Over 12 years ago, when I took the leap to become Rajasthan’s first exclusive pediatric dentist in Jaipur, many people wondered –
‘Can a pediatric-only practice truly survive in a city like Jaipur?’ Today, with the experience of over a decade, I can confidently
say yes, it is possible – though the road comes with its own challenges, learnings, and immense joys.
The Indian Context
India has one of the largest child populations in the world – nearly 40% of our population is below the age of 18 years. With urbanization,
fewer children per family, and increasing parental awareness, pediatric dentistry is no longer a “niche” service; it is steadily becoming a
necessity . Parents are willing to invest in their child’s oral health, not just for preventing cavities but also for overall well-being, growth, and development.
City Size Matters
One truth I realized early is that your city determines your scope. In bigger metros, parents are more receptive to super-specialty care, making it
relatively easier to establish yourself as an exclusive pediatric dentist. In smaller towns, it may take longer to build awareness – but
with patience and education, it is equally rewarding.
The Influences That Shaped Me – Inspiration to Start Exclusive Pediatric Dentistry
Looking back, I realize how much my mentors influenced the path I chose. One of the first CDE programs I attended during my postgraduate days
in Manipal was by Dr. M. S. Muthu (Chennai) on the concept of exclusive pediatric practice. That session left a deep impact on me. Since then,
I always carried the dream of being the first pediatric dentist in Rajasthan to try this business model. Luckily, nobody else attempted it before
me – and as Dr. Muthu once told me, “First will always be first; nobody can take that away from you.” Those words stayed with me.
After finishing my post graduation, I shifted to Jaipur and then I came across another inspiring journey – that of Dr. Anirudh Agarwal, an orthodontist
from Jaipur. Back in 2000, he started his exclusive orthodontic practice when the idea was almost unheard of. I still remember him telling me how,
in the beginning, he would even refer out simple scaling cases to his friends’ clinics. His first orthodontic patients came only four months after
he opened his doors. Today, he proudly calls himself an orthodontist without wires and pliers, running a completely aligner-based practice.
Both these examples shaped my belief that while exclusive practice is not the easiest path, it is certainly possible – provided you have conviction, patience, and the courage to swim against the tide.
Choosing Pediatric Dentistry – Beyond Money
If you dream of being the richest dentist in your city, then an exclusive pediatric practice may not be your path. Procedures like dental implants,
with their higher ticket size, often bring quicker monetary growth. But if you genuinely love children and value the long-term satisfaction of
shaping young smiles and lives, pediatric dentistry will give you a kind of fulfillment that money can’t buy.
The GA Dilemma – A Word of Caution
In today’s fast-paced setups, general anesthesia (GA) is often seen as a quick solution – both for the practitioner and the parent. It is easy, predictable, and
yes, financially rewarding. But as pediatric specialists, we must pause and remind ourselves of our ethical responsibility.
Every time we consider GA, we are making a decision that goes beyond dentistry – we are exposing a developing brain to risks that may not always be fully known or understood.
A single procedure under GA may solve the immediate dental problem, but we must ask ourselves: Was it truly necessary? Could the same outcome have been achieved with
behavior guidance, conscious sedation, or a staged treatment plan?
Our role is to weigh the benefits against the risks:
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The benefit of completing treatment in one sitting vs. the risk of exposing a young child to anesthesia.
- The convenience of efficiency vs. the long-term responsibility of safeguarding a growing mind.
- The pressure of parental demand vs. the duty of making the safest, most ethical choice for the child.
The threshold, therefore, is not scientific alone – it is also ethical and moral. GA should never become our “go-to” or default tool. Instead, it should remain a last resort,
reserved for cases where all other approaches have been exhausted or where the child’s health truly warrants it.
As pediatric dentists, we are not only healers of teeth – we are guardians of childhood . Each decision we make reflects how seriously we take that role.
The Joy of Treating Children
Every day in a pediatric practice is unique. A crying toddler, a stubborn whiner, or a child with special needs – each one adds life and energy to your clinic.
Unlike adults, children don’t carry the burden of pretense. They bring authenticity, joy, and sometimes mischief into your practice, making it a
truly vibrant workspace – provided you actually enjoy working with kids.
Expanding Horizons of Pediatric Dentistry
Exclusive pediatric dentistry today goes far beyond early childhood caries. It includes:
- Pediatric sleep dentistry and airway-focused care
- Cleft lip and palate management
- Growth modulation and interceptive orthodontics
- Counselling parents about diet, habits, and preventive strategies
Who knows, in the future, we may even see exclusive pediatric aligner clinics, where cavity management is referred out while ortho-focused pediatric practices thrive!
Why the Future Looks Bright
With families having fewer children, increased disposable incomes, and greater focus on “pampered parenting,” the scope of pediatric dentistry in
India looks very promising. More parents are seeking specialists rather than settling for general care.
Entrepreneurial Tips for Young Specialists
- Don’t be the brand yourself – instead, build a team and a company.
- Remember, you have only two hands and 24 hours. Productivity will eventually hit a ceiling if everything depends on you.
- Your clinic should be able to function even when you are away – whether attending a conference or taking a much-needed holiday.
- Focus on creating systems, processes, and a child-friendly culture that outlives your individual presence.
Final Thoughts
An exclusive pediatric dental practice may not make you the wealthiest dentist in your city, but it will certainly make you one of the most impactful.
Every child you treat is a chance to improve the quality of life of the future citizens of our country.
For me, these 12+ years have been a journey of immense learning, patience, and joy.
If you truly love children and believe in shaping healthier futures, then pediatric dentistry is not just a profession – it is a calling.