Page 31 - DP Vol 21 No1_Neat

4. Market competition: The rise of new dental schools and in turn the
excess number of dentists graduating and starting clinics has increased
the competition, pushing the clinics to adopt business strategies that
enhance patient attraction and retention.
Despite the financial imperatives, dental clinics must prioritize
patient care, as neglecting ethical responsibilities can lead to
reputational damage, legal liabilities, and loss of trust.

ETHICAL AND PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH
As dentists, we graduated from the dental college by swearing on the
“Hippocratic Oath” emphasizing patient care above all else. Ethical
considerations in balancing business and patient care include:
a) Patient centered care: As clinicians we are expected to provide
personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes the patient’s needs
over financial gains.

b) Transparency in treatment costs: Patients should be aware of
the cost of services before starting treatment thus preventing financial
exploitation

c) Avoiding over-treatment or under-treatment: Clinical decisions
should be based on the patient’s needs rather than financial incentives
- avoiding both unnecessary procedures and cost-cutting measures • Stay clinically focused: Prioritize continuing education and
that compromise dental care. staying current with the latest clinical advancements.

Striking the right balance between business and ethics requires a • Business acumen: Develop a solid understanding of financial
strong leadership from the owner of the dental clinic. Some challenges planning, marketing, and practice management.
that clinic owners face while trying to strike this balance are
• Rising costs/inflation: The increasing cost of dental materials, CONCLUSION
labour and technology makes it difficult for the institutions to maintain Balancing business and clinical dentistry is a delicate harmony that
affordability for the patients while ensuring financial viability. requires careful attention to both aspects. By prioritizing clinical
excellence, delegating effectively, and developing business acumen,
• Shortage of trained professionals: Many dentists struggle with dentists can create a thriving practice that delivers exceptional patient
staff shortages, leading to increased workloads, potential burnout, and care while also ensuring financial sustainability. Ultimately, finding
a compromised patient care. this balance is crucial for success in modern dentistry. n

• Administrative burdens: Along with providing clinical care, a ABOUT THE AUTHOR
dentist has to usually take care of bill payments to the different vendors
and the other administrative responsibilities as well. Dr. Akshay Kumarswamy is a second-
generation periodontist from Mumbai, India.
• Conflicts of interest: Dentists may face pressure to maximize He is board certified and is a Diplomate of
profits through unnecessary procedures. the American Board of Periodontology. After
his undergraduate education from CODS,
Davanagere he obtained his Certificate in
• Balancing innovation with cost control: While technological Advanced Dentistry from Boston University
advancements enhance treatment outcomes, they also require and followed it up with a 3 years Masters
substantial investments, which can drive up the treatment costs. of Science degree from the prestigious
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
FINDING THE BALANCE School of Dentistry, which is one of the top 5 dental colleges
So, how can dentists balance the clinical and business aspects of their in the world. Post his training, he taught at 2 different schools
practice? The key lies in finding a harmonious blend of both. Here are in USA and was the Director of the Implant training program at
a few strategies to achieve this balance: East Carolina University. He currently holds practice privileges
in the USA, India and Dubai. He has recently launched DPT
• Delegate effectively: Empower staff to handle the administrative - Dental Practice Transitions - to help senior dentists plan
tasks, freeing up time for clinical focus. their succession and retirement. He currently practices full
time in Mumbai along with training future dentists in the field
• Streamline operations: Implement efficient systems and of Periodontics and Implantology. He can be contacted at:
processes to minimize waste and maximize productivity. periofamily@gmail.com

Access this article online at https://www.dental-practice.biz/emagazine/dp21-2/#p=30

Dental Practice I March-April 2025 I Vol 21 No 2 31