Being Dentist: 7 Reasons Why Dental Profession Is Losing Its Charm In India?

 

Being Dentist: 7 Reasons Why Dental Profession Is Losing Its Charm In India?

1. Deteriorating Education Standard

 

In India, oral health care awareness amongst the population is low resulting in fewer patients. On the other hand, the number of dental schools & their intake capacity is ever increasing. Earlier the PG seats were limited so interns were getting the opportunity to perform most of the procedures but since PG seats have increased now; a lot of procedures are allowed only to PG students in many private dental colleges. In some private dental schools, the situation is such that students have to pay patients to visit the college and get treated.

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The lack of clinical exposure obviously reflects; these young dentists hold the degree yet very few are confident about dental practice.  

 

 

2. Lack of Opportunities 

 

Job opportunities are relatively low for dental graduates. Practically speaking there are (no) very few government jobs and even in private jobs dentists doesn’t get paid well.  

Stipend LOL!!!!!!! 

Stipend ke naam pe to chavvanni atthanni milti hai... 

Hope you pay some respectable salary to the dental professional at your clinic.

3. Quackery

It's 2016 still some patients are getting roadside dental treatment and no strict action is taken against quacks.

The situation is getting even worse due to some educated quacks. There are many postgraduate dentists are working as visiting consultant under quacks just for money. Not only this but qualified dental surgeons are also not on back foot in misleading patients by writing invalid abbreviations after their BDS degree. For example "BDS MIDA" where MIDA stands for “Member of Indian Dental Association” and is not any degree but used to brag about qualification. 

 

Here is the list of some more unacceptable abbreviations by dentists

R.D.P for Registered Dental Practitioner

F.I.C.D for Fellow of International College of Dentists

M.I.C.D for Master of International College of Dentists

F.A.C.D for Fellow of American College of Dentists

M.R.S.H for Member of Royal Society of Hygiene

F.A.G.E. Fellow of Academy of General Education

 

 

4. The Attitude Problem

Unlike medical practitioners, many dentists are reluctant to share knowledge as they believe this will increase their own competition but in reality, they are actually restricting themselves from self improvement.

 

Everyone is willing to practice in urban areas resulting in overcrowding & artificial saturation. This cut throat competition is resulting in price war and hampering our own future.

 

 

5. Lack of Unity

 

It is my personal observation that dentists don't have unity amongst them. Dentists practicing in the same locality consider each other as rivals & the one who takes advantage of this situation is patient.  You can read my blog "Be the change you want to see" on www.DentistFriend.com

 

 

6. Lack of Insurance Coverage

 

In our country, most of the medical treatments are covered under insurance but no dental treatments are covered under insurance which is somewhere restricting the industry growth. 

7. Under-Performing Authorities

 

The authorities are getting commercial. Someone, please make them realize that they are here to create new opportunities & raise the standard of dentistry. They are not just to collect sponsorships from Tooth Paste Companies.

 

 

How can we uplift the status of Dental Profession?

 

I believe that it's not just the fault of authorities but somewhere you & I are directly or indirectly responsible for whatever dentistry is facing today. All of us want a better future but in reality, nobody wants to take the responsibility. Let's stop this blame game because circumstances won't change until and unless we consider ourselves responsible and take initiative.

 

Let's take a stand...

 

Let's play our role to uplift the status of dentistry...

Source : DentistFriend

Things You Should Know Before Setting Up Private Dental Practice

 

Things You Should Know Before Setting Up Private Dental Practice

Many of us are surrounded by people who have negative approach towards the Dental Profession. Staying arround such people... we also start to think negatively.

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I know dental profession is getting tough day by day. I agree salary of a BDS graduate is less than a labourer’s salary under MNREGA. I know PG seats are limited. Not only this but even after doing Postgraduation (MDS), the salaries in academics are shrinking these days. Dental Clinic is no more a cakewalk as everyone wants to start dental practice in a city which is already overcrowded with too many clinics. Many of you are leaving the profession to study MPH/MHA or to work at Pharmacovigilance data centers.

 

But still I believe that we are in one of the best professions in India. We are the Kings/Queens at our places of work. Do not loose your heart... Follow the 7 golden tips for successful Dental Practice.

 

 

1. Clinical Skills:

 

Master minimally in basic dental procedures before setting up your own practice such as Extractions, RCT, Esthetic Cosmetic Work, FPD, CD.

