Going to the dentist in France: what to expect
Moving to the Côte d’Azur — or simply spending part of the year here — means working out how healthcare works. Dental care in France is well organised, but the habits differ from what you may know in the UK, Ireland or the United States. Here is what to expect.
Booking an appointment
Most French dentists take appointments online. You do not need a referral from a doctor, and you are free to choose your practice.
For a check-up, expect to book a few weeks ahead. For pain or a broken tooth, call the practice directly rather than booking online: emergencies are usually fitted in between scheduled patients.
What happens at the first visit
A first appointment is usually a full examination: the dentist looks at your teeth and gums, and often takes an X-ray. You will then be told what treatment, if any, is needed, and in what order.
If you are nervous about explaining symptoms in French, say so when you book. At our practice, the whole consultation takes place in English.
Quotes are compulsory
This is the part that surprises most newcomers, and it works in your favour.
For anything beyond routine care — crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontics — French law requires the dentist to give you a written quote (devis) before starting. It states what is planned, how much it costs, and how much health insurance will cover.
You are under no obligation to accept on the spot. Take the quote home, read it, ask questions.
Paying and being reimbursed
In France you usually pay the practice first, then get reimbursed.
- EU, EEA and Swiss residents: bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It covers treatment on the same basis as for French residents.
- UK residents: the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) plays a similar role.
- Everyone else: check your travel or expatriate insurance before treatment.
Routine care — examinations, fillings, scaling — is reimbursed at a set rate. Crowns and bridges are partly covered. Implants and purely cosmetic treatments, such as whitening, are not reimbursed by French health insurance, though private top-up insurance (mutuelle) may contribute.
The exact rates change from time to time. The official source is ameli.fr, the French health insurance website, which has pages in English.
A few practical points
- Bring your EHIC or GHIC, plus your insurance details, to the first visit.
- Ask for an attestation de soins — the treatment certificate your insurer will want.
- If you are only visiting, tell the practice: a treatment plan can often be adapted so that the urgent part is done now and the rest later.
Practical information, not medical advice. For reimbursement rates, always check ameli.fr or your own insurer.