CEO Insights Magazine

The dental healthcare sector plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of individu-als by addressing their oral health needs. Dr. Sabari Kanchana, a Specialist Restorative Dentist with over two decades of clinical experience across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and India, has made a significant impact in this field. As the Co-Founder and Medical Director of Starry Smile Dental Centre, Dr. Kanchana has been instrumental in empowering the dental healthcare sector by providing innovative and patient-centric care solutions. Her passion for helping clients achieve confident smiles has transformed her from being a mere 'patient's dentist' to their trusted family dentist. Her association with Starry Smile Den-tal Centre brings modern and advanced dentistry closer to the residents of various communities in and around New Dubai, marking a milestone in enhancing oral healthcare accessibility. Let’s get to know more from this interaction.

Could you please provide a summary of your professional background and experiences? What drives your daily routines?

I hold a Master's degree in Dentistry, specializing in the Conservative Management of tooth-related dis-eases. I have been practicing dentistry with a focus on providing oral healthcare for families.

After completing my education in 1998, I gained valuable experience at reputable dental offices in Chennai, India. In 2003, I relocated to Abu Dhabi, UAE, where I worked at Al Ahalia Hospital and Apollo Medical Centre until 2009. Subsequently, I moved to Dubai and spent a decade at Aster Clinics, honing my skills until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 During the Covid-19, I seized the opportunity to fulfill my long-held dream of establishing my independent dental practice, leading to the successful two-year operation of Starry Smile Dental Centre. Managing a business presented its share of challenges, making me appreciate the luxury of my previous corporate role. However, it's overcoming these challenges that motivates me to enthusiastically start each day.

Moreover, the genuine joy evident in the bright smiles of our patients serves as the most rewarding aspect of my role as a dentist, inspiring and motivating me t hroughout m y d aily r outines. I e xpress d eep gratitude to my family who have been on this journey with me.

Could you share your journey to achievement and the guiding principles that have contributed to your success? By consistently offering exceptional care, I natu-rally attract positive word-of-mouth referrals. This, in turn, draws more individuals who seek the same high standard of care and service, creating a mutually advantageous situation for both my patients and me. Throughout my extensive 25-year career as a special-ist dentist, my journey to success has been marked by an unwavering commitment to ongoing learning, an openness to embracing innovation, and a dedication to providing compassionate care. My personal man-tra, 'Striving for excellence through expertise, empa-thy, and evolution’, has been my guiding light, ensur-ing both my professional growth and the satisfaction of my patients. While awards and recognition have been a source of great appreciation in my industry, the most meaningful accolade for me remains a hand-drawn portrait presented to me by a young Ukrainian girl, along with the words - ‘The Best Dentist in the World’. I proudly display this in my dental office as a daily source of motivation to continue striving to be the best for my patients.

What are the most recent obstacles preventing individuals from making healthy lifestyle decisions, and what can be done to address them?

One major obstacle is the phenomenon of informa-tion overload. The digital and social media era, with all its benefits, has also inundated us with an over-whelming amount of daily information. It has reached a point where finding solutions becomes increasingly challenging. However, promoting media literacy and critical thinking to help people discern trustworthy sources and encouraging healthcare professionals to offer evidence-based guidance can partially alleviate this challenge. Additionally, excessive phone use can divert our attention from healthy habits, reducing physical activity, social interaction, and mindfulness, which hinders positive lifestyle choices.

These challenges are applicable broadly, but within the realm of healthcare, a prominent issue is the prevalence of unhealthy food options that are readily available. It is unfortunate that easily accessible, affordable, and highly processed foods, which contribute to poor dietary choices, have become the norm in our preferred lifestyles. To tackle this, advocating for healthier food policies, enhancing nutrition education, and increasing access to fresh and affordable produce are some of the solutions to address these challenges.

At Starry Smile, we take an active role in educating our patients about the adverse effects of high-sugar and acidic diets, which can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases. We promote and advise a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables while encouraging the limitation of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.

What lies ahead in your future journey?

We understand that achieving our aspiration of be-coming the trusted household name in oral healthcare within the vibrant city of Dubai is a substantial under-taking. However, having this long-term vision enables us to deconstruct our future objectives into manage-able and achievable milestones.

Our dedication extends to engaging with the community, raising awareness about oral health, and contributing to the betterment of the city. Our triumph is rooted in delivering exceptional and affordable care while simultaneously making a positive impact on the overall well-being of our fellow residents in Dubai. We envision a future where 'Healthy Smiles, Happy Lives' is a reality for everyone, and we are tirelessly working to turn this vision into a reality.

Given your extensive industry experience, what advice do you have for emerging healthcare leaders?

For upcoming healthcare leaders, the primary focus should be on Patient-Centric Care. This means con-sistently prioritizing the well-being of patients above all else. Listen to their concerns, provide clear infor-mation, and ensure their comfort throughout their healthcare journey. This principle should be ingrained in your entire team and upheld daily.

Furthermore, ethical practices are essential. Transparency and integrity are key to establishing and maintaining trust. Invest in ongoing education to stay updated on the latest advancements and leverage technology to enhance the patient experience.

In short, unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, combined with ethical practices, continuous education, and technological innovation, is the foundation for long-term success in the healthcare industry.

Dr. Sabari Kanchana, Specialist Restorative Dentist , Starry Smile Dental Centre

Dr. Sabari Kanchana: Specialist Restorative Dentist with 20+ years' experience, transforming dentistry through innovation and unwavering patient-centric care.

• Awards: I Love my Dentist’ Award 2023