Whether you’ve just moved to France or have been living here for years, navigating the French dental system can feel like a bit of a puzzle. The good news? Dental care in France is high-quality, accessible, and (thanks to the French healthcare system) often more affordable than you might expect. Here’s what you need to know about how it all works—from booking your appointment to getting reimbursed.
🦷 Are Dentists in France Easy to Access?
In general, yes—though it depends a little on where you live. In larger cities and towns, you’ll find plenty of dentists (called chirurgiens-dentistes) taking new patients. In more rural areas, access can be a bit more limited and wait times longer, so it’s worth booking ahead when possible.
You don’t need a referral from a GP to see a dentist in France—you can book directly. Many dental clinics have websites with online booking tools, or you can call directly. If you’re not fluent in French, it helps to ask around or check English-speaking expat groups for dentist recommendations with English-speaking staff.
💳 How Much Does Dental Care Cost in France?
This is where things get a bit nuanced. Dental costs in France are split into two main categories:
- Basic treatments like check-ups, fillings, and standard tooth extractions are conventionné (regulated by the state) and reimbursed at standard rates.
- Specialist or cosmetic treatments—such as crowns, implants, orthodontics, or whitening—often involve higher fees and may not be fully reimbursed.
For example:
- A routine check-up might cost around €23–€25.
- A simple filling could be €30–€40.
- Crowns and implants vary widely, often costing several hundred euros.
💶 How Does Reimbursement Work?
If you’re registered with French Social Security and have a Carte Vitale, you’ll be reimbursed for part of your dental costs through l’Assurance Maladie. Typically:
- 70% of the official rate is reimbursed by the state.
- If you have a mutuelle (top-up insurance), it often covers the remaining 30%—sometimes more, depending on your plan.
Important note: if your dentist charges above the official rates (dépassements d’honoraires), you’ll have to pay the difference out-of-pocket unless your mutuelle includes extra dental coverage.
Always ask for a devis (estimate) before starting treatment—especially for anything beyond basic care. Dentists are required to provide one if the cost exceeds €70.
🦷 What Makes French Dentists Unique?
French dentists are highly trained, and the standard of care is excellent. What’s more:
- Many practices use modern digital equipment.
- Dental health is considered a key part of preventive care in France—so regular check-ups are encouraged.
- France also has school dental screening programs for children, and free dental check-ups are offered at ages 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 through a public health initiative called M’T Dents.
📅 How Do I Book a Dental Appointment?
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Find a dentist: Use sites like Doctolib, Ameli.fr, or ask your local pharmacy or doctor for a recommendation.
- Check if they’re conventionné: Most are, but it’s worth confirming. A conventionné secteur 1 dentist charges only standard rates.
- Book online or by phone: Many practices now offer online scheduling. If you’re calling, prepare to speak a little French—or ask someone to help.
- Bring your Carte Vitale and mutuelle card to your appointment.
- Ask for a treatment plan and estimate if further work is needed.
🧾 Payment: Do I Pay Up Front?
Yes, in most cases, you’ll pay the dentist directly after your appointment. If they’re set up for it, they’ll electronically process your Carte Vitale for reimbursement. You’ll typically see the reimbursement hit your bank account within a few days.
Some practices offer tiers payant, which means they’ll bill Assurance Maladie and your mutuelle directly—so you don’t pay anything up front. This is more common with pharmacies and GPs but is becoming more frequent in dental practices too.
Final Thoughts
French dental care is thorough, professional, and well-supported by the healthcare system. As long as you’re aware of how the costs and reimbursements work, it’s fairly straightforward to maintain your oral health here.
And if all of this still feels a bit confusing—don’t worry! That’s exactly what Hello Santé is here for. We can help you find an English-speaking dentist, understand your reimbursement, and feel confident navigating the system.
Need help booking a dental appointment or understanding your mutuelle coverage? Reach out—we’re happy to help!