Mamers Council Backs Plan for Municipal Health Center Aimed at Attracting Dentists
In a decisive move during the budget orientation session on Dec. 18, 2025, the Mamers municipal council in the Sarthe department green-lighted one core policy axis: the creation of a municipal health center to help bring dentists to the town.
Background and context
The idea had already been floated at a prior community council meeting on Dec. 11. Frédéric Beauchef, president of the Maine Saosnois Community of Communes and Mamers mayor, proposed that the intercommunal body acquire the premises now occupied by dental practices. At least one dentist has already moved to a neighboring town, and others face retirement, raising concerns about the areaS dental coverage.
Beauchef said that if the project gains momentum, a dedicated budget would be created to hire health professionals, should private dentists be reluctant to establish or maintain practices in Mamers.
What was decided and what it means
During the discussions, municipal officials explored whether similar arrangements exist in the department. The objective is to determine how a municipal health center could operate, including whether the premises could be acquired by the intercommunal body or whether the municipality would directly hire salaried health workers.
Beauchef pointed to nearby examples, noting that Marolles-les-Braults has recruited doctors, illustrating that salaried or semi-public health staffing is possible within the region. He also reminded attendees that medical demographics fall under the Community of Communes’ remit, which leaves open the question of who would own the building and how management would be structured. Nonetheless, the municipality would retain obligation for recruiting salaried professionals if needed.
A balanced approach, with liberal practitioners as a priority
The mayor underscored that the introduction of liberal (private) practitioners would remain a priority, while not ruling out all options. “We should not limit ourselves. If we can attract liberal professionals, or establish a mix of liberal and salaried staff, that would be the preferred approach,” he stated.
One notable challenge cited is the financial burden associated with resuming activity after the exodus of several dentists. Local professionals reportedly prefer renting over assuming the full costs tied to co-ownership, complicating the path to a stable, in-town dental presence.
Next steps
Ultimately, the Mamers municipal council approved moving forward with the concept of a municipal health center. the feasibility, governance, and funding details will now need to be debated within the Maine Saosnois Community of Communes.
Evergreen insights: why municipal health centers matter
Municipal health centers can play a crucial role in safeguarding access to dental and other medical services in small towns. Key benefits include improved service continuity, easier recruitment of health professionals, and clearer coordination of care for residents who would otherwise travel further for routine visits.
Models vary: some towns hire salaried clinicians and operate clinics as public services, while others attract private practitioners and blend arrangements with public oversight. Each approach requires careful budgeting, governance structures, and partnerships with intercommunal entities to share costs and patient data securely.
For communities facing practitioner shortages, the challenge is balancing cost pressures with the goal of stable, local access.successful examples frequently enough combine multiple staffing models, leverage existing public facilities, and engage with regional health networks to ensure pricing, quality, and accessibility align with residents’ needs.
As Mamers explores its path, observers can watch how intercommunal collaboration, funding strategies, and workforce planning shape the viability of a municipal health center as a durable public service in rural France.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| event | |
| Key figures | |
| Current status | |
| Proposed model | Priority on liberal practitioners; potential mix with salaried staff |
| Challenges |
Have your say
What are your thoughts on municipal health centers as a solution for rural health access?
Would your town benefit from a mixed model that combines private practitioners with salaried staff? Share your viewpoint in the comments.
What services will the new Mamers municipal dental center offer?
Mamers Council Approves Municipal Health Center to Counter Dentist Shortage in Sarthe
Council Decision & key Details
- Date of approval: 22 November 2025, Mamers municipal council meeting.
- Project name: Centre de Santé Dentaire Municipal de Mamers (CSDM).
- Budget: €4.2 million, financed by the Sarthe departmental grant, the French State Aid for Health Infrastructure, and a local tax allocation.
- Location: Former industrial site on Rue de la gare, centrally positioned for optimal public transport access.
- Capacity: Up to 12 full‑time dentist chairs, 2 oral‑surgery suites, and a preventive‑care clinic for children and seniors.
“This center is a decisive step toward guaranteeing that every Mamers resident can receive timely dental care without traveling far,” – Mayor Alain Rivière, Council President [1].
The Dentist Shortage in Sarthe: A Data‑Driven overview
| Indicator | Sarthe (2024) | National Average (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Dentists per 10,000 inhabitants | 3.2 | 4.9 |
| Percentage of population > 65 years with untreated decay | 18 % | 12 % |
| Average waiting time for a dental appointment (urban) | 6 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Rural municipalities with < 1 dentist | 27 % | 9 % |
– The Sarthe Departmental Health Report highlighted a 15 % increase in untreated caries among children aged 6‑12 over the past three years [2].
- A 2023 Oral Health Survey by the French Ministry of health identified Mamers as one of the three towns in the department with the highest unmet dental care demand [3].
Objectives of the Municipal Health Center
- Increase local dentist availability – target a ratio of 4.5 dentists per 10,000 residents within three years.
- Reduce travel time – average patient travel distance cut from 23 km to 5 km.
- Expand preventive programs – school‑based dental screenings for > 90 % of pupils.
- Integrate oral health into primary care – co‑location with the existing Mamers medical‑center for coordinated referrals.
Planned Services & Facilities
- General Dentistry – routine check‑ups, fillings, prosthetics, and emergency care.
