How to find a dentist

Health Care & Carte Vitale
1

Given the problems with finding a dentist in France, I have had my regular inspections etc with my old dentist in the UK.

I am booked into CHU-Poitiers for a hip operation in early October, but I need to submit a dental health certificate from a French dentist in order for the operation to go ahead.

I have phoned all of the local dentists and been refused by all of them. I emailed the dentistry dept of CHU Poitiers who said that they could only offer appointments for dental implants. Today, I asked my MT for her advice - which was basically ‘bon chance…’

She did recommend going to the cabinet of a dentist in Chauvigny (about 60km away) as she has heard that he (unusually!) has a reputation for being helpful. I’m planning to go on Monday to plead my case, backed up with my convocation etc for the surgery.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can overcome this obstacle?

2

Probably about the same distance but have you tried Verrières? They were good to me in the past, very helpful, but things have obviously become worse over time so perhaps you won’t be so lucky.

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3

Thanks, Kirstea.

Verrières is a fair bit closer. The only dentist U can find there is Cabinet Ledevin - is that the one? If so I could still go to Chauvigny but call in on the way.

4

Assuming like us none of the online booking stuff is used by the local dentists you can only really just slowly increase your search area - local FB groups can be useful.
In extremes go to Paris (or a any city will do) - book online at Doctolib usually next day.

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5

Yes, that’s the one! I have literally only ever been to Verrières to go to that dentist, it’s a funny little place, both the dentist and Verrières lol, but as I say, when I struggled to find anywhere to take me on they were helpful.

I do know that 2 in Limoges are accepting new patients, or were very recently, but that would probably be a last resort for @_Brian!

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6

Thanks, @chrisell I’ve now found a dentist south of Bordeaux who might be able to fit me in. It’d be an 8 hour round trip (plus appointment) but if it means the op could proceed it would be well worth it!

7

Thanks again. I’ll try Verrières on Monday but may come back to you for more info on the Limoges offering!
B

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8

I’m not sure exactly where you are, but I heard that Dr Costa in Civray is taking new patients, if that’s any closer.

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9

Thank you, John. Another excellent tip and Civray is less than an hour away.

10

If you try her, let me know if you’re successful. We’re thinking of trying to get on her books before we move down permanently at the end of the year.

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11

@kirsteastevenson - I went to Verrières this afternoon and the receptionist was very friendly, but also very clear that they would not consider taking on any new patients until April next year - she advised me to reschedule the operation for after that!

And thanks also to @JohnH . I have tried phoning Dr Costa but there’s no reply. I’ll drive over there tomorrow.

I did try my MT’s suggestion of the cabinet in Chauvigny. There’s a big sign on the door saying closed for holidays, 29 July until 23 August.

I think I’ve found the one area of health care in which the UK is (slightly) better…

12

I’ll be happy to buy the coffee if you have the time and inclination to say hello.

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13

Look up Asude - they are an emergency dental service (no ongoing treatments - they have a site in Limoges). They may be able to help - call them and see. I

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14

Only if you can afford to pay. Proper NHS dentists are nearly non existent.

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15

There is a dental clinic here in the center of Cholet staffed with mostly Italian imports. We were able to easily book appointments a few months ago. Turned out that my dentist is from my comune in Calabria ( I’m a US/IT dual). We’re probably cousins.

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16

@JohnH - thanks for the offer.

I managed to speak to the cabinet this morning and it was looking very positive until they asked for my address. It seems that they are open to new registrations from their area and felt that the fact I lived 50km away did not qualify me as ‘local’!

17

@chrisell - thanks for the recommendation for ASUDE. I was unaware of them. I called this morning but they were unable to help as they are only able to offer appointments for emergencies. My retirement was deemed to be routine care so did not qualify…

18

@Nunthewiser - thank you. I’ll give them a call, but in the meantime Doctorlib has suggested that I may be able to get an appointment at a cabinet near Bordeaux. I’m awaiting a reply to my email. If I haven’t heard in a few hours I’ll contact Cholet.

19

Before my better half had her hip op, they wanted the same, but it involves a panoramic x-ray of all of your teeth. Our (then) dentist said that most dentists couldn’t do that, but the radio department at the local hospital could. She got this done and then the dentist could give the dental health certificate.

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20

Thanks, @Mark . I explained that I needed a pre-operation certificate in my email so when they respond I’ll double check that they have the required facilities.