SETTLING IN - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - page 136

French dentists have trained in North America or in the
United Kingdom. In France, there are no dental hygienists,
so it is the dentist who does the routine tasks such as tooth
cleaning, giving the dentist a complete understanding of
the patient's mouth and dental condition.
Hôpital Hôtel Dieu provides 24-hour emergency
stomatologie services (dental and mouth care), as does the
American Hospital. For emergencies you can also contact
SOS Urgences Stomotolagie et Dentaire at 87 boulevard Port-
Royal, 75013 (24-hour tel: [phone]).
The Centre de Santé Dentaire George Eastman is a
dental institute at 11 rue George Eastman, 75013 (tel:
01.44.97.88.88). It is closed on Sundays.
Pregnancy
French maternity care is excellent. In a public hospital,
just about all costs are covered under Sécurité Sociale.
Women in the French health care system must declare
their pregnancy and undergo a minimum of four
examinations and one échographie ( ultrasound). A carnet
de maternité (maternity notebook) will be provided.
Inquire about your obstetrician's hospital or clinic. The
services at both public hospitals and private clinics can be
equally good, but while clinics may be more comfortable,
hospitals may have more extensive equipment and
facilities. Except for complicated deliveries, many babies
in France are delivered by a sage-femme (midwife).
The three hospitals below are well respected for
maternity care, especially for high-risk pregnancies. Your
doctor will guide you as to the best resources for your
pregnancy, but you should also be aware of Message, the
important English-speaking support group for new and
expectant mothers.
14 e : Hôpital Saint-Vincent de Paul; 84 avenue Denfert-
Rochereau; tel: [phone]
14 e : Hôpital Cochin; 27 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques;
tel: [phone]
12 e : Hôpital des Diaconesses; 18 rue du Sergent-
Bauchat; tel: [phone]