Visiting the Dentist in France: Check-Ups, Costs, & Finding a Dentist

Firstly, you will need your Carte Vitale which is your healthcare passport to be able to register with a dentist. If you are waiting for your card to arrive, ask for proof of this. It is called an attestation de couverture sociale. You need to take your carte vitale with you to any dental appointment in France as it is put into a card reader which has all your details and your photograph.

How To Find A Dentist In France

You have the right to register in France with any dentist you wish and it’s highly recommended to find a dentist and register with one before you have any urgent needs.

To find a dentist, you can consult the Yellow Pages or search for one on Docto Lib.

Some people also ask for recommendations in their local area from friends, neighbours, or local Facebook and online forums. Your local Mairie may also be able to advise.

The easiest way to make an appointment is online via DoctoLib. However, if your French allows, you can telephone or even go in person.

At the Dentist – Useful phrases you may need:

Je voudrais prendre un rendez-vous, s’il vous plait = I would like to make an appointment, please.

J’ai besoin d’un contrôle dentaire – I need a check-up

Je voudrais un détartrage – I would like a scale and polish

J’ai mal – I am in pain

In France, your dental appointments and some of your dental care treatments are reimboursed up to 70%. Other costs are fully reimboursed by the State.

If you have a French mutuelle health insurance (top-up insurance), it’s also important to check whether or not dental care costs are covered and up to what price. Basic cover often doesn’t cover dental care and some procedures can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to do your research before you find yourself in an emergency situation.

You can find more specific up-to-date information on your rights to state dental care here or here.