The effect of clinical capabilities of dentists on Isfahan dental tourism development from the perspective of dental specialists

Given the great advantages in Iran, including low cost and specialist human resources in the health sector, Iran is planning fundamental programs in the tourism industry. With respect to the identification of capabilities and potentials in different parts of the country, this study was undertaken to determine the impact of clinical capabilities of dentists on Isfahan dental tourism development from the perspective of dental specialists.
The descriptive and analytical study was carried out using a questionnaire which included demographic characteristics, foreign tourist's characteristics to receive dental services, quality and quantity of services that can be offered and the capabilities of the dental human resources. Likert’s 5-score scale was used for determining scores. After studying a pre-test with 30 dental specialists and confirming the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, it was randomly handed in to 62 dentistry experts in Isfahan. Data was analyzed with SPSS 19, using descriptive statistical methods, t-test, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficients and factor analysis (α=0.05).
Variable means for human resource capabilities and dental service quality were 4.09±.338 and 3.34±.501, respectively. Factor analysis showed that human resource capabilities are the most important and most effective variable with a variance of 39.778.
Capabilities of human resources, affordable costs of dental services, high quality of services and use of proper equipment are important factors influencing dental tourism development. Recording tourists’ data, use of publicity packages at airports and hotels, establishing websites for dentists and finally determining target markets of dental tourism are suitable strategies to develop dental tourism industry.