Target Audience
Dental students in France or internationally wishing to develop engineering science skills to meet the needs of tomorrow’s dental industry.
Prerequisites
Validation of the PASS or LAS with a scientific 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 programme (2 years, distance learning) in parallel with the 4th and 5th years (or 5th and 6th years) of dental studies.
2. Integration into the ICM programme (2 years) in Saint-Étienne after the 5th or 6th year of dental studies — with the possibility of combining the 6th year through equivalence (according to the rules of the home faculty).
3. After the ICM degree: internship and/or thesis defense in dentistry depending on your project.
The health–engineering preparatory programme
Lasting 2 years, it is delivered via distance learning through a series of 7 micro-certifications in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Each micro-certification represents approximately 30 hours (1 ECTS credit), at a pace of 3 to 4 hours per week over a period of 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 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-certification, totaling €700 for the complete preparatory program.
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 1st, 2nd and 3rd, or even 4th years of dental studies).
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 dual degrees for 25 years.
- Engineering programme integrated into the dental curriculum, completed over two years after a gap year following the 5th or 6th year of dental studies.
- World-class health research environment with the Centre for Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering (CIS).
- Personalized pathway in the 2nd and 3rd years of the ICM cycle, adapted to each student’s professional project.
- Training aligned with the scientific, societal, and industrial needs of future healthcare.
- Opportunities for international and industrial experiences lasting several months.
- Vast 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.
Ask Your Question
Would you like to know more about the dual pharmacist-engineer degree programme? Contact us directly.
Contacts
Head of Health and Engineering Dual Degrees