Our Team

Training and qualifications in orthodontics

The path to becoming an orthodontist in France is one of the most demanding in the medical field. After obtaining the state diploma of Doctor of Dental Surgery — a six-year university degree — the practitioner must pass a highly competitive national residency examination to gain access to the speciality of dentofacial orthopaedics. This additional three- to four-year programme combines in-depth theoretical training and intensive clinical practice within a university hospital centre. This rigour of training guarantees complete mastery of the biological mechanisms of tooth movement, jaw growth and modern orthodontic techniques.

Dr François Normand has completed this entire pathway and holds the CECSMO (Certificat d'Études Cliniques Spéciales Mention Orthodontie), the diploma that confers the title of qualified specialist in dentofacial orthopaedics. This qualification is registered with the French National Council of the Order of Dental Surgeons and guarantees patients that their care is provided by a professional whose competence is officially recognised by the health authorities.

Care philosophy and patient approach

At OrthoClermont, every patient is welcomed with particular attention. The initial consultation is a time for listening and exchange: the practitioner takes the time to understand the patient's expectations — whether they are a child accompanied by parents, a teenager or an adult. The aim is not to propose a standardised treatment, but to design a personalised care plan that takes into account the clinical situation, aesthetic constraints, lifestyle and budget of each patient.

Transparency is at the heart of the patient relationship. Before starting any treatment, Dr François Normand presents a detailed diagnosis, the various therapeutic options available, the advantages and limitations of each technique, the estimated duration and the precise cost. A comprehensive quote is always provided. This approach enables patients to make an informed decision, in complete confidence.

The practice also places great importance on patient comfort, offering modern solutions that minimise discomfort and pain: self-ligating brackets, shape-memory archwires, latest-generation clear aligners. Appointments are optimally spaced to balance treatment effectiveness with the scheduling constraints of patients and their families.

Continuing education and skills development

Orthodontics is a constantly evolving discipline. New techniques appear regularly — clear aligners, digital orthodontics, 3D printing, anchorage mini-screws — and existing protocols are continually refined by scientific research. To offer patients the most current and effective treatments, Dr François Normand is actively engaged in continuing professional development.

This training takes several forms: attendance at national and international conferences (French Society of Dentofacial Orthopaedics, European Orthodontic Society, World Federation of Orthodontists), specialised seminars on new technologies, certified training programmes with orthodontic system manufacturers, and regular review of the specialised scientific literature. This constant awareness ensures that the techniques offered at OrthoClermont reflect the latest advances in the discipline.

Equipment and technology at the practice

The OrthoClermont practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. The intra-oral scanner produces three-dimensional digital impressions, replacing traditional alginate moulds — more comfortable and more precise. Digital panoramic and cephalometric radiographs are taken on-site, avoiding the need for visits to an external radiologist and speeding up the diagnostic process.

Standardised clinical photography is an integral part of the initial assessment and follow-up: it objectively documents treatment progression and allows comparison of the initial state with the results achieved. Digital planning software enables tooth movements to be simulated before treatment even begins and the expected outcome to be visualised — a tool particularly appreciated by patients for projecting their future smile.

All equipment meets the strictest hygiene and sterilisation standards. Instruments are sterilised by autoclave, work surfaces are disinfected between each patient, and biosafety protocols comply with the recommendations of the Regional Health Agency and the Order of Dental Surgeons.

Why consult a qualified orthodontic specialist?

In France, any dental surgeon may legally carry out orthodontic treatment. However, only practitioners holding the CECSMO bear the title of qualified specialist in dentofacial orthopaedics. This distinction matters: the specialist has devoted several additional years to the exclusive study of orthodontics, with intensive clinical training covering hundreds of cases treated under university supervision.

Consulting a qualified orthodontist means ensuring that the diagnosis is made by a professional whose expertise covers the full spectrum of malocclusions — from simple crowding to complex situations involving skeletal discrepancies, impacted teeth or facial asymmetries. It also means benefiting from a practitioner capable of mastering all available techniques (multi-bracket appliances, lingual braces, clear aligners, functional appliances, orthopaedic devices, mini-screws) and objectively choosing the one best suited to each clinical situation.

The French National Council of the Order of Dental Surgeons recommends that patients verify their practitioner's qualifications on the Order's directory, accessible online. Dr François Normand is listed there as a qualified specialist in dentofacial orthopaedics, practising at OrthoClermont in Clermont-Ferrand.

The practice in Clermont-Ferrand

Located at 31 bis avenue Julien in Clermont-Ferrand, in the immediate vicinity of Place de Jaude, the OrthoClermont practice is easily accessible by public transport (tram and bus) and has parking nearby. The reception team provides attentive support to patients throughout their care journey, from booking the first appointment through to the post-treatment retention phase.

To book an appointment or for any questions, you can contact the practice on 04 23 32 47 37 or by email at contact@orthoclermont.com. The initial consultation is the starting point for any treatment: it allows a comprehensive assessment, a discussion of options, and a joint decision on the best care plan for you or your child.