 

 

2. Invest Sensibly:

 

Whenever you open up your practice, do not waste your money much on interiors & show business initially. Instead invest in dental materials and equipments. Trust me nobody bothers it if you are good at your work. I have seen people investing 70% in showbiz & 30% on Dental materials/equipments.

Result: You know they cry after 6 months.

 

 

3. Have Patience: 

 

It will be fruitful only if you remain calm. Dentistry is like every other business. In the 1st year of your practice you pay from your pocket. In 2nd year you reach a break even point i.e there is NO PROFIT NO LOSS. Its only from the 3rd year that you start to earn. 

 

Suppose you are relocating after practicing for 4-5 years at some place; then regardless of your experience you will still have to have patience because your practice takes average 3 years to show profitability.

 

 

4. Keep Control on Yourself: 

 

Do not do Superman stuff in the initial years of your practice. Its very difficult to earn a name but very easy to spoil your name. Do case selection very effectively. If you don't have confidence about the case then either call a specialist or refer it to some experienced doctor. This way you might loose some money but you will make sure that it won't spoil your name.

 

 

5. Continue Learning: 

 

Attend CDE's & Conferences regularly. It will help you to remain confident of your profession and will also keep you up to the date with the new advances in the field.

6. Money Factor: 

 

Never underestimate youself. Charging less is not going to help you in long term. (Read The Price War In Dentistry By Dr.Pranav Agale). Never let the patient bargain; better let him/her go if he/she tries to bargains. Most of them will come back to you for the treatment at your described costs within a week after visiting 2-3 clinics in their vicinity. Always remember good things never come cheap.

 

TELL ME IF ANY PATIENT BARGAINS WITH AN EYE SURGEON OR  A HEART SURGEON? THEN WHY US???

 

 

7. Marketing: 

 

Do regular marketing for your clinic. Because your clinic is just like a CORPORATE firm and you are the boss (MD).  So you have to do all sorts of advertisements (ofcourse ethically) to let patient's know that YOU EXIST.

 

MORE INPUTS FROM SENIORS AND FRIENDS ARE WELCOME.

Source : DentistFriend

How To Build A Successful Private Dental Practice?

 

How To Build A Successful Private Dental Practice?

Years back dentistry used to be a profession of a few but it has become one of the most prolific career option now a days. Today's dental graduates are under far more stress compared to their seniors few years back.

Visit the DentistFriend.com dental portal to know how long does it take to become a dentist in India

 

I have tried to outline some basic causes that lead to stress and their remedies. Take care of these facts of life and you will notice your dental life getting on track.

 

1. Get rid of the POW

 

     P = PRESUMING

    O = OVER IMAGINATION

    W = WORRY

 

If you are a new graduate, you will agree that dentistry has become a crowded place but that doesn't at all mean that you can't make name & fame. Of course it might take a bit longer than it used to..

 

So when you enter into private practice don't over imagine that things will fall in to place and you will be in immediate demand; instead be ready to take it day by day!

 

Remember it’s a game of patience; worrying is not the solution. Rather it is better to set goals and try to achieve them.

 

I'm sure that sooner or later you will agree with my point. 

 

 

2. Count your chickens before they hatch

 

Dental profession requires investment of both your time & money. Not only you have to invest in studies but also in establishment of clinic & this financial investment never end.

 

You should have a target on where you want to be in specific period of time i.e. Time: Money balance.

 

Spending beyond what you have can be a very risky proposition. Financial debt is one of the biggest reasons of stress for many. Remember it’s your or your parent’s hard earned money, so plan precisely and manage your funds properly and never spend on anything just because some of your colleague did it.

 

 

3. Work Life Balance

 

Family is the fulcrum between your personal & professional life. In the pursuit of professional success, never let go of the family. Because- "Success in dental practice" is directly proportional to time you spend with your family whereas "Stress" is inversely proportional to time you spend with family.

 

The less time you give to your family the more stressful dentistry will feel to you. You need motivation to succeed & there can’t be stronger motivation than to work and improve the life of your family members both professionally and personally.

