3 Tips To Grow your Dental Practice in India

According to the Public Health Foundation of India, the South-East Asia region requires a 50% increase in healthcare manpower. In fact, the World Health Organisation places India lower than countries such as the United Kingdom, China, Sri Lanka and Thailand as far as the density of health professionals goes. In an article published earlier this month in a national daily, India is tagged as a country that has a ‘critical shortage of healthcare providers’.

As a dentist looking to grow your medical practice, these factors are proof that the climate is conducive to your expansion plans.

To make the most of the scenario while serving those in need, here are 3 tips that you can follow.

1- Expand to semi-urban or rural areas 

It is a well-documented fact that while metros in India boast quality healthcare, the landscape in semi-urban and rural areas poses a stark contrast. Basic healthcare facilities aren’t easily accessible due to lack of healthcare finance accessible to expand clinics or lack of awareness available, let alone dental care. Therefore, there’s an opportunity in these regions that you can capitalise upon. The initial investment cost may be slightly higher, taking transportation and awareness-building exercises into account, but the returns are likely to be equally rewarding, provided you price your services competitively.

2- Invest in marketing and promotional activities

Despite the fact that you’re whelming a business that’s service-oriented, you must prioritise promoting and marketing your services. Posters, fliers, emails, text messages and Google advertisements can go a long way in drawing your target audience’s eye to your business. Similarly, offering discounts at the start of the year like gyms do, or when children are due to go back to school after their annual vacations, will give your enterprise the edge. 

Over time, investing in these efforts will result in customer retention and referrals, thereby boosting revenue. To take your efforts a notch higher, also pay attention to your business’ social media. Uploading targeted posts on Facebook, for example, and constantly updating your social media accounts will go a long way in cementing your position as a customer-first entity.

3- Have a list of experts you can count on

When you’re chartering into an unknown market or scaling operations significantly, it’s best to have an expert on board. By consulting with legal advisers, for instance, you can gain valuable insights whether you’re considering starting a second branch, or need help with handling legal disputes with patients. Similarly, identifying lenders you can count on will go a long way in helping you secure finance at the drop of a hat. No matter how last-minute your requirement may be, such lenders will come in handy to help you take care of the financial shortage.