In our dental surgeon fact sheet, we take a brief look at the difficult but challenging path to this career. In France, students must complete 6 years of study to become a dental surgeon , and even more if they specialize. In this article, we describe them one by one.
Initial stages of medical training
Before starting specialized dental surgery studies in France, it is essential to obtain a baccalauréat, preferably in a scientific stream. 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.
Access to dentistry studies can also be gained via the passerelleprocedure. Only students holding a master's degree, a doctorate, a medical auxiliary diploma or an engineering qualification are eligible.
General dentistry studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), studies to become a dental surgeon are divided into two parts:
- Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Odontologiques (DFGSO): this three-year course includes theoretical instruction in anatomy, biology and pathology, and practical work in simulation. It includes the PASS or LAS, then the 2nd and 3rd years of dentistry. Students are responsible for purchasing their own equipment, although a loan system can be set up.
- Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Odontologiques (DFASO): this phase focuses on more specialized teaching and supervised clinical internships. It corresponds to the 4th and 5th years of study in dentistry. Students are required to complete clinical internships in dental departments alongside theoretical courses.
- The 3ᵉ cycle is divided into two tracks:
- The short cycle: lasts one year and prepares students for all aspects of the profession through a 250-hour active internship directly with an experienced dental surgeon.
- The long cycle: under the internship system, this allows students to specialize in dentofacial orthopedics, oral medicine or oral surgery. It lasts 3 to 4 years.
In addition, these courses can be taken at foreign faculties, provided the country to which they belong is part of the European Union.
How much does it cost to become a dental surgeon?
Students are among the most precarious social classes, due to the lack of time to work and support themselves. In this context, the adventure of studying dentistry can prove difficult without a good understanding of the budget required to complete it.
In France, according to a report by the Union nationale des étudiants en chirurgie dentaire (UNECD), each year of training costs around €1,250. To this must be added daily living costs in the form of rent, food and transport, amounting to around €1,300 per month. In addition, students have to pay for the materials they need to study dentistry. This additional cost represents a total of around €1,300.
In total, each month of a dental student's life costs around €3,300! A heavy burden, which you need to keep in mind if you don't want to be caught unprepared.
Careers and opportunities in dental surgery
A dental surgeon's career is full of challenges and rewards. Throughout his or her life, this specialist can renew his or her daily routine through, among other things, training courses enabling him or her to specialize, collaborations, a change in status or even a commitment to teaching or research.
Whicheverjob offer a dental surgeon chooses, he or she will be faced with stimulating new challenges. Whether you decide to leave your practice to join a clinic, switch from salaried work to humanitarian missions, or supplement your activity with teledentistry, the many possibilities will enable you to break away from routine and open up opportunities conducive to your personal and professional development.
In short, studying to become a dentist is demanding, but rewarding. With a high potential for specialization and a wide range of practice locations, this career offers stimulating features to satisfy even the most ambitious.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more, take a look at our dental surgeon salary sheet!
This offer may be of interest to you
Jober can accompany you on your next professional adventure. Take a look at our special offer.
