There will be more dentists in Finistère, trained at the UBO

Brittany Battles Dental Desert: University of Western Brittany Responds to Critical Shortage with 40% Student Increase

Brest, France – A looming healthcare crisis in Brittany is prompting swift action. The University of Western Brittany (UBO) is dramatically increasing its dental student intake by 40% starting in 2025, a move designed to combat a severe shortage of dentists across the region and ensure residents have access to vital oral care. This breaking news comes as communities grapple with escalating waiting times and a surge in dental emergencies.

The Growing Dental Desert in Brittany

Finistère, along with other Breton departments, is facing a critical lack of dental professionals. According to Dean of the Faculty of Odontology, Sylvie Boisramé, the ratio of dentists to patients is alarmingly skewed. “Currently, a dental surgeon can typically treat between 800 and 900 patients annually,” explains Boisramé. “However, in Finistère, and increasingly across the Armor coasts, Morbihan, and even nationally, we’re seeing one dentist for every 1,400 to 1,700 patients. This simply isn’t sustainable.”

The problem is compounded by Brittany’s growing and aging population, making timely access to dental care a pressing public health issue. The UBO is responding by expanding its student workforce from 36 to 50 – the maximum capacity currently allowed by facility and staffing constraints.

Investing in the Future of Oral Health

This isn’t just about increasing numbers; it’s about investing in quality training. The UBO has undertaken significant upgrades to its facilities, particularly its dental simulators. “Our simulators were over 25 years old and nearing the end of their lifespan,” says Boisramé. “We secured funding to replace them, recognizing that even maintaining our existing capacity required modernizing our training tools.” Additional prosthetic equipment has also been purchased to accommodate the 14 additional students each year.

The project has been a collaborative effort, receiving support from the UBO itself, Brest Métropole, the Department of Finistère, ARS Brittany, and generous donations from individuals. This demonstrates a widespread recognition of the urgency of the situation.

Beyond the Classroom: Expanding Access to Care

The UBO isn’t solely focused on training dentists within the walls of the university. They are actively working to extend dental care access to underserved communities. A university hospital antenna opened in Carhaix in December 2021, and 6th-year students will soon be providing care in Quimper’s hospital odontology department. Collaborations are also underway with hospitals in Landerneau, Lorient, and Saint-Brieuc.

SEO Tip: For readers searching for “dentist near me” or “dental care Brittany,” this expansion of outreach programs is a key development.

Will New Dentists Stay in Brittany?

A crucial question is whether these newly trained dentists will remain in the region to address the shortage. Fortunately, data suggests a strong likelihood. A study of UBO dental graduates over the past 11 years reveals that 83% have practiced in Breton territory. This high retention rate offers a hopeful outlook for the future of dental care in the region.

Boisramé emphasizes the long-term commitment required to produce skilled dental surgeons. “It takes at least 6-7 years to train a competent and expert dental surgeon, and another decade for them to become fully active and reactive in the field.”

The importance of accessible oral health is paramount. “Poor oral health can have cascading effects on overall health,” Boisramé stresses. “Our goal is to prevent people from having to forgo care due to distance, cost, or other barriers.”

This proactive response from the University of Western Brittany represents a significant step towards addressing the dental crisis in Brittany. The increased student intake, coupled with investments in training and expanded outreach programs, offers a beacon of hope for residents seeking timely and affordable oral care. For those seeking more information on dental health resources in Brittany, visit the ARS Brittany website or consult with your local healthcare provider. Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on this developing story and other Google News-worthy events.