Essential non-clinical skills and training required by dentists in South Africa

Abstract

Dentists possess clinical experience garnered within supervised clinical settings, primarily aimed at diagnosing, treating and preventing oral cavity related diseases.1 Undergraduate dentistry training mostly focuses on the scientific underpinnings of this discipline and building clinical experience, not allowing adequate time for additional coursework.1 According to Haslach et al.2, dentists choose dental careers because they want to help and work with people, as well as desire job and financial security. The current economic downturn has led to a revenue plunge for many independent dental practices, attributed partially to less per capita patient expenditure.3 In response, patients have increasingly embraced preventative measures over more costly procedures, seeking to minimise expenses.4 The global financial crisis further underscores the value of leadership development, given its potential impact on the efficacy of clinic leaders.