Dental Surgeon (M/F) - Eguilles, 13
Liberal
5000 - 15000 per month
Éguilles
As part of its business expansion, a dental practice in Eguilles, in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, is seeking a new dentist (M/F) to join the practice as a private practitioner. Terms and Conditions - Private practice partnership - Part-time: three days per week The Practice You will join a recently established dental practice in Eguilles, in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, staffed by two general dentists. The practice is undergoing a major renovation project, with a mini-lab currently being installed, a surgical suite, rest areas, an office, and a fourth treatment room nearing completion. The practice also has private parking spaces and an outdoor terrace currently under construction, all in a location near Aix-en-Provence that offers an attractive living environment. Compensation - To be determined during the interview, based on your profile and experience Benefits - Option to work as a salaried employee during the initial launch phase - Potential for eventual integration into the SCM - 45 m² outdoor terrace - Private parking spaces - New, well-equipped facilities Equipment - Digital impression system - Thermoforming machine for custom mouthguard fabrication - Surgical unit That little extra Eguilles is located right next to Aix-en-Provence and offers opportunities for hikes around Montagne Sainte-Victoire, providing a pleasant Provençal setting for your weekends. Qualifications - Dental surgeon with a degree from France or the European Union - Registered or eligible for registration with the Order - At least three years of experience Contact us at: 06.67.76.60.76 or by email at [email protected]. Job Posting ID: 13055 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in helping dental surgeons settle in France, provides free support until you begin practicing: - Introductions to our partner professors - French language training (B2 level) - Assistance with registration with the professional association (ONCD) - Assistance in finding housing - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Dental surgeon M/F - Lille 59
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Lezennes
Dental Surgeon Jobs - Lille 59 Are you looking for a position as a dental surgeon near Lille? We've got just what you're looking for: a full-time or part-time permanent position in a well-equipped dental facility. Our DNA Established 9 years ago, the structure offers a professional organization and a family atmosphere conducive to teamwork. The premises include up to 6 dental chairs and an operating theatre capable of handling all specialties. The technical facilities are complete and modern. Patient numbers are stable, with average appointment times of around two weeks. Description and duties Your main duties will be : - Provide general practice care and overall patient follow-up - Work in collaboration with colleagues and the care team - Use the integrated technical platform for diagnosis and treatment The practice provides a dedicated assistant per chair and a structured administrative organization. A minimum presence of 1.5 days per week is required. Training and coaching may be offered to support your integration. Compensation For this position, you will be offered an attractive remuneration package, to be defined at the time of interview. Benefits - Full technical platform - Modern premises - Dedicated chairside assistant and administrative organization in place - Family atmosphere and support through training and coaching - Desmos management software and patient flow guaranteed within 2 weeks Profile sought General dental surgeon qualified in France and registered with the Ordre. Contact us on O6 67 76 6O 76 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 11659 Candidates from the European Union JoberGroup, leader in the integration of dentists in France, will support you free of charge right up to the start of your activity - Language training Level B2 - Contact with our partner teachers - Follow-up for ONCD registration - Help with 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.
Orthodontist (M/F) - Vallauris, 06
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Vallauris
As part of its business expansion, a dental practice in Vallauris, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, is actively seeking a new orthodontist (M/F) to start in March 2027. Terms of Employment - Permanent contract - Part-time - Monday through Friday - Option to work on Saturdays and Sundays - Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Position available starting in March 2027 The Facility You will join a new facility in Vallauris, in the Alpes-Maritimes region, which focuses primarily on general medicine but also includes departments dedicated to dentistry and ophthalmology. The dental department is led by a department head and a multidisciplinary team; its facilities include three dental chairs and a surgical suite, and plans are in place to expand into implantology. Compensation - 27% to 31% of gross revenue Responsibilities - Conduct orthodontic evaluations and consultations in accordance with ODF protocols - Initiate and monitor orthodontic treatments - Provide regular follow-up care for patients and adjust treatment plans - Collaborate with the dental director and the multidisciplinary team - Help organize and manage the clinic schedule - Contribute to the growth of the dental practice within the facility Benefits - Modern facilities and a fully equipped dental suite - On-site administrative support - Dedicated dental assistant - Generous hours and flexible schedule Equipment - EKA SHARE+ dental chair for surgical procedures - ANTOS general practice dental chair - 12-channel 3D Green X-ray system - Vatec - Vatec optical camera That Extra Special Touch Vallauris, located between Cannes and Antibes, is renowned for its ceramic craftsmanship and offers quick access to the beaches and amenities of the French Riviera, providing an attractive living environment for both professional and family life. Qualifications - Orthodontist with a degree from France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the French Dental Association. Contact us at: 06 67 76 60 76 or by email at [email protected]. Job Posting ID: 13053 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in helping dental surgeons settle in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - French language training (B2 level) - Assistance with registration with the professional association (ONCD) - Assistance in finding housing - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
See all available offers for this category