The 2026 Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) is debated from this Tuesday, November 4 in the National Assembly. After its rejection in the Social Affairs Committee, the text starts from scratch. But certain government avenues continue to be debated. Among them: the possible creation of a deductible of 4 euros at the dentist, not reimbursed by Social Security.
A measure that divides even before being voted on
The stated objective is clear: reduce the Social Security deficit, estimated at 23 billion euros in 2025, by making policyholders contribute more. But for health professionals, this measure would send a very bad signal.
On the side of dental surgeons, the reaction is unanimous: this deductible would be a barrier to access to care.
Consulted, Dr. Christophe Lequart, spokesperson for the French Union for Oral Health, believes that increasing dental medical deductibles is “a bad idea, a bad signal for the population“.
He is worried about the consequences on office attendance. “Today, only 50% of French people consult a dentist each year. Such a measure would risk turning away even more patients, particularly the most vulnerable.”.
Dr Lequart also points to a lack of clarity on implementation. “We’re talking about a deductible of 4 euros per procedure, but nothing is defined. Is it per session? Per cavity treated? If a patient needs several treatments spread over several sessions, this would quickly become unworkable.”
Dentists stand up against a measure deemed “unfair”
For these professionals, this measure would also go against the grain of prevention policies implemented for several years.
“We now carry out the “M’T dents” campaign every year to create a generation without cavities and promote 100% health. This franchise would go against these efforts” deplores our expert again.
It also warns of the long-term consequences. “Discouraging visits to the dentist also risks aggravating chronic pathologies. Dental health and overall health are closely linked.”
For its part, the Union of Dental Surgeons of France (CDF) shares this concern.
“We are opposed to the application of a deductible on dental care procedures under the conditions where it applies to other health professions. Today, the deductible applies to the act, not to the treatment session” tells True Medical Dr Catherine Mojaïsky, former President of the CDF.
“However, the specificity of our exercise allows us to bill several procedures in the same session, which would multiply the amount of the deductible. Even with ceilings, there would undoubtedly be a new restriction on access to care, due to an increase in the out-of-pocket cost.”
Nathalie Delphin, president of the Union of Women Dental Surgeons (SFCD), warns on France TV: “It will be extremely dangerous for patients since there is a risk that they will give up treatment. When we treat a cavity, there is the cavity, the X-ray, perhaps scaling… That alone can cost four procedures, or 16 euros.” If this is the case, the financial impact risks leading to less access to dental care for the poorest.
“A bad signal for prevention and public health“
After the reduction in reimbursement for care from 70 to 60%, dentists fear a new blow to the profession. Pending the resumption of the debates, this franchise remains on the trail. In its analysis of the state of the Social Security accounts published this Monday, November 3, the Court of Auditors considers that the budget presented marks “a start of recovery“, but that the trajectory would not be sufficient to stem what she describes as “loss of control“and”funding impasse“.
But for professionals, the message sent to patients is already worrying: paying more for treatment often means giving up care.