Are there English-speaking dentists in France?

Reader Question: I have recently moved to France from the United States and my French is not yet very good. I need to sign up with a dentist as I often have problems. Do English-speaking dentists work in France, and if so where can I find them? 

English-speaking medical professionals, including dentists, are common in France, where almost everybody has studied the language for several years at least.

Just as with doctors, you can find a dentist online via the Doctolib website, which includes a filter to select an English speaking practitioner.

However, the level of English they speak inevitably varies, particularly where specialist terminology is concerned.

Indeed, Connexion journalists who have consulted an ‘English-speaking’ doctor have often found their English medical terminology to be rudimentary.

The Australian embassy also has a list of medical practitioners – including dentists – who speak English which you can find on its website. 

Finally, social media pages, google searches and word of mouth can be helpful.

Read more: How to register with a doctor in France and get a GP

Can I register with a dentist? 

You can register with a dentist, just as you would with a GP. This dentist then becomes your primary dental care provider and the coordinator for more complex issues.

To do this, call the dental surgery and ask if they are taking new patients.

It is advisable to do this before you need urgent care.

Indeed, France’s problem of so-called ‘medical deserts’ plagues all aspects of the healthcare sector, meaning that people often struggle to find a dentist when they need one.

Read more: Can a French doctor refuse to take on a new patient?

Note that dentists cannot refuse to treat a patient requiring urgent dental care, however the definition of an ‘emergency’ is subject to interpretation, as we reviewed in 2023.