontist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration. Contact us at: 06.67.76.60.76 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 12697 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 - French language training (B2) - Support in registering with the French Dental Association (ONCD) - Help with finding accommodation - Consultant dedicated to supporting you 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.
Orthodontist M/F Rosny-sous-Bois 93110
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Rosny-sous-Bois
Orthodontist M/F - Rosny-sous-Bois 93 A dental establishment in Rosny-sous-Bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, is actively seeking an orthodontist M/F. The structure You will be joining a network of dental clinics, each with six to ten chairs and a chair dedicated to orthodontics. The organization includes a center manager, between two and three medical secretaries, a dedicated assistant trained in orthodontics, and a coordinator to monitor quotations and administrative procedures. Remuneration - 35% on orthodontic treatments - 30% on SPARK aligners - SMG 60€ or 65€ net per hour over three months Duties - Carry out diagnostic consultations and orthodontic treatment plans - Placement and follow-up of multi-ring appliances - Take charge of SPARK aligners and monitor treatment trajectories - Collaboration with dedicated assistant and secretariat for care coordination - Preparation and follow-up of quotations in conjunction with the administrative coordinator - Participation in in-house training courses offered by the network The benefits - In-house training can be paid for by the network - Technical platform with several chairs - Dedicated assistant trained in orthodontics and structured secretariat - Desmos software and appointment booking via Doctolib - In-house prosthetic laboratory with systematic quality control - Practice dedicated to the practitioner, guaranteeing job stability Our equipment - Cephalo 3D - Panoramic X-ray - Wam Endo - 3Shape optical camera - Spark software for aligners The little extra Rosny-sous-Bois benefits from excellent proximity to Paris and major shopping facilities, including a large shopping center just a few minutes away, which makes daily life and getting around a breeze. Profile required - Orthodontist qualified in France or the European Union - Registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre as an ODF specialist - At least one year's experience Contact us on: 06.67.76.60.76 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 12679 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 - French language training (B2) - Support in registering with the French Dental Association (ONCD) - Help with finding accommodation - Consultant dedicated to supporting you 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.
Orthodontist M/F - Marseille 14th
Liberal
5000 - 15000 per month
Marseille 14e
A dental practice in the 14th arrondissement of Marseille, in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, is actively seeking a freelance orthodontist. Terms and conditions - Private practice - Part-time - 2 days per week The structure You will join a spacious dental practice located in the 14th arrondissement of Marseille, within a well-equipped medical center. The practice has a 250m2 dental space with 7 dental chairs and a multidisciplinary clinic with general medicine, physiotherapy and a laboratory. The current team comprises six practitioners and a secretariat dedicated to organizing treatment. Remuneration - Retrocession of 50% gross of sales for treatments and 40% for prostheses (paid by the practice) Our missions - Orthodontic treatment management - Clinical follow-up and appliance management - Collaboration with the multidisciplinary team The benefits - Modern technical platform - 1 dedicated assistant per practitioner - Secretariat - Multidisciplinary clinic - Significant orthodontic activity - Located in a highly endowed and accessible area Our equipment - 6 Omni chairs and 1 orthodontic chair - Primescan optical camera - Pano and cephalo - Endo Reciproc motor The little extra La cité phocéenne has all the advantages of a metropolis: conveniences, transport, shopping, culture and more. It also boasts an exceptional natural setting and an extraordinary amount of sunshine. It's an ideal city for combining quality of life and professional success. Profile required Orthodontist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration. Contact us at: 06.67.76.60.76 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 12652 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. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of dentists in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - French language training (B2) - Support in registering with the French Dental Association (ONCD) - Help with finding accommodation - Consultant dedicated to your support
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