Dental clinic: management simulation of a dental clinic in an undergraduate dental school

Abstract

The constant influx of dentists into the market leads to an increase in competition among specialists. In this scenario, it is necessary to stand out by having points of difference, such as business management skills. Knowing how to manage an office or practice is a prerequisite for achieving stability and success in the profession. Nonetheless, most dental schools do not address this subject in their academic curriculum. Thus, the aim of this paper is to discuss the study of business management of a dental clinic in a dental school. The experience of managing a hypothetical company was under the direction of the “Class of 2013-2 Professor Antístenes Albernaz Alves Neto” of the Bahian School of Medicine and Public Health (EBMSP). This course work was part of the curriculum of Integrated Clinic V. A structural framework comprised of a President, two Superintendents and four Directors (Technical, Administrative, Financial and Scientific) was created as well as a fictitious currency (Bahianos- BH$). During the three months of operation 2,180  procedures  were  performed (general and specialty procedures in Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Endodontics and Operative Dentistry). The total revenue collected from all procedures in the clinic was BH$ 76,683.71, and the profit was BH$ 38,341.85. It is essential that dental schools take a proactive role in business management when it comes to training new professionals. Business strategy together with a well-defined operational and financial plan will influence the success of the owner as well as the company.