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Dental

Study to become a dental assistant

Barthélemy

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As we saw in our dental assistant job description, dental assistants are essential to the smooth running of dental facilities. They support dentists in their day-to-day work. In this article, we explore the academic path required to enter this profession. We'll also detail the training program, admission requirements, career opportunities and offer a few tips to help you succeed in this sector.

Admission requirements and duration of dental assistant training

To become a dental assistant in France, you must first obtain the Certificat de Qualification Professionnelle (CQP) d'Assistant Dentaire. Here's an overview of the stages and requirements for this diploma course:

Prerequisites for candidates

To be admitted to dental assistant studies, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Have a good command of the French language.

  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Program structure and duration

Training to become a dental assistant lasts between 18 and 24 months and is divided into two parts:

  • Theoretical training: courses at training centers or specialized schools.

  • Practical training: internships in dental practices to gain real-life professional experience.

Training is often offered on a sandwich basis, enabling students to work in a dental practice while taking theoretical courses.

Dental assistant training program

Course content

The dental assistant training program in France is designed to provide dental science knowledge and practical skills that are used on a daily basis in a care facility, such as :

  • Dental anatomy and physiology: an understanding of oral structures and functions.

  • Dental radiology: techniques for taking and developing dental X-rays.

  • Hygiene and sterilization: protocols for instrument sterilization and infection prevention.

  • Administrative management: organization of appointments, management of patient files and communication with patients.

  • Clinical assistance: supporting dentists during procedures, preparing treatment rooms and handling instruments.

Practical and theoretical skills

Dental assistant studies put theoretical knowledge into practice through work placements. These internships enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-life setting, develop skills in clinical assistance and patient management, become familiar with the equipment and protocols used in dental practices, and obtain career opportunities after graduation.

Career opportunities

After completing their training, dental assistants can work in a variety of environments, including private dental practices, dental clinics, hospitals and health centers.

Career development and specializations

Over the course of their lives, dental assistants will gain opportunities for professional advancement if they acquire additional certifications or pursue higher education. This will enable them to access better dental assistant job opportunities. In addition, training paths will enable some dental assistants to move into management or supervisory positions within practices.

Tips for success as a dental assistant

To keep up with technological advances and new practices, dental assistants must engage in continuing education. This includes attending workshops, seminars and additional courses.

Success in dental assisting also requires a good balance between technical and interpersonal skills. Technical skills include mastery of clinical procedures and sterilization protocols, while interpersonal skills include the ability to communicate effectively with patients and work as part of a team.

In conclusion, becoming a dental assistant in France requires rigorous training, combining theory and practice. On the other hand, it's a stimulating profession that offers varied opportunities, as well as satisfaction intrinsically linked to the well-being provided to patients.

Did you enjoy this article and would you like to find out more about this profession? Check out our dental assistant salary sheet!



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Referent dental assistant M/F - St Brice sous Forêt 95

Employee

2000 - 2100 per month

Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt

Job - Referent Dental Assistant M/F - St Brice sous Forêt 95 We are recruiting a dental assistant M/F to join a multidisciplinary facility located in St Brice sous Forêt in Val-d'Oise, on a permanent contract. DNA of the facility You will be joining a recently opened facility equipped for ophthalmic, dental and medical activities. The current team includes general practitioners, an ophthalmologist, a dentist and an implantologist who come in once a week, as well as an orthoptist. In addition, the facility is ideally located, offering easy access to shops and amenities. The project also includes plans to open the service at weekends. Description and duties As an experienced referral dental assistant, you will work 39 hours over 4 days on the following schedule: 8:30 am - 6:45 pm. Your main tasks will be : - Chairside assistance and patient management - Training and mentoring existing dental assistants - Manage schedules and coordinate appointments - Use and management of Desmos and Doctolib software - Versatility in administrative and clinical tasks Compensation For this position, you will receive a monthly salary ranging from €2,000 to €2,100 net. Benefits - Multidisciplinary technical platform for ophthalmology, dentistry and medicine - New, conveniently located premises - Referent position with training and scheduling responsibilities - Use of Desmos and Doctolib software - 4-day, 39-hour week - Transport and health insurance 50% covered - Parking available Profile required Dental assistant qualified in France. Experience required. Contact us on: 06 40 42 14 09 or by e-mail at [email protected] Job reference : 12044 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.

Assistante dentaire H/F - La Roche-Posay 86

Employee

1800 - 1900 per month

Coussay-les-Bois

Dr Oana GHICIUC Contact : 06 71 75 45 32 Proposal via WhatsApp group Structure address : To be completed Opening of the practice : Planned for August 2025 (date not fixed) Requirements : A short-list and an advertisement. Structure: Opening of a new general dental practice planned for August 2025, with a future focus on implantology and surgery. Dr Ghiciuc has 20 years' experience, including 16 years in France. The practice will be on one level, like a house, with 4 treatment rooms (Dr Ghiciuc uses 2 rooms for herself), each measuring 20m². Large free parking available. Located in a medical area with physiotherapists, osteopaths, nurses, etc. Research: A qualified and experienced dental assistant. Missions : Management of the administrative part + chairside work. Dental experience required. Software: Visiodent and Logos. Contract : CDI 35h over 4 or 5 days (flexible hours between 9am and 7pm). Practice opening : Monday to Friday. Salary : Between 1800 and 1900 euros net (negotiable for a very good profile). Additional details: Dr Ghiciuc is open to foreign profiles, except for Greek profiles. At start-up, the dental assistant will have to manage the two to three GPs present, so someone autonomous and dynamic will be needed. For the secretariat, there will be a delocalized switchboard, reducing call management.

Dental assistant - Rennes 35

Employee

1900 - 2000 per month

Rennes

We are recruiting a dental assistant M/F to join a dental practice located in Rennes in the Ille-et-Vilaine region, on a full-time, 39-hour, 4-day permanent contract. Structure DNA You'll be joining a dynamic practice with 7 general practice chairs and 3 orthodontic chairs, and state-of-the-art technical facilities. The team is young and friendly, organized around a coordinator, four secretaries, a referral assistant and six qualified dental assistants. What's more, each assistant is dedicated to a maximum of one or two practitioners, promoting the quality of four-handed work. The practice is conveniently located in Rennes, just 10 minutes from the train station. It benefits from an urban environment conducive to a good quality of professional life. Description and missions - Four-handed work - Sterilization and preparation of technical trays - Administrative management to be defined - Organization and follow-up of patient files Please note that the practice is open weekdays, from 08:30 to 18:30. Compensation For this position, you will receive a monthly salary of between €1,900 and €2,000 net. Benefits: - State-of-the-art technical platform - Bright, spacious premises - Dedicated administrative team - Referent assistant and in-house support - Young, friendly working atmosphere - Veasy software with training available Profile required Dental assistant qualified in France. Specialization in periodontology, implantology or orthodontics would be a plus. Contact us on: 06 40 42 14 09 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ad reference: 11962 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 - Support in registering with the French Dental Association (ONCD) - Help in finding accommodation - Dedicated consultant to support you.

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