In France, the traditional path to a dental surgeon diploma goes through the PASS or LAS, two selective university routes that discourage thousands of candidates each year. However, alternatives exist, whether through national pathways or European dental programs. Understanding these systems requires distinguishing their access conditions, regulatory constraints, and the actual recognition of the obtained diploma.
National pathways to dentistry: direct access without retaking the PASS
The least known system is also the most direct. Several French universities, including the Faculty of Medicine in Montpellier, offer pathways for direct access to the 2nd or 3rd year of dentistry for holders of certain paramedical or scientific diplomas. These pathways are governed by regularly updated ministerial orders and do not require a PASS, LAS, or traditional entrance exams.
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The principle: a candidate who is already graduated (nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist, or holder of a scientific master’s degree, depending on the criteria of each faculty) submits a file evaluated based on their academic results, motivations, and sometimes an interview. The number of places remains limited, but the procedure bypasses the ranking selection system of the PASS.
This mechanism targets profiles in career transition or healthcare professionals who wish to redirect their careers. It does not concern high school graduates. Several guides detail dental studies without exams or medicine and the specific conditions of each university.
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Health sciences bachelor’s degree: an expanding French pathway
Starting from the 2024-2025 academic year, some universities are experimenting with or expanding “health sciences” or “life sciences” bachelor’s degrees that include a strengthened health minor. These degrees allow candidates to apply for dentistry after one or more years, with an increased weight on continuous assessment compared to the traditional PASS.
The difference with the LAS lies in the pedagogical positioning. The LAS remains a disciplinary degree (law, economics, biology) with a health option added. The health sciences degrees, on the other hand, are designed from the outset as a foundation oriented towards MMOP (medicine, midwifery, dentistry, pharmacy) pathways. The academic path is more coherent for a student specifically aiming for dentistry.
The number of places allocated through this route varies by university, and some are now allocating fewer places to the PASS to assign more to these degrees. Checking the training framework published by each institution remains the only reliable way to know the actual quotas.
Dental studies in Spain and Italy: what “without exams” really means
European dental programs attract many French students each year. Spain and Italy are among the most common destinations, with five to six-year programs leading to a diploma recognized throughout the European Union thanks to Directive 2005/36/EC.
Access is based on a file and an admission test specific to each university, not through a centralized national exam. This distinction is crucial, as the absence of a national exam does not mean the absence of selection. Since 2023, several Spanish and Italian universities have tightened their entry requirements:
- Introduction or strengthening of scientific tests covering biology, chemistry, and sometimes physics, with rising passing thresholds
- Addition of individual interviews to assess the candidate’s motivation and language proficiency
- Gradual implementation of local numerus clausus in some faculties that previously accepted students without limit
The Spanish universities that receive many French students are raising their file requirements, particularly the minimum grades for the baccalaureate. An average academic record that was sufficient three years ago may no longer pass the pre-selection filters today.
Recognition of the European diploma and practice in France
A dental diploma obtained in an EU member state entitles the holder to register with the Order of Dental Surgeons in France. The procedure is based on Directive 2005/36/EC regarding the recognition of professional qualifications. In practice, the graduate must submit a file to the Order, which verifies the compliance of the completed program.
The European diploma grants the same practice rights as a French diploma once registration is validated. No additional equivalence or supplementary examination is required, provided that the training is included in the list of diplomas recognized by the directive.
One point of caution concerns the language. Practicing in France requires mastering medical French at a sufficient level for patient interaction. Foreign faculties that teach their courses in English or Spanish do not prepare for this requirement, which is the practitioner’s responsibility.
Criteria for choosing between French pathways and European programs
The choice between these routes depends on the candidate’s profile. Here are the parameters to evaluate before committing:
- The current level of studies: French pathways require a prior diploma (paramedical or scientific), while European universities accept post-baccalaureate applications
- The available budget: tuition fees at private Spanish or Italian universities represent a significant investment over five to six years, whereas French pathways fall within the framework of standard university fees
- Tolerance for linguistic and administrative risk: studying abroad involves managing a program in another language and mastering the recognition procedures upon return
National pathways remain the most direct route for a healthcare professional already graduated. European programs are better suited for a high school graduate who wants to avoid the PASS selection without waiting several years of prior training. None of these options eliminate selection: it simply changes form.