Dr Hubert Gomes explains in his own words “why and how” he had to develop and implement his “Goa Dentist” Model. It did not happen overnight. It was one step at a time, guided by the ‘unseen’ hand of the Divine.... 

In the year 1978, when I got my admission in the Government Dental College, Hyderabad, India; my friends and relatives were very happy. They told me I was the “luckiest” guy on earth. They said, it is the best profession to make pots of money, with least headaches. 

When I did join the College, my colleagues further confirmed that Dentistry was indeed a “gold mine”, and will continue to be so in the future. For a young village boy, from a very modest background, that was the best news I ever heard.

At that time, it was very easy to migrate to USA or Europe. And most of us in the College, unanimously cherished that dream of settling abroad. It is not that we loved those Countries; it is just that we loved ourselves more. We too wanted to make it “big” and live life king size, like our colleagues in the western countries. 

The first two years of College life were simply too good for words to describe in detail. They were our “pre-clinical” years-- less studies, no patients to attend to, and lots of time to “fantasize” great dreams. We were literally planning and ‘eagerly waiting’ to start living a lavish life style, 

In the third year of college, when the clinical postings started, and had to “treat” patients, the “reality of life” began to dawn on me. I realized that dental diseases were very rampant in our society, and that they affected both the rich and the poor unsympathetically. I also learnt, that patients came to see a dentist, not because they 
loved it, but, simply because they had to. For most patients, it was more out of compulsion and an absolute necessity. 

Sadly, it was mostly the poor and the educated “middle class” patients, that came for dental treatment at our College Hospital. Many of them came from distant lands, and they came because it was not easy for them to afford private dentists. 

1. Have A Community Centered Attitude: 

After being “struck” with the above reality, I began to find it difficult to live a ‘self-centered’ life-style. Slowly but surely I began to transform into a “community- centered” person. And as years went by, the new set of values began to guide my new life-style.

At a very young age I dreamt of becoming a “People’s Dentist”... a Dentist who not only ‘FILLS’ cavities, but also who genuinely ‘FEELS’ for his patients. 


2. Have A Clear Vision and Road Map for Life: 

The above experiences thought me that I will always remain a “human being first, and the dentist second”. And this thought, enabled me to have a clear vision and purpose for life... “ To serve the human beings honestly, and to the best of my personal and professional ability”. 

At that young age, I did not have any ‘road map’ to achieve the objectives of my vision. Fortunately, ‘right people’ began to appear at the right time. They helped me to clearly define the ‘road map’ for my life. 

I have come to a conclusion, that, we can learn a lot if we are willing to listen to others. Others can see what we cannot, and can therefore be more objective in their evaluation of issues that to us are highly charged. They can point out errors in our judgment, and add new, valuable insights. 


3. Develop Skills and Knowledge: 

“No Dentist can excel in his profession without developing his basic skills and knowledge of Dentistry”. This message was “drilled” into our minds by our Professors. 

Most of our Professors were not only very great teachers, but also excellent Dentists and human beings. Thanks to them, ‘quest for knowledge’ and ‘upgrading my skills’, by attentively observing the skills of my Professors, became a new “habit” at a very young age. 


4. Provide Good ‘Post’ Dental Care: 

I sincerely believe, that, my Dental College was one of the best Colleges in India at that time. Although it lacked in modern technology, it was more than compensated by the excellent skills, knowledge and experiences of our great teachers at that time.

Our professors were very dedicated, and passionately shared with us their knowledge and clinical experience. They literally walked their talk, and inspired us to do the same. They were not just teachers, but “mentors” to most of us. 

It was due to one of my Professors, Dr Ram Subramaniam, that I learnt that the “best” way to treat a Post-treatment problem was to intelligently “avoid one” from happening. He told us that we should not be “over adventurous” in Dentistry, and that we should take up only those cases which we are capable and confident of handling effectively. 


5. Proper ‘Sterilization System’, Cleanliness And Proper Disposal Of ‘Waste’ : 

Although some of the equipment at our college was very primitive, our Sterilization System was very good. At that time we did not have some of the newer, deadly blood borne diseases that we have today. But a strict sterilization protocol was in any case, a “must do” at our College. 

