New Dentist Fills Critical Gap in Cérences
Dr. Suzanne Lenoël has officially opened her practice at the Cérences Health Pole, signing a contract with the French national health insurance (CPAM) on Wednesday, November 4th.
Her arrival addresses a shortage of dental professionals in the region. Dr. Lenoël is originally from La Haye-Pesnel and studied dentistry in Rennes before practicing in Coutances, Villedieu, Caen, and Granville. Her move to Cérences was prompted by a colleague who proposed she join the health pole after the previous dentist left.
The local healthcare system has been grappling with a deficit of approximately one hundred dental professionals in the department compared to the national average. Dr. Lenoël was convinced to join by the prospect of working with a multidisciplinary team in modern facilities where she could set up her office exactly as she wished.
CPAM Provides 50,000 Euros to Support New Practitioners
According to Philippe Decaen, director of the CPAM of the Manche, the initiative provides a forfaitary aid of 50,000 euros to help new practitioners cover initial investment costs, including equipment and facility setup. This financial support is disbursed in two installments: 25,000 euros at the signing of the contract and a second payment of 25,000 euros in the third year of practice.

In exchange for this financial assistance, the professional commits to operating a conventioned private practice as their primary activity for a minimum of five years.
Dr. Suzanne Lenoël Opens a New Dental Practice in Cérences
- A new dentist is now available in Cérences. Dr. Suzanne Lenoël has opened her practice to address a local shortage.
- Financial support from the government helped make this happen. The CPAM provided a €50,000 grant to offset the costs of starting a new dental clinic.
- Her practice is officially recognized by the health system. She accepts the Carte Vitale and is committed to providing care in the area for at least five years.
Addressing High Demand with a 30-Kilometer Radius
Despite being a recent arrival, Dr. Lenoël’s appointment schedule is rapidly filling up. The local demand for dental services is high. In an interview, she stated, “I accept patients within a 30 km radius, but it is not always simple.
I am regularly forced to propose a postponement to a later date.” She accepts the Carte Vitale and her clinic offers a complete range of dental services, from prevention to advanced surgical procedures.
Consult a Dentist for Oral Pain or an Emergency Department for Severe Symptoms
A dentist like Dr. Lenoël is a specialist in oral health. If you experience dental pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing, a consultation with a dentist is appropriate. However, if your symptoms include chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or sudden neurological changes like slurred speech or facial drooping, these are signs of a potential medical emergency that require immediate attention at an emergency department, not a dental clinic.

Regional Impact and Healthcare Infrastructure
| CPAM Installation Aid for Dentists | Key Terms & Conditions |
|---|---|
| Total Financial Aid | 50,000 € |
| Payment Schedule | 25,000 € at signing; 25,000 € in year 3 |
| Commitment Period | 5 years of conventioned private practice |
| Primary Purpose | To offset investment costs (equipment, facilities) |
Future of Dental Access in the Region
The swift uptake of appointments for Dr. Lenoël demonstrates an immediate need for her services.
Practice Hours and Location
Her operating hours are Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
References
- granville.maville.com
- pagesjaunes.fr