After a general practitioner, two dentists are settling in the Gers spa town bordering the Landes, thanks to an offensive policy from the town hall.
In the avenue des thermes, in Cazaubon, two craftsmen fix plates on a pillar, at n° 55. Here, now officiate Robert Konig and Fatima Dominici, dentists. This installation is the fruit of the work of the municipality, which has pulled out all the stops to attract these practitioners. Inside, in completely renovated premises, two treatment rooms, a 3D radio, a laboratory… The equipment is ready.
Gers seduction
“The adventure began in 2022, explains Mayor Isabelle Tintané. It was about finding a general practitioner. For this, we went through a headhunter. And in front of the success, I asked the same recruiter for a dentist. He got me two! The practitioners, both Spaniards, had been working in Paris for 2 years, and before that in Barcelona. “A friend told us about the area,” says Robert Konig. She invited us to come and see, and we liked the Gers a lot! Here, one can practice as liberals, and also render service to the commune. »
The couple work together, Monday to Friday. Dental care, prostheses, orthodontics, the practice will offer the usual range, taking the time to get to know the patient. “There is no question of being satisfied with 15 minutes with the patients”, specifies Robert Konig. As for a guard system, dentists are thinking about it, but they are waiting until they have started practicing.
“And then, here, it’s green, it’s quiet compared to Paris! And much closer to Spain”, slips smiling Fatima Dominici.
Municipal support
The other attraction of this firm in the Barbotan district is the support of the municipality. For one year, dentists do not pay for housing or their practice, and the community supports 50% of the post of dental assistant secretary. “We had done the same for the general practitioner, by providing him with the equipment. There they brought their own. For the municipality, this represents €15,000 for the recruiter, then €10,000 per year for accommodation, and nearly €10,000 also for the firm. »
Luckily, a former medical room became available, large enough to accommodate the two dentists. Costs that the mayor fully assumes. “Local taxes are used to provide services to the population. I make it a priority, and it was part of my campaign promises. There are people who live 80 km away who have registered to have a dentist…”
Cazaubon, at the bottom of the department, is located on a living area straddling Landes and Gers. “We had to find it on our own, because we weren’t detained by the Say 32 operation. I spoke with colleagues from the Nogaro sector, who gave me the tip! But we were lucky that the professionals liked it here! »
Outside, a passer-by stops in front of the brand new plates. “Are there any dentists here?” It is open ? Neither one nor two, she enters to make an appointment. The future patient will have to wait a bit: the coming week is already full.