Our Professors were very strict when it came to “sterilization” of the instruments. We were trained and had to literally do every step of it-- from scrubbing to cleaning and sterilizing the instruments. We were told that, “if we are not serious about sterilization, we should not practice Dentistry at all”. 

Obviously, “proper sterilization protocol” became part of my “system” at a very early age. One thing I have realized over the years is that, if your sterilization system is “right”, most of the things in dentistry ‘go right’ effortlessly. 

Proper medical waste disposal was not a priority issue at that time. However it became one as soon as I started my private practice in Goa. Since the last 10 years we have become even more strict about it. We make sure ‘our waste’ does not endanger the life of anybody. 

With the above “basic principles” deeply engraved on my heart and mind I passed my Dentistry.... 

When dreams soar high, but “ground reality” stares in your eyes, doubts begin to breed in the mind. And that is exactly what happened to me. When I passed and got my BDS degree in the year 1983, I chose to approach my teacher and mentor Dr B. Sreeramamurthy, for guidance and ‘road map’ for my career. 

He listened to me attentively and reassured me, that I was good at my work. He also told me that, if I wish to become a successful Dentist that I have to work hard to earn a good name. He told me, that, if I had a good name professionally, I would get good fame. And , if I had both good name and fame, patients and money would follow me automatically”. 

I did not believe him “fully” at that time; but nevertheless I tried to keep his advice in my mind ! 

Destiny forced me to return to Goa. After a brief tenure as a teacher at “Goa Dental College, I started my Private Practice on 14th Feb 1984. 

A New Beginning, New Life Lessons... 

At that time, all that my parents could afford was a small, rented office with minimum equipment for my Surgery. It was at that time I realized, that, the only way I could succeed in Dentistry was to implement the above mentioned professional advice of Dr B. Sreeramamurthy.

I made a sincere attempt to “internalize” his words and make it my ‘patient care philosophy’. I worked only to earn a “good name” in Dentistry, and never cared how much I earned at the end of the day. 

An advice from my late mother, who was a nurse at Government Hospital for nearly 40 years, also helped me greatly. On the opening day of my Clinic, she had told me: “Never exploit the patient’s Trust in you, and always be sincere in your dealings with them”. Although my mother is no more, her words continue to be alive and 
guide me accordingly. 

It looks like my noble “intentions” and humble actions, found immediate acceptance with God and the people of Goa. I started getting patients from day one, and their number began to increase with every passing day. 

Although I had many patients coming to me, it was a “divine irony” that, many of them had genuine financial difficulties when it came to paying my Fees. Surprisingly, even the first “foreigner” patient I had, in the very second month of my practice, was no different. He too had a limited budget for dentistry. 

Even to this very day, I know of many highly educated, “working” and retired people, from different parts of the world who find it difficult to afford a “private Dentist”. It is a serious issue, that a “genuine Dentist” should not ignore. 


6. Have An Affordable Pricing:

I do not have to say anything more on this issue. The very fact, that an increasing number of “westerners” from highly developed Countries, travel all the way to India, to get their Dental treatment done, speaks for itself. 

I am convinced that Dentistry does not have to be expensive. Any Dentist, who has the “inner conviction” to make dental treatment affordable to his/ her patients, can certainly do it if he chooses to. In my own humble way, I have done it at my Surgery. If you wish to know how I manage my “pricing issue”, please visit my personal website... www.drhubertgomes.com

By being very sensitive to the “real needs” of my professional and personal life, I have developed a very simple but highly effective “Pricing Policy”. And I can only reassure you, that, it is doing a great job for us and our patients. It has enabled us, not only to earn money, but also the respect and goodwill of our patients. 


7. Use Of Latest Technology: 

Although circumstances had forced me to make a humble beginning 25 years ago, and had to manage with only “very basic” equipment, I began to invest in modern technology as soon as I could afford it. On many occasions took huge ‘loans’ to sustain my passion for the latest in dental technology. 

I continue to upgrade my equipment on a very consistent basis. I’m fully convinced, that, modern technology not only improves the quality of our dental work, but it also makes dentistry more enjoyable. 


8. Be Fair To Your Employees: 

As my practice grew and the number of patients started increasing, I had to employ people. Today I have 27 of them (including our Specialists) working at our Clinic and Lab. Yes, I am very strict, and, continue to be “intolerant” to their negligence and indiscipline. 

