Dentists - quite a problem

[Brian]

I'm lucky in that all my dental needs have been dealt with by my UK dentist who kept me on his books when I moved to France. My twice-yearly visits to the UK meant that I could see a dentist to have routine work dealt with.

I have to visit Poitiers hospital for an operation, but before they will admit me, they need to have a certificate of dental health provided by a French dentist. The process for this involves a general dental inspection and an analysis of a 3D tooth/jaw x-ray, which is made using equipment that many French dentists don't have.

'No problem' I thought. Time to find a French dentist. After many phone calls I was beginning to give up hope, as they all said that their books were full - although a place in Verrieres said that they might be able to take me on next April - that's 9 months away...

My MT's only suggestion was to try a surgery in Chauvigny: 'Go in person' she said 'and plead!' I tried that. Unfortunately they had closed for 6 weeks Summer holiday the day before I turned up on their doorstep.

But there's good news. After much searching, I finally found a cabinet dentaire who could take me on and carry out the required work in the required time frame.

There's also bad news: they're based in Cholet, 190km away.

My appointment is booked for tomorrow: I'll let you all know how I get on.

[Fred]

The nearest I found was Bordeaux , but I've recently registered with the new one in Lathus. No appointment till October as she is only there one week per month, but she seems nice and speaks English (which helps in medical terms) I'll see how it goes.

Good luck Brian.

[Brian]

Well that was bizarre.

I arrived in Cholet at 8am, in plenty of time for my 9.30 appointment.

Mindful of the French habit of not being too early, I presented myself at the cabinet dentaire at 9.15 and announced myself.

'Ah. You are late. I will phone the dentist.' A quick internal phone call revealed that he was not prepared to see latecomers.
In the meantime, I found the surgery's email on my phone, confirming the 9.30 time. I showed it to the receptionist who shrugged: 'But yes. 09.30 and it is your first visit. You must present yourself 30 minutes early for your first visit."

I considered starting a discussion but didn't want to cause any upsets so asked when they could see me - and asked the receptionist to write it down. She handed me a card: 12.00, 15th August. 'So' I asked, 'if the appointment is for 12, do I have to arrive at 11.30?' She gave me a withering glance. 'Certainly, Monsieur.' I opened my mouth to speak, but decided to say thank you instead...

Next installment soon.

[Fred]

Always be prepared for surprises in France.

At least you had a day out.

[Brian]

Here's an update after another day out...

My appointment at the dentist was for 12h00 today. After my experience earlier this week, I presented myself at 11h00, fully expecting to be sent away with instructions to return later. But no. I was welcomed and given a patient details questionnaire to fill in.

By 11h05, I was sent to the comfy waiting area, and settled down for a peaceful read of the book I'd brought with me. But after 2 minutes, I heard my name being called by a man with a clipboard. I followed him into a treatment room and asked who he was: he was the dentist and this was the appointment - starting about 50 minutes before the appointment time!

Their super-duper 3-d jaw scan revealed a slight infection under a wisdom tooth. I was unaware of it as there is no pain or sensitivity but, malheureusement, the tooth must be extracted, so further appointments are required.

I must say that I was very impressed. The facilities far exceed anything I've seen in the UK and, once you've mastered the booking system, they seem genuinely helpful. It's the Centre Dentaire Cholet, in case anyone needs a (rather remote) dentist. They are accepting new patients and are tier 1 so about as inexpensive as you'll find. I had to pay 9€ for my consultation and I should get most of that back from my mutuelle.

[Fred]

Hope you finally get it sorted Brian, I'm not a fan of dentists and my teeth now remind me of that.

[Brian]

Thanks Fred!