Business Management's Inclusion in the Dental Curriculum: The Opinion of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital's Postgraduates and Dental Graduates

Abstract

Background: The landscape of dental education has historically emphasized clinical expertise and patient care. However, the evolving healthcare environment necessitates a broader skill set for dental professionals, including business management capabilities. The integration of business management components into the dental curriculum has emerged as a pivotal area of focus, reflecting the need for dental practitioners to navigate the complexities of establishing and managing successful dental practices. Objective: This study aimed to explore the opinions of postgraduates and dental graduates from Abbasi Shaheed Hospital regarding the inclusion of business management in the dental curriculum, assessing their perceptions of its necessity and impact on their professional readiness. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024 at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants, including final year graduates, house officers, and postgraduate trainees, with a total of 183 respondents. The questionnaire, developed after a comprehensive literature review, comprised close-ended questions divided into three sections: demographic information, knowledge regarding opening and registration of new dental setups, and perceptions regarding business management. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.44±6.03 years, with a predominance of female respondents (72.1%). A significant proportion of participants (67.2%) were only slightly aware of the requirements for setting up a dental practice, and 50.8% were not aware at all of the procedure to register their practice in Pakistan. Regarding the inclusion of dental business management in the curriculum, 59% strongly agreed, and 31.1% agreed. Financial and business management skills were identified as primary barriers to starting a new dental practice. Conclusion: The findings highlight a strong consensus among dental professionals at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital on the need for integrating business management training into the dental curriculum. Such integration is crucial for preparing graduates to meet the challenges of modern dental practice, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive educational approach that includes both clinical and business management skills.