Over the years I have trained my staff to develop a genuine ‘patient centered’. They have to do what is good for the patient, even if it means that we have to loose some money at times. Self centered employees, some how do not survive at my Clinic. They either feel uncomfortable to work with us, or are told to leave the job at the earliest. 

In today’s world of “many opportunities” it is not easy to retain “good” employees for a long time. There are always new opportunities for a better job. Fortunately most of my staff are with me for more than 10 years, and we have developed a ‘strong bond’ of mutual trust and respect.

Besides good salaries, I try to be very fair and just in all my dealings with them. I treat them like “my own” family members. I am convinced they are the “backbone” of my Clinic, and therefore it is my duty to take maximum care of them. 


9. The “Word Of Mouth” Publicity:

Fortunately, this is one of my greatest strengths at my Surgery, and looks like it started from day one of my Clinic. Most of my patients are not only my “regular” clients, but my “voluntary marketing executives”, who go out of their way to promote my Clinic to their friends and relatives, as if it is “their own”.

Yes, in the past I did advertise in the local newspapers, and still do it sometimes when it is absolutely needed. I mostly do it when I have to intimate our patients of the new facilities, which we have added to our professional services. 

I certainly DO NOT believe in advertising to attract “new patients” to our Surgery. In-fact, the very first page of my personal website www.drhubertgomes.com clearly notifies that “all new patients” have to come to us on the recommendation of our existing patients.

Besides emergencies, we do treat “new patients” who come to us on their own, after their “independent” enquiries about us. Our websites are meant only to provide the information of the “current” treatment facilities that we offer at our Surgery.

Yes, I am very ambitious. And would like more people to benefit from our professional services. Why should people pay more, when they can get “better” service for a lesser price? When most patients pay through their nose for their dental treatment, I feel it is my duty to promote my services. 

We have a long history of providing a real “good value” for our patients money. Please click TESTIMONIALS to know what our patients have to say about us.

However, I want out professional growth to happen only through the “word of mouth” publicity of our satisfied patients. At this stage of my career, I am certainly not too keen entertain “total strangers” at my Surgery. Only those who are “convinced” of our sincerity should come to us.


10. Sound Financial Planning: 

I had to learn the importance of this 10th component of our Service Model, the real “hard way”. I have made many wrong financial decisions in my life. Fortunately, they were not major ones, and therefore did not disturb my “peace of mind” for long.

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt through my mistakes, is that, our investments should be ideally ‘need’ based and not ‘greed’ based. Many a times, circumstances and opportunities tempt us to take a few chances. And it is here, that, we got to be extra careful. Unless and until we have a good ‘bank balance’, taking chances by financial “over stretching”, is something that should be avoided,

I am convinced, that we should never invest our hard earned money “blindly” in things, just because “others” are doing it. We should make sure our financial planning is in synchrony with our long term “personal vision” for our life. 


11. Deal With Critics And ‘Trouble Makers’ Firmly : 

Although I have been very fortunate in commanding love and respect of my patients and my community, it was the hard way I had to learn, that, success breeds many false friends and true enemies in ones profession. Very often it is your so called professional colleagues, are your hardcore critics and enemies purely out of ‘professional jealousy’.

Right from the beginning, I have maintained a ‘respectable distance’ from all my professional colleagues. It is not that I have anything against them, but it is just that, I have too many other priorities, responsibilities and hobbies which consume my time. My professional and personal schedule, leaves me with very little ‘free time’ for socializing, and for nurturing ‘superficial’ relationships with people.

But despite my “non interference”, I consider myself “lucky” to have a couple of “dentist critics”, who spare no opportunity to tear me to pieces. I call myself ‘lucky’, because it is partly their ‘unfair criticism’ which enable me to “plug” the loop-holes and correct the deficiencies in my administration of the Clinic. 

Sadly for these critics, nobody seems to be taking them seriously in Goa. Their success of defaming me is limited only to their circle of “like minded critics”. The fact remains, that, my professional performance and contribution to dentistry during the last 25 years has been so much, that only highly negative and low IQ people can question my personal and professional credentials.

Although I was forced to act against some of my colleagues in the past, today I feel sorry for them. I guess when a person has a negative attitude, or is ‘unhappy with life’, or does not have good professional skills and loosing existing patients to “better dentists”, it must be certainly adding to their personal frustrations.

