The perceived business management knowledge and skills of dentists in private practice in South Africa

Abstract

This study evaluated the perceived business (practice) management knowledge and skills of dentists involved in the management of a private practice in South Africa by means of a self-administered web-based questionnaire. Invited participants were members of the South African Dental Association (numbering 2,462) as well as dentists in their second and third year of practice after graduation (numbering 199). There were 533 respondents but not all ofthese were involved in management and 63 of these failed to complete the survey, leaving a total of 367 respondents. Results Overall, the respondents reported that their undergraduate training had not prepared them adequately for the nonclinical aspects of practice management; 56% had not had a formal undergraduate course. However, for those who did, 71% reported that the course was only slightly or not at all useful. Only 29% attended any form of postgraduate course, but only three of these were considered to be effective. Management knowledge and skills were also obtained from accountants as well as financial advisors, friends, family and lawyers. Conclusion In line with the opinion expressed by the majority ofrespondents (86%), it is recommended that appropriate dental practice management courses be introduced throughout the curriculum, preferably in association with a Business School, and that postgraduate courses should be made available