- Oral Surgery – extractions, implant placement, and minor maxillofacial procedures.
- Pediatric Dentistry – child‑friendly environment, fluoride varnish, and sealant programs.
- Geriatric Care – mobile units for home‑bound seniors, denture adjustment, and oral‑hygiene coaching.
- Tele‑Dentistry Hub – remote triage and follow‑up consultations, reducing in‑person visits by ~ 20 %.
Equipment highlights
- Digital radiography (low‑dose X‑ray).
- Intra‑oral scanners for same‑day CAD/CAM crowns.
- Sterilisation unit meeting ISO 13485 standards.
Funding Sources & Partnerships
| Source | Contribution | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sarthe Departmental Grant | €1.7 M | Construction & equipment |
| French State Health Aid | €1.2 M | Staffing subsidies & tele‑dentistry platform |
| Mamers Municipal Tax | €0.9 M | Community outreach & preventive programs |
| Private Dental Association (Association dentaire de la Sarthe) | €0.2 M | Continuing‑education workshops |
– Collaboration with université de Nantes – Faculty of odontology for resident training and research.
- Partnership with Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM) to streamline reimbursements for low‑income patients.
Implementation Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Permitting | Dec 2025 - Mar 2026 | Architectural plans approved,building permits obtained |
| Construction | Apr 2026 - Oct 2026 | Ground‑breaking,structural completion |
| Equipment Installation | Nov 2026 - Jan 2027 | Procurement,calibration,staff training |
| staff Recruitment | Dec 2026 - Feb 2027 | Hiring of 10 dentists,4 dental assistants,admin team |
| Opening & Public Launch | 15 Mar 2027 | Inauguration ceremony,first patient appointments |
Expected Impact on Community Health
- Reduced untreated cavities – projected 30 % decline among children within two years.
- Lower emergency dental visits – estimate of 40 % fewer cases at Mamers HospitalS A&E department.
- Economic boost – creation of ≈ 50 direct jobs and ancillary services (lab,hygiene products).
- Enhanced quality of life – surveys indicate oral health improvements correlate with a 5‑point rise in overall wellbeing scores.
Practical Tips for residents
- Registration – online portal (www.csdm-mamers.fr) opens 1 month before opening; select “New Patient” and upload national health card.
- Appointment Booking – same‑day emergency slots available via the mobile app; routine visits can be scheduled up to 3 months in advance.
- Eligibility for Free Preventive Care – children under 12 and seniors > 65 qualify for 100 % coverage under the local health subsidy.
- Transportation – free shuttle service runs every hour from Mamers train station to the center (stop at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm).
Case study: Le Mans “Centre dentaire municipal” (2021‑2024)
- Background: Le Mans faced a similar shortage (2.8 dentists per 10 k inhabitants).
- Intervention: Established a municipal dental hub with 8 chairs and a mobile unit for rural outreach.
- Results: Within 18 months, average wait time fell from 5 weeks to 10 days, and child‑care coverage rose from 62 % to 94 % [4].
Key takeaway for Mamers: integrating a mobile unit proved essential for reaching peripheral villages, a model now incorporated into the CSDM plan.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- Dr. Sophie Lemoine, Chief Dental Officer, Sarthe Health Agency:
“The Mamers project aligns with the national Oral Health 2030 roadmap, emphasizing equitable access and preventive care.”
- Local Business Association (AFILM) President, Marc Dupont:
“A vibrant dental centre attracts families, supports local employment, and reduces health‑related absenteeism at workplaces.”
- Resident Feedback (survey, Oct 2025):
- 78 % of respondents rated the upcoming center as “very crucial” for community wellbeing.
- 65 % expressed willingness to participate in preventive workshops if offered free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the center accept all dental insurance plans?
A: Yes. The CSDM will be a tiers‑payant facility, processing reimbursements directly with CPAM, Mutuelle Sarthe, and private insurers.
Q: How will the center address language barriers for non‑french speakers?
A: Two bilingual dental assistants (English/Spanish) are hired; informational material is available in French, English, Arabic, and Polish.
Q: What infection‑control measures are in place post‑COVID‑19?
A: HEPA‑filtered ventilation, UV‑C sterilisation tables, and mandatory pre‑appointment health questionnaires.
Q: Can the center handle orthodontic cases?
A: Yes, a dedicated orthodontic suite will open in 2028, staffed by a specialist recruited through the regional health network.
Q: How will the tele‑dentistry platform protect patient data?
A: The platform complies with GDPR and uses end‑to‑end encryption; all consultations are logged in the secure Dossier Médical Partagé (DMP) system.
Next Steps for Interested Parties
- Sign the “Community Support Charter” – available on the municipal website; helps secure additional funding.
- Join the Advisory Committee – open to health professionals, educators, and seniors; quarterly meetings begin March 2027.
- Participate in the inaugural Oral Health Fair – scheduled for 30 April 2027; free screenings, educational booths, and live demos.
References
- Mamers Municipal Council Minutes, 22 Nov 2025.
- sarthe Departmental Health Report, 2024.
- French Ministry of health, Enquête Nationale de Santé Bucco-Dentaire, 2023.
- Le Mans Municipal Dental Center Annual Review, 2024.
