Dental Deserts Deepen in Brittany: Finding a Dentist in Bigouden country Increasingly Arduous
Pont-l’Abbé, France – Residents of the Bigouden country in Brittany are facing a growing crisis in access to dental care, with many practices closed to new patients and long wait times reported across the region. A recent investigation by Le Télégramme reveals a scarcity of available appointments, despite efforts to attract dentists to the area.
As of September 19, attempts to contact fifteen dental firms representing around thirty professionals were largely unsuccessful, with many directing potential patients to leave contact information for possible future recall. Several practices explicitly state on their answering machines they are unable to accept new patients, and no openings were found on the Doctolib online appointment platform.
While some dentists continue to attempt to accommodate new patients “punctually,” such as the office on rue de Ty Lez in combrit, their schedules are full. Others, like the practice in penmarc’h, will only contact new patients “according to our availability,” and the dentist in Loctudy accepts new patients “when possible.”
Though, there are glimmers of hope. The dental practice in the Kerlavar craft zone in Plonéour-Lanvern confirms they are currently accepting new patients. Furthermore, a new 250 square meter dental center is planned for Guilvinec, slated to open before the summer of 2026, featuring three care rooms, a surgical room, a waiting room, and apartments for practitioners.
The situation remains precarious, however, as three Bigouden country dentists are planning to relocate their practices to Bénodet’s Glénan activity park in the medium term, potentially exacerbating the existing shortage. Training new dentists takes at least six years, according to sources, and many recent graduates continue to practice in larger metropolitan areas. Between 390 and 440 dentists are expected to be trained in Brittany by 2025.