Current challenges in private practice

Abstract

India is the second most populated country in the world with the largest democracy. Inspite of this, nearly 70% of the Indian population reside in villages. Hence, the demand and supply ratio of the availability of dentists is far inadequate and insufficient. We consider that the profession of dentistry is a noble one. Only after years of devotion toward the subject of dentistry does one obtain the graduate degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Unfortunately, even after such painstaking efforts, the dental practice for graduates in India is grave. There are a lot of issues that are the main cause for this problem. Such a situation will lead to a negative effect on the integrity of the budding dentists as well as the trained dental workforce of the country. It is a known fact that the appropriate dental skills can prove to be beneficial in preventive dental care services to the public and aid in achieving the goal of universal oral health coverage. Now, we are nearing the second decade in a new century, and a new millennium. As part of these new beginnings, it is worthwhile to reassess the ability of dental workforce in India who are efficiently providing dental care to a population that is growing in size and diversity. We need a strategy that can be used on an ongoing basis and ensure that our nation maintains a workforce with the skills and cultural competence to provide the care that the nation demands. This article provides a review of the major issues facing dental practices today and how these challenges can be effectively tackled.