The Business of Smiles: Redefining Oral Health in India

Oral care is not just about teeth—it’s about trust, transformation, and total wellness. For businesses, the future lies in creating ecosystems that empower both clinicians and communities. 

 

In conversation with FE Healthcare, Dr. Srivats Bharadwaj, Founder of Vats & Param - The Dentists, discusses the changing landscape of oral care and how we are gearing towards the dentistry of the future.

 

What is your opinion on the situation of oral care in India at present?

 

We find ourselves at a very crucial stage. Generally, oral care in India has been of a reactive nature—a person goes to a dentist only if something hurts or an emergency arises. However, this situation is changing now. We can see that patients are coming to us more and more for preventive consultations, early diagnosis, and even cosmetic harmony—not only for treatment. Even though awareness is still growing, what is really leading the changes is the change in people's mentality. They are starting to realize that oral health is integral to overall health.

What is the main reason for the rise of people's consciousness?

 

There are three main factors: education, exposure, and empowerment. Digital content has given patients more information, they have been more exposed to global standards, and technology has empowered them more. However, the core of the matter is accessibility. That is the reason why in our clinics we emphasize the importance of making quality care accessible—financially, geographically, and emotionally. The reason is that true oral wellness is no longer about technology or technique—it is about trust.

 

What is the best way for brands and businesses to reposition their oral health narrative to better fit the B2B perspective?

 

They can do that if they become health enablers, instead of just being product sellers. If you are a manufacturer of the oral hygiene products, an AI diagnostics company, or a telehealth provider, you should ask yourself: Does my product or service truly enhance the quality of life for the people I serve? We cooperate with companies, which believe that they should be the ones setting the direction of the solutions. This means clinical insights shape product development, and real-world patient data informs innovation. This is the future of B2B in oral care: collaborative, patient-first, and outcome-oriented.

What are some of the most promising technologies or models you’ve seen recently?

 

I’m excited about three fronts.

1. AI-enhanced diagnostics – tools that assist in interpreting X-rays and photographs, enabling faster and more accurate treatment planning.

2. Chairside digital workflows – which reduce treatment time and improve comfort through CAD/CAM dentistry and digital impressions.

3. Remote oral care – enabling early intervention through teledentistry and virtual triaging, especially in rural or underserved areas.

 

We’ve implemented many of these in our practice—not because it’s trendy, but because it allows us to serve better, smarter, and faster.

 

Many clinics still struggle to integrate tech meaningfully. How do you balance technology with human touch?

 

That’s a great question. Technology must enhance, not replace the human relationship in dentistry. At our clinics, we say, “Let machines handle precision, but let people handle empathy.” A 3D scanner might capture perfect impressions, but it’s the conversation that builds confidence. It’s not tech or touch—it’s tech with touch that wins trust.

 

You’ve also been vocal about the need to democratize oral healthcare. What does that mean to you in practice?

 

Democratizing care means breaking barriers—cost, geography, fear, and misinformation. We need to simplify dentistry, both in how we communicate and how we deliver it. At our clinics, we offer transparent pricing, treatment explainers in local languages, and community outreach programs that go beyond the four walls of a dental chair. For me, democratization means making sure that oral care is a right, not a privilege.

 

What should startups and B2B health companies keep in mind while building for the Indian market?

 

Respect the cultural context. India isn’t one market—it’s many micro-markets, each with unique needs and habits. Don’t copy-paste western models. Listen to local practitioners. Design with empathy. And remember: success in healthcare isn’t measured only in revenue—it’s in reputation, retention, and relationships.

 

How can corporate wellness programs benefit from integrating dental care?

 

Hugely. Oral health impacts systemic health—conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even fertility are linked to periodontal health. Yet dental care is rarely part of employee wellness. We’ve worked with corporations to create dental wellness programs, offering routine screenings, oral hygiene kits, and preventive care education. This not only reduces absenteeism and medical costs but also boosts employee morale. It’s a win-win.

 

What’s one piece of advice you would give to new dentists or entrepreneurs entering this space?

 

Lead with purpose. Dentistry is a noble profession rooted in care, not commerce. Build practices and businesses that are value-driven, not just volume-driven. Focus on long-term outcomes, invest in learning, and never lose sight of the person behind the patient. If you keep ethics, empathy, and excellence at the center, success will follow.