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) - Saint-Étienne 42
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Saint Etienne
A dental practice in Saint-Étienne is actively seeking an orthodontist (M/F) for a permanent position. The terms ofthe position - Permanent contract - Full-time The Practice You will join a group of dental practices that ensures the autonomy of each center, ownership of equipment, and long-term relationships with high-quality suppliers. Medical governance is at the heart of this initiative. Practitioners participate in clinical decisions and the selection of partners. Specifically, they help choose laboratories and can propose new partners based on their needs. They also participate in ordering supplies and evaluating dental assistants and front-desk staff. Each center is equipped with the La Fraise tool, which allows for better tracking of quotes and optimization of their processing. The medical committee is led by the practitioners themselves, promoting true medical governance. Finally, complete transparency is ensured: the annual budget is presented to the practitioners, and a monthly activity report is provided to them. Compensation - Compensation of 30% of gross revenue Responsibilities - Routine orthodontic procedures - Involvement in recruitment - Use of digital tools - Participation in the medical committee led by practitioners Benefits - Comprehensive technical facilities - Genuine involvement of practitioners in governance and clinical decision-making - Tool for managing quotes and tracking patients (La Fraise) - Dedicated administrative team - Flexible hours That little something extra Saint-Étienne is renowned for its design scene, home to the Cité du Design, and offers easy access to the natural landscapes of the Pilat Mountains—perfect for nature-filled weekends right on the city’s doorstep. Qualifications Orthodontist with a degree from France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the professional association. Contact us at: 06 67 76 60 76 or by email at [email protected] Job posting reference: 12930 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in helping dental surgeons settle in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Introductions to our partner professors - French language training (B2 level) - Assistance with registration with the professional association (ONCD) - Assistance with 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.
Orthodontist (M/F) - Asnières-sur-Seine, 92
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Asnières-sur-Seine
We are hiring an orthodontist (M/F) to join a dental clinic located in Asnières-sur-Seine in the Hauts-de-Seine department, under a permanent contract. The Organization You will join a group of dental practices that ensures the autonomy of each center, ownership of equipment, and long-term relationships with high-quality suppliers. Medical governance is at the heart of this initiative. Practitioners participate in clinical decisions and the selection of partners. Specifically, they are involved in choosing laboratories and can propose new partners based on their needs. They also participate in ordering supplies and evaluating dental assistants and front-office staff. Each center is equipped with the La Fraise tool, which allows for better tracking of quotes and optimization of their processing. The medical committee is led by the practitioners themselves, promoting true medical governance. Finally, complete transparency is ensured: the annual budget is presented to the practitioners, and a monthly activity report is provided to them. Compensation - Compensation ranging from 30% to 32% of gross revenue, to be determined based on your profile and experience Responsibilities - Routine orthodontic procedures - Involvement in recruitment - Use of digital tools - Participation in the medical committee led by practitioners Benefits - Comprehensive technical facilities - Genuine involvement of practitioners in governance and clinical decision-making - Tool for managing quotes and tracking patients (La Fraise) - Dedicated administrative team - Flexible hours That little something extra Asnières-sur-Seine offers a pleasant living environment along the Seine, with riverbanks perfect for walks and quick access to Paris. The town also features a lively market and a rich local cultural scene, ideal for balancing work and quality of life. Qualifications Orthodontist licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the professional association. Contact us at: 06 67 76 60 76 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 12949 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.
Orthodontist (M/F) - Saint-Denis, 93
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Saint-Denis
A dental practice in Saint-Denis is actively seeking an orthodontist (male or female) for a permanent position. Job Details - Permanent contract - Full-time The Organization You will join a group of dental practices that ensures the autonomy of each center, ownership of equipment, and long-term relationships with high-quality suppliers. Medical governance is at the heart of this initiative. Practitioners participate in clinical decisions and the selection of partners. Specifically, they help choose laboratories and can propose new partners based on their needs. They also participate in ordering supplies and evaluating dental assistants and front-desk staff. Each center is equipped with the La Fraise tool, which enables better tracking of quotes and optimizes their processing. The medical committee is led by the practitioners themselves, fostering true medical governance. Finally, complete transparency is ensured: the annual budget is presented to the practitioners, and they receive monthly activity reports. Compensation - Compensation ranging from 30% to 32% of gross revenue, to be determined based on your profile and experience Responsibilities - Routine orthodontic procedures - Involvement in recruitment - Use of digital tools - Participation in the medical committee led by practitioners Benefits - Comprehensive technical facilities - Genuine involvement of practitioners in governance and clinical decision-making - Tool for managing quotes and tracking patients (La Fraise) - Dedicated administrative team - Flexible hours That little extra something The city of Saint-Denis boasts a remarkable heritage, including the Basilica-Necropolis of the Kings of France, and is located right next to the Stade de France, offering easy access to transportation and services while remaining just a stone’s throw from the capital. Qualifications Orthodontist licensed in 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: 12941 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 website and the Jober Group 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.
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