How Practice Ready are We? Attitude among Fresh Dental Graduates Regarding Dental Practice Management in India

Abstract

Background Dental practice management encompasses the administrative and operational aspects of running a dental office efficiently. Fostering dental practice management skills which are tailored to the current social needs will aid the practitioner to be more competent and successful.  Aim The aim of this study is to assess the attitude among fresh dental graduates regarding dental practice management.  Materials and Methods This survey was conducted among 207 interns, fresh dental graduates, and postgraduate students of various dental specialties. The study tool was a questionnaire, consisting of basic demographics and 11 questions, to assess participant’s attitude on dental practice management. Data collection was done using Google forms circulating through social media platforms and the first 207 to submit fully answered questionnaire were included in the study. The data was then statistically analyzed.  Conclusion Mean age of the study population was 26±2.58. Majority of the study population (80.7%) felt that dental practice management was equally important as clinical skill for a successful dental practice and thought it would be helpful if there were guidelines for dental practice management in India. Our study findings indicate need for reforms in dental curriculum and training in this area.