The Dental Practice: Business Foundations

The entry-level simulation for students new to practice management.

Business Foundations is a computerized simulation of common management decisions required in a dental practice. It is a guided learning system that helps students discover the business fundamentals of operating a small dental practice.

Both simulations require an instructor, or Game Administrator, to run results for participants and customize economic variables for a specific geographic area. No advanced computer expertise is required as the program guides the administrator through each step.

Students work individually or in teams. Each set of decisions represents one quarter, or three months of real time. Each quarter's module is built around a Case Study: a management problem commonly faced by a new practitioner. Background information on the website gives students the context they need to analyze the case and propose solutions.

The simulation is entirely web-based. Students make their decisions online; the instructor runs the game and posts results back to the site. Students review their income statement, patient visit numbers, and other economic results, using that information to make decisions for the next simulated quarter.

Who it's for

Best for: D3 and D4 students with little or no management background. An ideal first course in dental practice management.

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The Dental Practice: Strategic Challenge

The advanced simulation for students ready to compete and strategize.

Strategic Challenge is an advanced business simulation in which students compete against each other to build the most profitable practice. Participants write a practice philosophy, plan a strategy to achieve it, set measurable goals, and make management decisions each quarter to execute their plan.

Similar to the Business Foundation program, this version is a clasroom based game where students (or teams of students) compete against each other. This version required a deeper understanding of management concepts. Web presentations guide students through financial statement analysis and financial ratio analysis of their simulated practice. At the end of the simulation, student teams present a Report to the Banker, sharing findings and strategies with the group.

Each quarter includes an Incident which is an ethical, patient relations, staffing, or community dilemma commonly faced by practitioners. Students must use critical thinking skills to effectively address the problem presented.

Who it's for

Best for: Students who have completed Business Foundations or have prior management experience. Works well as a capstone course or in continuing education for residents and new graduates.

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How the Simulation Works

  1. Register & Log In

    Your instructor provides enrollment details. Create your account and access your simulated practice.

  2. Study the Case

    Each quarter opens with a case study or incident. Review the background materials and objectives on the site.

  3. Enter Your Decisions

    Make management decisions: staffing, compensation, operatories, services, and more.

  4. Review Your Results

    The game administrator runs the simulation. Your income statement, patient numbers, and economic results post to your account.

  5. Repeat & Improve

    Apply what you learned to the next quarter's decisions. The simulation runs approximately 12 rounds over a semester.