Dentistry Schools and Programs in France

Dentistry Studies in France

Are you a dentistry student who has always wanted to visit the beautiful country of France?  Did you know that there are now a number of study abroad opportunities available in the country—opportunities that would enable you to live and study for a time in France while earning credits towards your dentistry degree?  The study abroad programs offered in France are a great way to gain an alternate educational perspective, while simultaneously enjoying a fun and exciting European vacation.
 
France, or in official circles, the French Republic, is an independent country in Western Europe that includes several regions and territories abroad.  Mainland or European France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea; and from the Rhine River to the Atlantic Ocean.  The nation is one of only three countries to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, the others being Spain and the North African country of Morocco.  Due to its odd shape, in the form of a Hexagon, the country is often referred to in French as l’Hexagone.

In terms of geographic area, France is the largest country in Western Europe and the European Union, and the third-largest in Europe as a whole.  Its population, totaling roughly 66 million inhabitants, ranks third in Europe and 19^th in the world. France is organized as a unitary semi-presidential republic with its capital in Paris, the nation's largest city and the main cultural and commercial center.  The current Constitution of France, adopted by referendum on 4 October 1958, establishes the country as secular and democratic, with its sovereignty derived from the people.

Since the Late Middle Ages, France has been a major political and economic power in Europe and one of the most influential countries in the world. This legacy of influence is reflected in the prevalence of French language, culture, and jurisprudence throughout the world. Throughout its long history, France has produced many influential artists, thinkers, and scientists, and remains a prominent global center of culture and the arts. It hosts the world's fourth-largest number of cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, drawing around 83 million foreign tourists annually – the most of any country in the world.

Dental Education in France
 
Dental education in France is offered by 16 designated schools of dentistry.  Each of these schools is free to develop and enforce their own specific admission requirements, although in most cases qualified candidates must possess at least a Bachelor degree, preferably in one of the science-related fields, and pass the national dental school admissions test prior to being considered for enrollment.

The education and practice of dentistry in France is under the jurisdiction of the Ordre National des Chirurgiens-Dentistes.  This governmental agency maintains an informative website, where prospective students can read up on the various admission requirements and the various details associated with the country’s dental education programs. The agency works in close cooperation with a professional union, the Confédération Nationale des Syndicats Dentaires (CNSD, which represents the interests of the country’s dental professionals.

The undergraduate portion of dental education in France must include courses in the basic sciences, including chemistry, physics and biology.  Beyond that, students should seek coursework in a number of general medical subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, dental hygiene, radiology, preventive medicine and anesthetics. As they progress, detailed courses, covering all aspects of the dentistry field, are introduced.

In total, the dental education programs in France span six years, which includes one year of resident training in which students treat patients under the supervision of a licensed dental professional.  Students are also required to take and pass the dental licensing examination before they are allowed to practice their newly-learned craft.

Why Study Abroad in France
 
Studying dentistry (or any subject) in France is quite simply the opportunity of a lifetime.  France is home to one of the finest educational systems on the globe, but perhaps even more appealing are the lessons students will learn outside the classroom while studying in this historic country.  Students who take part in French study abroad programs are afforded the unique opportunity to learn about the French culture, its people, customs, language, traditions and cuisine.  They are also able to explore some of the country’s most esteemed sites and attractions—sites that include: 
 
Palace of Versailles
 
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France and perhaps the most representative example of the opulence and grandeur of the French monarchy.  Visitors to this famous palace can spend hours admiring the stunning European architecture, handcrafted period furniture, art, antiques and magnificent gardens. Audio headsets, as well as guided tours, are offered daily.  

Mont Saint-Michel 

If you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic backdrop, regardless of the activity, it’s difficult to find a more appealing site than Mont Saint-Michel.  A medieval town, perched atop an imposing rocky outcrop in the city of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the top attractions in France.  The city is home to a number of great sites and features to explore, including a gorgeous Romanesque Abbey, a medieval church and a number of historic battlements from conflicts past, the most recent being the Second World War.

Musee du Louvre (the Louvre)

Perhaps the world’s most famous and well-loved museum, the Louvre is home to scores of renowned paintings, sculptures and artifacts, spanning over 2,000 years of history.  The building that houses this precious art is a masterpiece in and of itself: a 12^th century fort that was later transformed into a medieval palace.  Attempting, in one day, to see all of the famous exhibits this wonderful museum has to offer is simply impossible.  Therefore, if you are a lover of the arts, we recommend you plan at least two or three visits to the Louvre during your upcoming educational sojourn.