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!