Dentistry-Engineering Double Degree

Target audience

Dental students in France or internationally wishing to develop engineering science skills to meet the needs of tomorrow’s dental industry.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of PASS or a LAS with a science major.

The Programme, Step by Step

The programme runs over 4 years, combining distance learning and on-campus teaching at Mines Saint-Étienne.

1. Preparatory curriculum (2 years, distance learning) in parallel with your dentistry curriculum (between the 4th and 6th year). Each module is validated by examination.
2. Integration into the ICM program (2 years) in Saint-Étienne — after the 5th or 6th year of dentistry (the 6th year may be mutually recognized).
3. After the ICM diploma: obtaining the dual dentist-engineer degree, followed by an internship and/or thesis in dentistry according to your project.

The health–engineering preparatory programme

Lasting 2 years, it is delivered through distance learning via a series of 7 micro-credentials in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Each micro-credential represents approximately 30 hours (1 ECTS credit), i.e., a pace of 3 to 4 hours per week over one and a half to two months.

Year 1: Python Programming · Thermodynamics · Linear Algebra · Statistics
Year 2: Mathematics for Physics · Mechanics · Fundamentals of Big Data

Validation

Each micro-credential is assessed by an exam taken online via a dedicated proctoring tool (grade ≥ 10/20 to obtain the secure digital badge).
Obtaining all 7 micro-credentials is required to apply to the ICM cycle.
The micro-credentials obtained can be used to showcase skills even if the full programme is not validated.
Passing the first-year exams is a condition for progressing to the second year of the preparatory programme.

Cost

€100 per micro-credential, i.e., €700 for the full preparatory programme.

Discover the PSI Remote Learning Platform

Admissions & Calendar

Step 1 — Application to the preparatory programme (April → end of August)
You may apply for the full track or for a single micro-credential.
Application file: CV · cover letter · transcripts (Baccalauréat and 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd, or even 4^th years of dental studies).

Application form

Step 2 — Application for eligibility for the ICM cycle (April, in 2nd year)
Successful completion of the preparatory programme is required (obtaining the 7 micro-credentials).
Application file to be completed in April: selection of ICM courses, transcripts from dental studies.
Eligibility is based on academic excellence and the coherence of the professional project, assessed from the application file. Successful completion of the preparatory programme is necessary but not sufficient.

Step 3 — Admission to the ICM cycle
Video interview in May/June before a panel.
Presentation of the professional project in connection with the ICM track.
Issuance of a summary certificate of the micro-credentials obtained for admitted students.

Career Opportunities

The dual dentist-engineer degree prepares students for two main professions:

R&D engineer: research in dental biomechanics and development of new biomaterials;
Dental Technology Entrepreneur: creation of start-ups specializing in the use of innovative technologies (AI, virtual reality, connected objects, etc.) to create pre-consultation tools, orthodontic simulation, dental robotics, etc.

Alumni testimonials

Why Choose Mines Saint-Étienne?

A leading engineering school, pioneering the ‘health-engineering’ path.
A dedicated environment: the Centre for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering (CIS), which provides a framework for research and innovation in biomaterials, AI, and medical technologies.
A strong network of industries and laboratories involved in dental health and biomedical engineering.
A tailored educational approach: hybrid learning (remote + on-site), flexibility, multidisciplinarity

Key strengths

A prestigious, bicentennial engineering school, a leader in health-engineering double degrees for 25 years.
Engineering programme integrated into the dental curriculum, completed over two years after a gap year following the 5^th or 6^th year of dental studies.
A world-class health research environment with the Centre for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering (CIS).
Personalised track in the 2^nd and 3^rd years of the ICM cycle, tailored to each student’s professional project.
Academics aligned with the scientific, societal, and industrial needs of the healthcare of the future.
Opportunities for international and industry experience lasting several months.
Extensive alumni network.

FAQ

Is the preparatory programme compatible with my dental studies?
Yes: 2 years remote (~3 hrs/week) designed to be followed in parallel with the dental curriculum.

Can the 6th year of dentistry be mutually recognized with the ICM programme?
Yes, depending on the equivalences defined by your faculty, the 6th year can be mutually recognized with the 2 years of the ICM programme.

What are the key admission steps and dates?
Preparatory application file April → end of August, ICM eligibility in April (in Year 2 of preparatory programme), panel in June.