Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies, in conversation with Dr. Chandresh Bhardwaj, Dentist at Smile Zone Dental Clinic
As Jaipur’s healthcare landscape continues to expand, dentistry, despite being central to overall health, often remains in the background. Challenging traditional career pathways and without a medical lineage to lean on, Dr. Chandresh Bhardwaj has charted his own course in the field through perseverance, precision and an unwavering commitment to patient-centric care. From overcoming early professional hurdles to establishing a practice defined by stringent hygiene standards, ethical treatment and personalised attention, his journey mirrors the transformation underway in India’s dental ecosystem. In this interaction, Dr. Chandresh Bhardwaj reflects on his professional evolution, the realities of dental practice, shifting patient awareness and his long-term vision for oral healthcare.
Question: You are a renowned dentist in Jaipur. How has the journey been so far in reaching this milestone?
Answer: If I look back, my journey has been both unconventional and deeply fulfilling. I come from a non-medical background, my father was engaged in the real estate business, so dentistry was not a profession I inherited or grew up around. I am the first doctor in my family, and choosing dentistry was driven purely by my personal inclination towards medicine and healthcare.
After completing my formal education, I spent nearly five to seven years working across different dental clinics. Those years were extremely crucial, as they allowed me to gain hands-on clinical experience, understand patient psychology, and refine my skills across diverse dental procedures. Dentistry, as a profession, demands far more than academic knowledge, it requires patience, precision, empathy and an artistic eye.
In 2018, I took a leap of faith and started my own practice at Smile Zone Dental Clinic, in Jhotwara, Jaipur. Dentistry is a rare confluence of medicine, engineering and artistry, where every procedure must be methodical and every decision thoughtful. Treating a patient is not just about addressing pain, it is about restoring function, confidence and quality of life. The journey so far has taught me that dedication and consistency eventually pave the way forward.
Question: What kind of hardships did you face while setting up clinic in Jaipur?
Answer: The initial phase was undoubtedly challenging. As a newcomer in the field, the biggest question was acceptance, would patients trust me? Would they walk into a new clinic when there were already several established dental practices nearby? Dentistry, unlike some other professions, thrives largely on trust and word-of-mouth referrals, which take time to build.
During the early days, attracting patients was a slow and testing process. Competition was intense, especially since Jaipur already had many clinics operating in close proximity. Standing out required more than infrastructure, it demanded personalised care and consistent quality.
Financial constraints were another hurdle. Setting up a dental clinic involves substantial investment in equipment, materials and trained staff. Managing operational costs while maintaining quality was not easy, but careful planning and perseverance helped me navigate that phase. Over time, as patients began to appreciate our approach, the clinic gradually found its footing.
Question: Teeth are a vital part of the body, yet people often neglect dental health. Why do you think this happens?
Answer: The primary reason is lack of awareness and education regarding oral health. Many people still view dental care as optional, rather than essential. What is often overlooked is that oral health is closely linked to overall systemic health. Poor dental hygiene can contribute to serious conditions affecting the heart, lungs and other vital organs.
Every tooth has a specific role to play, whether it is incisors, canines, premolars or molars. Ignoring even one part of the mouth disrupts balance and function. Using only one side of the mouth for chewing, for instance, can lead to uneven wear and long-term complications. Dental care should not be reactive but preventive, and that mindset is still developing among the masses.
Question: With several dental clinics operating in Jaipur, what sets Smile Zone Dental Clinic apart from the rest?
Answer: At Smile Zone, hygiene and patient safety form the backbone of our practice. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, we went a step ahead by strictly implementing protocols such as shoe covers and enhanced sterilisation measures. Cleanliness is non-negotiable for us.
We follow a stringent and well-structured treatment protocol. All equipment is thoroughly sterilised at regular intervals, and dental chairs are maintained meticulously. Beyond treatment, we strongly believe in educating patients about dental hygiene and preventive care.
On an average, our OPD sees around 35 patients daily, and each patient is given at least 20–25 minutes of dedicated consultation time. We do not believe in rushed treatments. Dentistry is procedure-based, and personalised attention ensures better outcomes. The clinic currently functions with a team of three dentists and three trained assistants, all working towards a patient-centric approach.
Question: How do you view the inclusion of AI and robotics in dentistry?
Answer: Dentistry is steadily transitioning into a digital era. Technologies like digital scanners, CBCT imaging and computer-aided diagnostics are already redefining treatment planning. In the coming years, artificial intelligence will play a much larger role in diagnostics and precision-based procedures.
However, at present, patients are hesitant to opt for AI-assisted treatments for routine procedures like root canals due to higher costs. While digital dentistry is gaining ground, widespread adoption of AI and robotics will depend on affordability and patient awareness.
Question: Several myths surround dental health. What are the most common ones, and how can they be addressed?
Answer: One of the most prevalent myths is that a dental visit is necessary only when pain becomes unbearable. In reality, dental problems are far easier, and more economical, to treat when detected early. Another important misconception is neglecting routine check-ups. Ideally, one should undergo a dental examination at least once a year.
Early-stage treatment not only preserves the natural tooth but also reduces pain, cost and treatment duration. Timely intervention offers a ripple effect of benefits, better oral health, reduced complications and long-term savings. Follow-ups after treatment are equally important to ensure lasting results.
Question: Braces are increasingly popular. When are they actually required?
Answer: Braces are often perceived as purely cosmetic, which is a misconception. Their primary function is to correct misalignment that may cause functional problems in the future. Braces should be recommended strictly after a professional dental assessment.
If misaligned teeth are likely to lead to complications such as uneven wear, jaw pain or difficulty in cleaning, braces become necessary. Opting for them solely to meet aesthetic trends is not advisable without medical consultation.
Question: Which countries are known for quality dental equipment? Is India emerging in this space?
Answer: Globally, Swiss and German manufacturers are considered leaders in producing high-quality dental equipment and machinery. That said, India has made significant progress over the last five to ten years and has begun manufacturing dental equipment domestically. While we are still evolving, India is certainly finding its place in the global dental equipment market.
Question: How do you assess the penetration and growth of dental science in India?
Answer: In recent years, dental awareness has increased considerably, especially in urban regions where access to dental education and facilities is relatively easy. However, rural areas continue to lag behind due to limited awareness and accessibility.
Government-led awareness campaigns are essential to bridge this gap and help people understand the importance of dental care as an integral part of overall health.
Question: What is your view on government schemes aimed at patient welfare in dentistry?
Answer: Unfortunately, dentistry does not receive substantial support from government schemes. Programs like Chiranjeevi and Ayushman Bharat cover only a limited range of dental treatments, often at very low costs, which compromises service quality. Additionally, dentists receive limited opportunities in government employment, placing the profession at a disadvantage.
Question: What steps can be taken to strengthen support for dentistry?
Answer: Government schemes should expand coverage to include treatments like orthodontics and dental implants. A dedicated committee should be formed to evaluate and regulate dental policies. While affordability is important, completely free treatments make it difficult to maintain quality. A minimal patient contribution would help sustain better services.
Question: What is your future vision for the clinic?
Answer: I strongly believe in quality over quantity. My focus remains on upgrading the clinic into a fully digital facility while maintaining personalised care. The aim is not rapid expansion, but excellence, so that patients from across regions can access dependable and advanced dental treatment.
Question: Finally, what message would you like to give to the youth entering this profession?
Answer: My message is simple: prioritise quality and integrity over numbers. Dentistry requires patience, dedication and honesty. Timely and ethical treatment builds trust, and word-of-mouth remains the most powerful form of publicity. If practiced with sincerity, dentistry can be both professionally and personally rewarding.
