Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali – This dentist turned entrepreneur is harnessing technology to set up India’s first 24*7 free dental helpline and smart diagnosis platform.

1Can you start by taking us back to your early education days? How did you join BDS, and how was the BDS journey for you?

Right from my high school, I was very passionate about biology and understanding the working of a human body. Joining BDS was a natural next step after my high school, owing to my interest in oral health and dental materials. The whole journey of 5 years was full of adventures including research, networking and presenting 50+ papers and posters.

2Take us through your career path after BDS? How did you reach the point where you are today?

Career path post BDS included 2 major things. Dental practice and foundation of DentalDost. Didn't take me long to realise adding up dental clinics in the country is not a solution to address our oral care problems. Making every person well aware and motivated about oral health and change habits is the right way, which led us to start India’s first 24*7 free dental helpline and smart diagnosis platform.

3What are the highest points/peaks so far in your career? What are the roadblocks/challenges or hardships faced? How did you overcome them?

Highest point is getting recognition and invite to collaboration about our work from NHRA and NHS. Major roadblock is getting funding for our India operations and we are overcoming it by expanding the market and getting into various verticals for growth.

4What message do you have for budding young dentists at crossroads as they read this? Many are worried about their future career prospects as the field is becoming highly competitive and challenging.

Start with the idea that excites you the most, keep it lean initially, validate your product in the market, and be persuasive.

5What plans and goals do you have for the future? What are your dream projects and aspirational career plans?

Every Indian having access to oral care via DentalDost and controlling oral cancer. Dream project post that is to organise world’s health data into a single system linked to person’s unique ID.

Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali
Co-founder & Chief Dental Surgeon
DentalDost