Dr. Arun was born into a family of medical professionals. His father, an ENT surgeon, and his mother, a gynecologist, instilled in him a deep respect for the medical field. “I grew up observing the dedication and empathy required to excel in healthcare,” he recalls. This upbringing, combined with his education at Raja Muthiah Dental College and a master’s in Conservative and Endodontics from Ragas Dental College, set the foundation for his career.
But Dr. Arun wasn’t content with traditional approaches. His thirst for innovation led him to the University of Vienna, where he specialized in laser dentistry. It was here that he began to envision a future where technology could transform patient care.
The Birth of 32 Dental Care
After honing his skills and gaining valuable experience at institutions like Apollo Dental Centre and Vasan Dental Care, Dr. Arun took a bold leap in 2018 by founding La Dentist Network Clinics Pvt. Ltd.. The goal? To redefine the dental care experience.
32 Dental Care emerged as a unique concept—a hybrid model that blends the best aspects of corporate dental clinics and individual practices. “Corporate dental healthcare in India has become complex,” says Dr. Arun. “Balancing quality and cost, technology and humanity, is a challenge. That’s where our associate dental chain model stands out.”
What Sets 32 Dental Care Apart
At the heart of 32 Dental Care’s success is its associate dental chain model, which empowers clinicians to lead their respective clinics. This approach ensures:
- Standardized Care: Uniform protocols, fee structures, and high standards in sterilization and asepsis.
- Personalized Treatment: Customized care plans, ethical recommendations, and a commitment to non-aggressive treatments.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Investments in the latest equipment, including lasers and advanced diagnostic tools.
Dr. Arun explains, “Our model allows us to combine the scalability of a corporate setup with the warmth and personalization of standalone clinics. It’s a win-win for both patients and practitioners.”
Overcoming Challenges
The journey to building a successful dental chain wasn’t without hurdles. Dr. Arun faced significant financial and operational challenges in the early days. “I invested my father’s hard-earned money to set up the first few clinics,” he shares. “There were moments of doubt, but I believed in the vision and the team I was building.”
One of his key learnings was the importance of continuous education. “Dentistry is an ever-evolving field. To stay ahead, we introduced learning modules for our clinicians, ensuring they’re always equipped with the latest knowledge.”
Milestones and Achievements
32 Dental Care’s growth has been nothing short of extraordinary:
- Expanded to 32 clinics across South India, with plans for consolidation of similar strong regional dental chains.
- Recognized with the Young Achiever Award in Dentistry by the Governor of Tamil Nadu in 2011.
- Pioneered laser dentistry training in Chennai through the Academy of Excellence in Laser Dentistry.
Focus on Patients and Market
Dr. Arun’s deep understanding of his target audience has been instrumental in 32 Dental Care’s success. The clinics cater to patients seeking high-quality, affordable dental care. From conducting market surveys to tailoring fee structures based on local demographics, every decision is driven by patient needs.
“Our focus is on providing ethical, patient-centered care. We’re not just treating teeth; we’re building relationships and trust,” he says.
The Future of the Dental Industry
The dental industry is poised for significant growth, driven not only by the introduction of innovative products but also by increasing consumer awareness of oral health’s critical role in overall well-being.
Key trends shaping the future of the industry include:
- Oral health as a pillar of overall well-being – The growing recognition of how dental care impacts general health.
- The link between dental health and mental health – Good oral health contributes to self-confidence and psychological well-being.
- Saliva as the new diagnostic tool – Emerging research highlights saliva’s potential in diagnosing various health conditions, much like blood tests.
- The mouth as the gateway to systemic health – Increased awareness of how oral health affects the entire body is driving demand for better dental care solutions.
With these advancements and consumer-driven demand, the dental industry is entering a transformative phase that will redefine healthcare priorities in the years to come.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Dr. Arun is ambitious about scaling 32 Dental Care. The plan includes:
- Expanding to 150 centers in South India and 1000 centers across India, consolidating dental chains in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
- Integrating more advanced technologies to enhance patient outcomes.
- Strengthening partnerships with clinicians to ensure consistent growth and quality.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dr. Arun’s journey offers valuable lessons for budding entrepreneurs:
- Embrace Learning: “Success is a constant process. You learn every day—even on your last day.”
- Take Calculated Risks: “Every milestone I’ve achieved came with its share of risks, but the rewards were worth it.”
- Focus on People: “Your team is your greatest asset. Invest in them, train them, and empower them.”
A Vision for Better Dental Care
As 32 Dental Care continues its journey, Dr. Arun remains grounded in his mission: to deliver high-quality, ethical, and patient-focused dental care. “Our goal is to create smiles—not just through dentistry but by making a positive impact in people’s lives.”
For those inspired by this journey, Dr. Arun has a final message: “Dream big, work hard, and never stop learning. The path may be tough, but the results are worth every ounce of effort.”
To learn more about 32 Dental Care, connect with them on LinkedIn.