Having said that, I am of the strong opinion, that one should act tough against those who cross “the limit” of reasonable tolerance. One should never allow other peoples “unhappiness” to damage your reputation. In the past, I have acted “very tough” against those who ‘acted funny with me’, and I shall do it again in the future if the need be. 


12. Make Your Family The Priority: 

Honestly, due to my passionate involvement with dentistry, this is one areas that was neglected the most. It’s only since the last four years, I have made a conscious effort to make “my family” the topmost priority. Dentistry now comes second. 

Earlier I used to enjoy socializing, and almost every second day was a “party day” for me. It’s not the same anymore. I have also cut down on my social outings by almost 90%. I find it a lot more relaxing and sensible to spend more time with my family.

Surprisingly, my “re-prioritization” has helped me to only improve my performance at my Clinic. With this new realization, I can confidently conclude, that, when you make your family the number one priority, everything else falls in place automatically.


13. Develop Personal Hobbies And Work-Out Regularly: 

Most of the people, who know me personally, are surprised at my high level of energy. Even at the end of the day, I am as fresh as ever, and rarely tired. Although I thank God for this gift of “abundant energy”, I’m sure, it is also my many diverse hobbies like reading, cooking and dancing, that contributes to my “free spirit” . 

My indulgence in my hobbies, helps me to “switch-off” from dentistry, and I can really come down to the level of my 10 year old son. Being child-like as and when I want, has certainly helped to be very active, alert and healthy.

I should be the last person to talk about the importance of regular ‘work-out’. For some reasons or other I have never been disciplined with my exercise regimes. I do it on and off, but, would really like to make it a part of my daily schedule.


14. Good Office Environment: 

Although we moved from our first office to the present Surgery nearly 16-years ago, the increasing number of patients, is making the existing office also look small. Yes, my Clinic is very clean and tidy at all times, but is 
certainly becoming very small for our growing practice.

We have many “ideas” to serve our patients better. Unfortunately, due to our limited space, we’re unable to implement them in the present premises. Nevertheless, we make the best of what we have, and make a sincere effort to provide a good office environment which adds to the comforts of our patients.


15. Be Submissive to the Will of God: 

I am fully aware, that there is lot of scope to improve our “Dental Care Model”. I am keen to make it even MORE “community centered”, than what it is today. However I am glad that, besides the goodwill of my friends, relatives, patients, employees and well wishers, my everyday “heart-felt” prayer continues to show me the way...

“I humbly seek your help oh God, to see the needs of people around me, wisdom to find ‘better ways’ to genuinely care for them, and courage to act on what I believe is good for them”.

Many of my patients and my clinic staff think that, I have ‘extraordinary skills’ for dentistry. Honestly, what they think is ‘extraordinary’, comes very effortlessly to be. It is certainly not my knowledge and hard work that got me my ‘skills in dentistry’. I believe it is an exclusively God given talent, which I use to treat my patients.

With the help of God’s guidance, I have treated many complex cases with great end results. I am convinced, that, I would not have been so successful in my profession, without God’s abundant blessings on myself and my clinic. I know I am just an ordinary human being like anybody else. It is God’s “extra” that has made me an extra-ordinary dentist in the eyes of my patients.

Good judgment is a God given tool which enables us to take good decisions in life. Over the years, I have come to a conclusion that, when we seek God’s guidance through prayer and meditation, we end up in taking “better quality” decisions in life. Being submissive to the will of God also adds to the joy of being “truly alive” in this world. 



Today many service providers like telecommunication, air travel, Information Technology, super markets, hotels and food chains have begun to offer, a BETTER value for money service, than what they were providing a few years ago. 

They provide better service, at a lesser price. And this trend is becoming, more of a rule than an exception in the service industry. Consumer has surely emerged as the “new King”.

It is time, the supposed to be the “ Most Noble ” medical and dental professions, also work towards achieving the above “noble” objective. No doubt it is going to be a collective effort, but it has to begin with “myself”.

At our Surgery we are committed to provide high quality Dentistry, at an affordable price. We are working towards providing, even “better value” dentistry, than what we are doing today.

If you are seriously concerned about these issues and wish to share your views, you can email your comments by clicking here... drhubertgomes@gmail.com or drhubertgomes@hotmail.com