Dentistry in South Africa and the need for management and leadership training

Michelle Olubunmi Tukuru ,Lorraine Snyman,Thomas Corné Postma ,S.e Van Der Berg-Cloete

doi:10.17159/2519-0105/2021/v76no9a3

Michelle Olubunmi Tukuru , Lorraine Snyman + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2021/v76no9a3

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Abstract

Dental professionals face many challenges due to a rapidly changing environment, and are acknowledging the need for essential leadership skills to perform optimally. We assessed key stakeholders’ views about the need for management and leadership training in dentistry in South Africa . The aim of this study, was to assess the need for leadership and management training in Dentistry in South Africa from an industry perspective. A qualitative study. Purposive sampling of 14 Senior Managers in the dental environment and 11 recently qualified dentists in South Africa. We conducted one-on-one and telephonic interviews guided by a semi-structured questionnaire with open-ended questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and data was thematically analysed. Participants expressed concerns about dentistry in South Africa. All participants mentioned financial constraints, including the high cost of setting up a practice, high cost of imported consumables and dwindling support from medical schemes. Participants stated that strong leadership and managerial skills were important for dealing with these challenges. Inculcating these skills will make a remarkable difference in enhancing services and providing purposive direction within the profession.

Highlights

Dental professionals face many challenges due to a rapidly changing environment, and are acknowledging the need for essential leadership skills to perform optimally
Participants stated that strong leadership and managerial skills were important for dealing with these challenges
In this study we assessed key stakeholders’ views about dentistry in South Africa, and if they believed there was a need for management and leadership training in dentistry

Summary

Introduction

Dental professionals face many challenges due to a rapidly changing environment, and are acknowledging the need for essential leadership skills to perform optimally. The extent and development of these leadership skills in the tertiary education system have not been well defined,[1] and require urgent attention because the dental profession is rapidly changing.[2] A significant decline in incidence of dental caries and shifting disease pattern,[3] in the wake of increasing demands from patients’ high expectations, challenges with medical aid coverage and occupational safety has altered the face of the dental profession.[4] In addition, consequent to the link between oral infections and systemic diseases, developing health reforms compete with the traditional model and scope of practicing.[5] South African dentists urgently need to acquire leadership and management skills to enhance their optimal performance in complex environments.[6]. Studies show that dentists in private practice support the development of leadership skills during tertiary training, since these skills are lacking in practice.[8]

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