Related Experiment Videos
Business planning for university health science programs: a case study
Michael Austin1, Nadine Milos, G Wayne Raborn
1Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. maustin@ualberta.ca
Journal (Canadian Dental Association)
|March 1, 2002
Summary
The University of Alberta
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Healthcare Management
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Publicly funded education programs often use business plans for accountability.
- The University of Alberta's Department of Dentistry faced financial deficits post-merger.
- Key challenges included balancing finances, maintaining quality, and ensuring future competitiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the development and implementation of a business plan for a university dental department.
- To address financial deficits and improve operational efficiency.
- To strategically enhance education, clinical practice, and research initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Developing a comprehensive business plan with strategies for education, clinical practice, and research.
- Implementing a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program.
- Introducing a clinic operations fee for students.
- Prioritizing prevention technologies in research.
Main Results:
- Successful launch of a BSc in Dental Hygiene program in 2000.
- Implementation of a clinic operations fee to offset costs.
- Strengthened focus on research in prevention technologies.
- Improved financial accountability and operational strategies.
Conclusions:
- Effective business planning requires clear, achievable goals and high-quality data.
- Nurturing relationships with stakeholders like government and professional associations is crucial.
- Strategic initiatives in education and clinical operations can address financial challenges in academic dental departments.