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 - Divonne-les-Bains 01
Liberal
5000 - 8000 per month
Divonne-les-Bains
Join a premium orthodontic practice located in Divonne-les-Bains, in the Ain region, as part of a salaried partnership evolving into a minority partnership. Terms and conditions - SELARL - Salaried partnership then minority partnership - Part-time work - 2 or 3 days a week The structure This is a premium orthodontic practice. Located on the first floor of a residential building with parking spaces, the facility is easily accessible for both patients and practitioners. The clinic's organization is based on two treatment rooms, each equipped with two chairs, with a rotation of two practitioners per day, and the team is made up of specialized orthodontic assistants and a medical secretary. In addition, an associate will be leaving the practice between now and June, offering an immediate patient takeover and support in taking on new patients. Remuneration - To be defined at time of interview Duties - Provide orthodontic consultations and check-ups for children and adults - Design and implement fixed and removable orthodontic treatment plans - Monitor treatment with aligners and conventional appliances - Ensure regular patient follow-up and management of orthodontic emergencies - Coordinate with assistants and secretaries to organize consultations - Participate in local production of splints and validation of digital workflows - Support and train less-experienced practitioners where necessary The benefits - Premium, accessible premises - Specialized assistants - Medical secretarial team - 100% digital equipment and local production of aligners - High patient flow, guaranteeing sustained activity - Opportunity to evolve into a minority association Our equipment - 100% digital equipment - Cephalo Planmeca - CBCT Planmeca - Spark aligners - Scanner - Local production of splints The little extra Divonne-les-Bains is a town prized for its living environment between the mountains and Lake Geneva. The commune offers outdoor activities, such as a renowned golf course, and proximity to cross-border infrastructures, ideal for lovers of nature and international life. Profile required Orthodontist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration. Contact us on: 06 67 76 60 76 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ad reference: 12515 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
Orthodontist - Montpellier 34
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Montpellier
Job Orthodontist M/F - Montpellier 34 We are recruiting an Orthodontist M/F and a Pedodontist M/F to join a dental clinic located in Montpellier, on part-time salaried contracts. Description and duties As an orthodontist, you will be responsible for: - Managing orthodontic treatment for children, adolescents and adults - Diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up of clinical cases. - Use of modern treatment equipment (aligners, brackets, etc.) - Close collaboration with general practitioners and other specialists at the facility As a pedodontist, you will provide: - preventive and curative dental care for children - A child-friendly approach, integrating communication, prevention and specific treatments You will start your activity on one day per week for each specialty, ideally on Wednesday or Saturday. This day could evolve into a second day in the medium term, depending on the development of the activity. Structure DNA You'll be working in a modern, well-equipped clinic in the immediate vicinity of numerous amenities and transport links. The working environment is organized to guarantee a fluid and comfortable practice, with a complete technical platform, bright rooms and dedicated administrative support. The facility benefits from a steady flow of patients and strong development potential in orthodontics and pedodontics. Compensation For this position, you will have a retrocession between 32% and 33% gross depending on profile, with paid vacations included. Benefits - Salaried contract - Attractive retrocession - Modern, well-equipped technical platform for orthodontics and pedodontics - Spacious, bright and conveniently located premises - Presence of an administrative team to manage non-clinical tasks - Caring and collaborative atmosphere - Schedule initially based on 1 day a week, evolving - Easy access via public transport and nearby parking Profile sought Qualified orthodontists and pedodontists, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre des chirurgiens-dentistes, with between 1 and 10 years' experience. Contact us at O6 67 76 6O 76 or by email via [email protected] Advertisement reference: 10719 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of 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: JoberGroup, leader in the integration of dental surgeons in France, accompanies you free of charge right up to the start of your activity - Language training (Level B2) - Put you in touch with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration (ONCD) - Help with finding accommodation - Consultant dedicated to your support
Orthodontist - Vitrolles 13
Employee
5000 - 15000 per month
Vitrolles
Job Orthodontist M/F - Vitrolles 13 We are recruiting an Orthodontist M/F to join a medical facility located in Vitrolles, in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, as part of a salaried contract. Description and missions As part of a newly created position, you will be in charge of developing the orthodontics business at this medical center, which opened in 2019. Your main responsibilities will include: - Take charge of orthodontic patients, from diagnosis to follow-up. - Creating personalized treatment plans - Working with dental assistants and the on-site administrative team. - Participating in business development within the center The center is currently open from Monday to Thursday, with two chairs and a surgery room. An extension is planned on the first floor to support the growth in activity. Structure DNA You'll be working in a modern dental center located in the immediate vicinity of Marseille-Provence airport. The facility is functional and well laid out, with high-quality equipment and plans for future expansion to meet growing demand. The team is made up of two salaried dental assistants, and additional staff will be recruited as new practitioners join the team. Administrative management is handled in-house, enabling practitioners to concentrate fully on their practice. The center uses Galaxy software and benefits from a weekly partnership with an international prosthesis supplier. Compensation Attractive remuneration of 34% of sales, with a guaranteed minimum to be negotiated for the first few months of business. Benefits - 34% salary with negotiable guaranteed minimum - Practice equipped with two chairs and a surgery room - Modern premises with short-term expansion plans - Presence of two dental assistants and dedicated administrative department - Galaxy software for patient file management - Under-serviced area, ideal for a quick start - Prosthesis supplier with weekly delivery Profile sought Qualified orthodontist registered with the French Dental Surgeons' Association, with sufficient experience to launch a business independently. Contact us at O6 67 76 6O 76 Advertisement reference: 10049 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of 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: JoberGroup, leader in the integration of dental surgeons in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Language training (Level B2) - Put you in touch with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration (ONCD) - Help with finding accommodation - Consultant dedicated to your support
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