 

 

4. Don’t Just Live- Be Alive!

 

It is good to chase your dreams but do not forget that "A healthy mind resides in a healthy body". Dentistry is tough on body; with age there are chances of back pain & fatigue creeping in. Take some time out of your busy schedule for yourself. Divert yourself from dentistry; spend some time for your hobbies. Hobbies are the great stress busters; it can be anything singing, photography, travelling, dancing, cooking or anything… but spend some time with yourself  

 

These activities reduces your stress & helps you in reaching the professional excellence

 

 

5. Take It Easy

 

There will be a lot of people around you who won't stop criticizing dental profession but take it easy! Don't overreact to such cynic personalities! That will save you from a lot of stress.

 

There is nothing wrong is discussing negative aspects of field. That in a way keeps you informed about the possible problems in your profession and eventually you might come out with some solution..

 

 

6. Follow "No Comparison" Policy

 

A lot of dentists have the habit of comparing themselves with graduates of other streams. This comparison is of no use; it won’t do anything than adding further stress to your life.

 

So get out of it; stop comparing & if you can’t stop comparing yourself with other professionals; it is better to get out of dentistry. Also learn to be grateful in life, be thankful for what all you have and then work hard for more.

 

You must have heard the saying

 

"Work with an aim on the target but not worrying about the target"

 

 

CONCLUSION:

 

Well then my dentist friends! These are some of the mantras I learned about dental life from my seniors and staffs and they learned it after years of struggle. These positive habits can't be acquired overnight but are as practical as sun rising in the east everyday!

 

Remember! to be successful in dental career, you need to have the power to tackle the stress and now you know how to!

 

Feel Good, Live Good, Do Good: Happy Dentistry! All the best for a successful dental career. 

Source : DentistFriend

Being Dentist: Let My Country Awake...

 

Being Dentist: Let My Country Awake...

They say- TO ERR IS THE HUMAN... but I think it’s not applicable for doctors..

 

An incident that happened recently in Pune is making me write this.. A 3 year old girl accidentally lost her life while going a RCT at a dental clinic. The media got an opportunity to raise their TRP'S; they declared the doctor as murderer & this ruling by media was without even knowing the facts. 

It's not uncommon these days..Death of a patient in a hospital/dispensary and that’s it..

 

Some opportunists nowhere related people will come over to do so called justice which includes physical abuse, destroying clinic as if the doctor has done it intentionally...I would like to bring to people notice that we are doctors & not God...even God have made mistakes isn't it...??? Few born deaf, dumb and with many such abnormalities...!!! How come people expect that doctor can produce results with every case... Human engineering done by God is sooo complicated that we are still trying to fully understand it...

 

 

To add onto it judiciary has included doctors into consumer act...

 

I don’t understand; whether we are sellers or what??? If yes, then why so much of noise when this seller charges for selling his skills? At one end you say doctor should serve and then you only make him a seller... how can a doctor serve fearlessly with free mind if he would be under so much of pressure every time?

 

People need to understand that amongst thousand cases one case MAY go wrong... In one case results may come compromised... that doesn't mean that doctor has done it intentionally...

 

 

Can a doctor afford to do wrong intentionally?

 

I wonder if same principles can be applied to judiciary also when lower courts decisions and higher courts decisions contradicts each other... 

 

Would you go to the consumer court for it...??? It’s not possible right..?? Coz then judges won’t be able to give decisions with fearless mind right...???

 

Same way doctors should also be exempted from this... not to go on killing people but to HELP THEM WORK MORE FREELY...FEARLESSLY...TO ENABLE THEM DOING WHAT IS NECESSARY THAN WHAT IS POSSIBLE... like they have shown in munnabhai na-" k form baad me bhara maamu; pehle patient ka ilaaj kar..."

 

This is not an excuse for non performance nor I'm telling doctors to play with patient's life..I am just asking people and media to ACT SENSIBLY.

 

Every doctor works for the well being of patient. If something goes wrong with the patient..then its the doctor who spends sleepless nights after patient's close relatives.

 

 

Which doctor won't like to have a smiling feedback from the patient?

 

Nothing would be gained from arguments & nasty behavior...  It will just widen the rift between doctor & a patient... LET'S CO-EXIST...!!!

 

We will have to understand limitations of doctor too... HELP US TO HELP YOU MORE EFFICIENTLY...BALL IS IN YOUR COURT...!!!

 

"Where the mind is without fear & the head is held high…

 

Where the mind is lead forward by thee into ever-widening thought & action...

 

Into that heaven of freedom...

 

My father..

 

LET MY COUNTRY AWAKE...!!"  

Source : DentistFriend