In this conversation between Dr. Anjali Singh, representing MedBound Times, and esteemed guest Dr. Suresh Shenvi, we gain valuable insights into the current scenario of the dental healthcare system in India, as well as his views on the obstacles faced by budding dental healthcare professionals in India and how to overcome them.

Dr. Anjali Singh: As a dental health professional, what do you think are some of the barriers faced by the dental healthcare system in India?

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: Could you please specify the context? Two factions make up the dental health care system: patients and dental health professionals.

Dr. Anjali Singh: Sir, as a dental health practitioner, you are familiar with both sides of the spectrum; could you shed some light on both sides of the coin, which is our dental healthcare system?

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: The biggest barrier for young dental health professionals, especially fresh graduates, is that patients might not take them seriously because they are wary of the skills of someone fresh out of dental school. And it takes some time for budding dental health practitioners to build that trust and rapport with their patients, and they might have to prove their worth time and again to be taken seriously by their patients. Apart from that, finance is one of the factors that play a major role when it comes to dentistry.

Dr. Anjali Singh: Yeah, because setting up a dental clinic requires some revenue investment.

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: Yes, but your skills and practical hand are what matter most when it comes to dentistry. There was a point in my life when I did not have any revenue for investment, but fortunately, with God's grace and the blessings of my parents, we set up a clinic and were able to provide service to those in need. Of course, there's no limit; one could always go on to build up a high-end, posh dental setup and keep on upgrading it as and when they get an opportunity, but it's the teamwork and skills that matter the most in the field of dentistry.

And, when it comes to the patient strata, lack of awareness is one of the major hurdles that the dental healthcare sector faces because people feel that toothache is the only dental ailment for which they need to visit the dentist, but it is one of the biggest myths that we all need to bust, and it would be a huge step to increase awareness towards dental health and hygiene in India.

Dr. Anjali Singh: People are particularly sensitive to their oral health in Western countries since there is a high level of dental health awareness in those regions, which is likely why dentistry is one of the top-rated professions in such regions. As you mentioned earlier, the lack of dental awareness in India is one of the major obstacles that the Indian dental healthcare system faces. So, what's your take on that?

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: I believe there is awareness, but the major problem is the lack of early intervention. People know they need to visit the dentist when they experience dental health concerns, but the visit is a little too late when the concern has already worsened. Let's take an example of endodontic involvement: a case of irreversible pulpitis, which occurs when the infection reaches the pulp or there's a loss of a small amount of tooth structure. So, intervention at this stage will increase the longevity of the tooth as compared to when the patient visits the dentist with only 20–25% of the tooth structure intact.

Sensitizing the patient towards early intervention is more important than just motivating them to get the treatment. Early intervention and early treatment are what will improve the oral health of an individual and, thus, the overall oral health of society. As a dentist, our primary aim should be prevention first and treatment later, because when you make people aware of the prevention, it will ultimately increase awareness about the treatment, and it's a cycle that will continue forward.

Dr. Anjali Singh: Rightly said, sir! Because it's early intervention and prevention that will eventually increase awareness about oral health among people.

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: And it's already happening. We can already see the advancements in dentistry with the focus shifting to minimally invasive dentistry, with bonded restorations and Emax crowns being focused on when it comes to restorative and conservative dentistry.

Dr. Anjali Singh: I think the graph has shifted somewhat in the past few years because, earlier in the day, people visited dentists only for symptomatic treatment.

Dr. Anjali Singh: But now, especially in urban areas, people have become conscious of the aesthetics of their teeth, their smiles, and even the dental health of their children, which I don't think was given much importance back in the day.

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: Urban areas have seen the greatest change, but rural areas still have a long way to go. According to what I've learned from my experience providing my service to rural areas for the past 10 years, while money was a constraint earlier, awareness is now spreading gradually and steadily, especially in rural locations. We are grateful to dental professionals for spreading awareness and offering their services in remote places.

Dr. Anjali Singh: Sir, tell us some interesting career-related cases or an unforgettable situation that left an impression on you.

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: My lecturers were among the many persons who condemned me throughout my life. And that disappointed me greatly and made me both sad and angry. They unwittingly influenced my life, but in the end, it was for the best. This is what life is all about—meeting people who make an impression or impart some valuable lessons to us.

Dr. Anjali Singh: Sir, speaking of lessons and professors, as you are a professor yourself, how would you describe yourself as a mentor?

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: I am a mentor who is open and honest with my charges. I prefer to be direct and honest rather than diplomatic, but at the same time, one also needs to be mindful of the situation. One must be able to assess the situation as a mentor in order to act appropriately. It's crucial to encourage kids to ask questions, and one recent change I've made to my teaching strategies is to do so by provoking them to think critically rather than just going with the flow and letting them take things as they come.

Dr. Anjali Singh: Sir, I have a fun question for you. How do you like to spend your free time?

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: I like playing video games and computer games. Apart from that, I enjoy talking to my friends and catching up with them; it's one of my favorite things to do.

Dr. Anjali Singh: So last question for you, sir—a message you would like to give to society?

Dr. Suresh Shenvi: Think big, even if you are young. Great things can be achieved only if you think of them, and it's the thought that matters the most.