In our endodontist job sheet, we've defined the contours of this dental specialty, which focuses on the study and treatment of the inside of teeth, more specifically the dental pulp and peri-radicular tissues. Becoming an endodontist requires a rigorous academic background and specialized training. This guide will detail the steps required to embrace this exciting and specialized career.
Initial stages of medical training
After high school
Before starting specialized studies in endodontics in France, it is necessary to obtain a scientific baccalaureate. You must then 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 dental studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), studies to become an endodontist 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.
- Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Odontologiques (DFASO): this phase focuses on more specialized teaching and supervised clinical internships. It lasts two years.
These courses can also be taken at foreign faculties, provided that the country in question is a member of the European Union.
Specialization in endodontics
After graduating as a dental surgeon, students can begin practicing general dentistry. To become an endodontist, they will need to pursue private training in parallel with their professional activity. These courses vary in length, but are the only way to acquire the skills required for this challenging career.
Careers and opportunities in endodontics
The status of the endodontist
Endodontists registered with the Ordre des Chirurgiens-Dentistes can apply for job vacancies as endodontists. They must also choose the status of their practice:
- Liberal: endodontists work as independent professionals in their own practice or in collaboration with other oral health professionals. They are autonomous in managing their own schedules, choosing their own equipment and setting their own fees. However, they must assume administrative and financial responsibility for their activities.
- Salaried: endodontists 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 endodontists practice
Endodontists can choose to practice in the following locations:
- Private practice
- Hospitals and university hospitals
- Private clinics
- Health centers
- Associations
- Teleconsultation
- Medworking
In short, becoming an endodontist is a demanding but extremely rewarding career path, requiring years of intensive training and in-depth specialization. However, the professional opportunities and the satisfaction of treating complex dental cases make this career an exciting choice for the most ambitious. To a valiant dentist, nothing is impossible!
Enjoy this article? Find out more in our endodontist salary sheet!