India’s Dental Industry Shifts from Basic Care to Aesthetic Services

According to a recent report published in ThePrint, India’s dental care sector is witnessing a significant transformation, with an increasing number of patients seeking cosmetic dental procedures rather than just essential treatments. Dr Supriya B. Bhatia, who operates Smile Delhi – The Dental Clinic, notes that “dentistry has changed over the last decade or so from need-based to want-based,” with approximately half of her patients now requesting smile makeovers.

Market Growth and Technological Advances

The Indian dental care market, valued at $653 million in 2022, is projected to reach $1,339 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.40%. This growth is largely driven by technological advancements that have made treatments more comfortable and accessible. Dr Vipin Dehane, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Fortis Hospitals Mumbai, reports that these developments have particularly benefited both young, healthy individuals and older, medically compromised patients.

Social Media’s Impact on Dental Aesthetics

The surge in cosmetic dentistry is partly attributed to social media influence. Dr Priyank Sethi, founder of Stunning Dentistry in New Delhi, observes that “It’s an age where social media and platforms like Instagram are very important to the way a large number of people live their lives. They understand that looking good and being presentable is important and a good smile is nearly a necessity.”

Changing Patient Demographics

The trend isn’t limited to celebrities or the wealthy. Dr Dhiraj Setia, who manages The Dental Roots in Gurugram, shares that “It’s not only celebrities who want that perfect smile; it’s nearly everyone now.” His clinics receive 70-80 patients daily, including both local and international clients. Even public institutions like AIIMS Delhi report that 30-35% of their nearly 1,000 daily outpatients seek aesthetic treatments.

Treatment Costs and Accessibility

While private clinics charge premium rates for cosmetic procedures – with veneers costing between Rs 12,000-25,000 per tooth and teeth whitening up to Rs 40,000 – government facilities offer similar services at roughly one-third of private sector prices. Dr P.P. Reddy, founder chairman of FMS Dental Clinics in Hyderabad, notes that despite the costs, the stigma around dental visits has decreased, with regular check-ups and cosmetic procedures becoming increasingly normalized.

Professional Landscape

The report indicates that India has approximately 320 dental colleges producing 24,500 BDS graduates annually. However, as one senior DCI member points out, there remains “a considerable disparity in the distribution of dentists,” with most practitioners preferring to establish themselves in metropolitan and tier-1 cities due to higher patient paying capacity.

Source: Article by Sumi Sukanya Dutta published in ThePrint