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Optimizing the dentist-chair coupling constraint in high-volume dental operations: a system dynamics-based decision
Jiakun Fang1, Min Yao1, Yannan Sun2
1Office of Operations Management, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices , Beijing, China.
Optimizing dental clinic operations through internal efficiency improvements, rather than just expanding capacity, yields better financial returns and manages dentist workload effectively. This data-driven approach enhances long-term sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Operations Research
- System Dynamics
Background:
- Dental healthcare settings face capacity constraints due to the fixed coupling of dentists and dental chairs.
- Effective capacity management is crucial for financial performance, resource investment, and service quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze resource interdependencies in high-volume dental settings.
- To evaluate the long-term impacts of capacity management strategies.
- To optimize dental healthcare operations for revenue, workload, and quality.
Main Methods:
- System dynamics modeling was used to capture non-linear dynamics and feedback delays.
- A hybrid approach combined causal loop diagrams with stock-flow modeling.
- Operational data from a Chinese stomatological center (2023-2025) was integrated and validated.
Main Results:
- Capacity expansion alone is insufficient to meet demand and can lead to diminishing returns.
- Internal optimization strategies satisfy demand earlier and generate higher net surplus.
- Workforce stress is more effectively stabilized through internal optimization.
Conclusions:
- A shift from static, experience-based planning to dynamic, data-driven management is recommended.
- Improving coordination efficiency of coupled resources offers higher ROI than simple scale expansion.
- The study provides a decision-support tool for healthcare administrators to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
