New Dentist in Aunay-sur-Odon, Calvados: Second Dentist Arriving in February 2026

After years of anticipation, residents of Aunay-sur-Odon, in the Calvados region of Normandy, now have access to a new dental practice. The clinic, located in Les Monts d’Aunay, opened in early January 2026 following extensive renovations completed at the end of 2025. The practice is housed in the building formerly occupied by a veterinary clinic on Rue du 12 Juin 1944.

A Long-Awaited Solution

The new facility is designed to accommodate two dentists. Currently, Dr. Andreia Achim is the sole practitioner, but a second dentist, Dr. Hicham Benis, is expected to join the practice very soon.

Did You Know? The new dental practice is located in a building that previously served as a veterinary clinic.

Dr. Achim, who previously practiced in Thury-Harcourt and Cagny, described this as her “third and last installation,” stating her intention to remain at this location through retirement. She cited the administrative burdens of opening new practices as a key factor in her decision.

Seeking a Community Need

Dr. Achim, originally from Romania, expressed her fondness for the “Suisse normande” region, noting the warmer and more respectful demeanor of the local population compared to areas closer to Caen. She and her husband specifically sought a region with a documented shortage of dental services when deciding where to establish the practice.

The establishment of the clinic involved collaboration with the Aunay-sur-Odon municipality, which proposed the location and contributed to the funding of the renovations alongside Pré-Bocage Intercom. Dr. Achim personally invested in all new furniture and equipment, including a scanner and a panoramic X-ray machine.

Expert Insight: The collaborative funding model—combining municipal support with private investment—highlights a proactive approach to addressing healthcare access challenges in rural communities. This strategy can be crucial for attracting medical professionals to underserved areas.

The practice currently employs one assistant, Mélanie, who is new to the role. Mélanie was a patient of Dr. Achim and received training as part of joining the team.

Appointment Information and Priorities

Appointments are being scheduled with a focus on urgent cases, and priority is given to individuals without a regular dentist and to elderly patients. Current hours are Mondays from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The practice is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

These hours are subject to change with the arrival of Dr. Benis.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new dental practice open?

The new dental practice in Aunay-sur-Odon opened in early January 2026.

Who is currently practicing at the clinic?

Currently, Dr. Andreia Achim is the sole dentist practicing at the clinic. Dr. Hicham Benis is expected to join her mid-February.

How are appointments being handled?

Appointments are being scheduled with priority given to urgent cases, those without a dentist, and elderly patients.

How might increased access to dental care impact the overall health and well-being of the Aunay-sur-Odon community?