Dentists and Business Training
05:23 PM | Dec 20,2017
So glad this topic was mentioned on the forum! As I approach the middle of my third year of dental school, I can confidently say that the more I learn, the more I realize I do not know; business knowledge is no exception to this phenomena. Similar to others who have commented on this post, my school offers a few elective courses on the basic business of dentistry, and we are fortunate to also have a few core classes that allow us to think through the patient population, insurance plans, and practice designs of a hypothetical practice. Like many concepts in the clinical aspect of dentistry, however, most of the necessary principles are best taught through real life experience. As a pre-dental student, I shadowed a general dentist who allowed me to watch all aspects of the dental practice. I spent one session with the front office, observing how insurance worked, how staff interacted with patients regarding finances, and so much more. I am so thankful for that experience, and I think it would be wise for any pre-dental to have that exposure so they can understand that dentistry is about so much more than what happens in the chair. As far as responding to the need for more business education in the current dental school curriculum, I understand the need to keep the experience to 4 years or less. I love the idea of a Business committee in one's ASDA chapter; it's an organization that already generates tons of interest. Another idea is incorporating an introductory business class into the prerequisite course list for pre-dental students. Of course, there are modifications in business strategy for dental professionals, but this would give students at least some small exposure to business concepts before dental school. Having asked a few young and seasoned dentists how they obtained their dental knowledge, I also have realized the importance of literature in dental business. Even resources like the Business Insider and Harvard Business Review can provide tips to get started and better handle personal and professional finances. I am eager to see and perhaps be a member of the force that addresses this void in the current dental school education experience.