Leaders
Leaders create opportunities out of motives and experiences. It’s always inspiring to see women entrepreneurs striving hard to achieve success for themselves and for their team. While we have seen many women entrepreneurs taking up challenges and coming out with successful ventures in various fields, It’s rare to see a doctor taking up the challenge and venturing into healthcare in order to provide the best health care facilities to their Patients. Dr.Aesha Imran Syeda, Clinical Director, 4 Squares Dentistry, is one of those pioneer leaders who, through her clinic, is trying to provide high quality dental care for one and all.
In her practicing experience of around 15 years, she was also an Associate Professor and clinical researcher for the Chettinad Dental Health and Research Institute, Chennai, where she was committed to provide the best training to students in dentistry. Always seeking out for new technologies, tools and techniques based on the industry trends, Dr.Aesha is quite dedicated to provide the best dental healthcare facility to her patients.
In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneurs, Dr.Aesha shares her professional experience, inception story of 4 Squares Dentistry, her views around ever evolving healthcare trends and much more:
Shed Some Light On Your Early Education, Professional Background And Experience. What Motivated You To Venture Into The Field Of Healthcare?
I have always been amazed by Doctors, Physicians and Dental Surgeons. There’s always an opportunity to provide high quality treatment and make someone’s life better and even to do something new and novel that no one has ever done. As Medicine and healthcare has always been my area of interest, it motivated me to venture into healthcare. I did my Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery at Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Coorg and my Master’s degree in Dental Surgery (Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology) at Ragas Dental College, Chennai.
I noticed that even though there were countless dental clinics present in and around Chennai, high-quality dental care with international quality standards was still missing and was a critically needed service. A strong belief in good quality dental care and core values have been my motivation behind the inception of 4 Squares Dentistry. At 4 Squares Dentistry, patient comes first. We improve patients lives, focusing on one tooth at a time and overall oral health. I implement my knowledge, experience of general dentistry as well as my specialization into Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, both of which are ever-expanding, into my practice.
What Made You Establish Your Own Clinic That Provides Personalized Dental Care? What Are The Various Roles & Responsibilities That You Currently Shoulder At 4 Squares Dentistry?
Seeing the disparities in healthcare received by patients, I developed the passion to deliver excellent healthcare service to one and all. I believe that every patient should have access to very high quality dental environment / infrastructure, compassionate care, ability to listen to patients problem and provide them with diagnosis and help them with treatment with best care possible. Me and my family lived in United States for 3 years due to my husbands work, where I learnt a lot doing shadowing work in Dental clinics in the United States. Those experiences & travel, made me realize that, India is a growing economy and people in India also deserve those kinds of high quality dental treatments, experiences and care. Hence, we made a humble beginning of starting my journey of my own clinics in Chennai.
As the saying goes: ‘Behind every progressing women there is a partner, a family who always support ’and for me it has always been true. My Husband has been my inspiration and pillar of strength to set up this dental practice. We both share a same dream of making 4 Squares dentistry a house hold name in Chennai for all the dental problems. Both my family and my husbands family are very supporting and encouraging in my journey as an women entrepreneur. With all the support and above all with the blessings of the almighty, I decided to establish my own clinic for the best. My goal is to ensure efficient planning and execution of health care with quality and most importantly educating each and every patient walking through my door that oral health is definitely overall health!
What Are Some Of The Professional Milestones You Have Achieved In Your Professional Journey? What Have Been Some Of The Challenging Aspects Of Your Role As The Clinical Director And Health Care Entrepreneur?
Apart from my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in dental surgery I also have a diploma in Forensic Sciences from International Forensic as I consider Forensic Odontology as one of the most intrinsic part of Dentistry. I am also a registered practicing member of the Tamil Nadu State Dental Council and have also taken part in the Global Tobacco Control Program. I am also a registered International Associate Member of World Dental Council (IAWSC). I have authored and co-authored various journals in domestic and international forum (you can find all my articles at www.4squaresdentistry.in/blogs&resources). I am a professional speaker and I participate in various dental/ medical forums/events.
In terms of challenges, ensuring the safety and isolation of my patients, staffs and myself from the Covid-19 infection has been the biggest challenge. The current scenario has become even more stringent, from pre-covid treatment protocols, especially with regards to sterilization and disinfection. Many patients have given positive feedback that 4 Squares dentistry has taken utmost care during COVID situations and ensured that all safety protocols prescribed by WHO has been followed. This is the testimony of our quality treatment which we strongly believe in.
Other significant challenge which we are facing is the lack of awareness among general public relating to preventive dentistry. If one keeps a good oral hygiene and visits dentists twice/thrice a year to get there dental check up done, they can avoid significant medical expenses at a later stage. At 4 Squares dentistry, we advice our patients to visit dental clinics yearly twice/thrice to ensure that they are safe and we have also started running various social media campaign to educate public to adopt preventive measures in dental health rather than detective measures. As the saying goes, Dentistry is not expensive, but neglecting is.
“The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who know everything, but the ones who are open to learning”
Other important aspect which all dentist in India are facing is the lack of good dental insurances. We urge the Government of India and Insurance companies in India to come forward with good and easy dental insurances, which will benefit the public at large. This is one of the startling differences in dental treatment in India and in overseas countries (especially United States).
How Do You Keep Yourself Updated With The Periodic Evolutions Which Are Taking Place Within Your Respective Field Of Work?
As a lifetime member of Indian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists, we have conferences and conventions regularly which helps us in keeping abreast of the current trends and events. I am also a member of International Associate Member of World Dental Council, which helps me keep updated in terms of latest dental advancements internationally as well.
Even there are continuing dental education programs that keep us updated on all the latest developments in Dentistry. Now with the pandemic, it has become even easier to attend these events online. At 4 Squares dentistry, we have developed a continues learning and education program where trainings are conducted regularly on various dental/medical topics, which helps all our in house doctors to learn from each other.
As A Successful Healthcare Provider, What Advice Would You Like To Give To Young Women Budding Leaders And Entrepreneurs In The Future?
I do not like to give advice to anyone, as I am still a learning entrepreneur (I still have lots to achieve. I will be a student until my last breath). But, if you would like to share my experiences and what advice I have got from others, then I would say, Dream big, even if you think you cannot achieve, it is ok. Dream big, as there is no tax for dreaming big. Being aware of your interests and passions is very important. Widen your horizons and become a thought pioneer in whatever those are. Above all, be enthusiastic, passionate and curious about your learnings. Share the importance of your impact without bragging and take ownership of your achievements. Strive for a good work-life balance, and pace yourself. Do not burn yourself out by setting impossible expectations.
The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who know everything, but the ones who are open to learning!
Dr.Aesha Imran Syeda, Clinical Director, 4 Squares Dentistry
With a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery and Masters in Oral Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, Dr.Aesha Imran Syeda decided to provide high quality dental care for one and all which motivated her to venture into dental healthcare through her clinic: 4 Squares Dentistry . In her practicing experience of around 15 years, she was also an Associate Professor and clinical researcher for the Chettinad Dental Health and Research Institute, committed to the graduate and postgraduate training of dentists. She was also actively associated with diagnosis of the pathological conditions for HIV patients and patients associated with various addictions.
