top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

What is being done about dentist shortages in France?

Much has been made of doctor shortages in France, but steps have also been taken to address difficulties finding a dentist

So-called medical deserts – areas with a shortage of doctors – also applies to dentistry Pic: Lucky Business / Shutterstock

Reader question: I have read several Connexion articles about doctor shortages, but what about dentists? Where we live (Creuse) there are not enough. Are things being done to improve this?

You are correct that the problem of so-called medical deserts – areas with a shortage of doctors – also applies to dentistry. 

Read more: Seven questions about ‘medical deserts’ in France

There are 42,000 dentists in France, or 62 for every 100,000 inhabitants, according to the latest report by the ONDPS, which studies the demographics of healthcare professionals. 

This is low compared to neighbouring countries such as Spain (84), Germany (86) and Italy (87). 

The situation is much worse outside of major cities. 

Four regions have a chronic shortage of dentists: Normandy (42), Centre-Val de Loire (44), Hauts de France and Bourgogne Franche-Comté (48). 

As with doctors, shortages are partly caused by the numerus clausus, a cap on medical student numbers that was abolished in 2020. 

The objective set by the profession in 2021, and adopted by the government, is to train 14% more dentists in the period 2021-25 than in the previous five years. 

Measures have also been taken to address regional inequalities. 

The contrat d’engagement de service public is a monthly stipend for dentistry students who agree to practise in an area with shortages for at least two years from the end of their studies. 

It was created for medical students and extended to dentistry in 2012. 

Dentists who set up in “very underserved” communities are also eligible to receive €25,000 to help them get up and running. 

Those who are already practising in such areas can receive three annual payments of €3,000 each if they continue to do so. 

Also, in 2021 the government announced the creation from the 2022 academic year of eight new university dentistry departments, in Amiens, Caen, Rouen, Dijon, Besançon, Grenoble, Poitiers and Tours. 

These towns were selected as they are in areas suffering from a lack of dentists. 

The ONDPS report clearly showed that parts of the country where there is no university dentistry department are far more likely to suffer from shortages: these areas are home to 30% of the French population, but only 22% of dentists.

Related articles

Why going to the dentist in France is a lottery

Toothbrush reinvented by French entrepreneurs to clean in five seconds

Invisible ‘smart tooth’ monitors chronic disease, says French dentist

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France