STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS IN DENTAL CLINICS: EVIDENCE FROM MEXICALI, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO, LA PLANEACION ESTRATEGICA EN LAS CLINICAS ODONTOLOGICAS DE MEXICALI, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

This study analyzes the strategic planning process of the dentistry sector. We select dental clinics registered in Dental Surgeons Association of Mexicali, Baja California for analysis. The purpose of this research is to determine if dental surgeons know, apply and perceive strategic planning as a tool to forecast and achieve higher performance. A probabilistic method based on a sample of 54 dentists was used involving a questionnaire of 20 items. The results show that 51.8% of dentists do not know strategic planning and 55.5% do not use strategic planning due a lack of knowledge. We conclude that business administration issues should be included in dentistry education.