A sound strategy is imperative to successfully set up and manage a dental clinic. This strategy considers the location, costs involved, revenue projections, and marketing tactics. The financial aspect is particularly essential since the endeavour’s success depends heavily on it.

The following sections provide a rundown of all the financial considerations that you need to make for a dental clinic setup.

What does the average dental clinic set-up cost?

A new dental clinic set-up cost can set you back by as much as Rs. 10 lakh, going by current market rates for materials. Here is a breakdown of these expenses.

Dental fillings

• Dental drills: Approximately Rs. 20,000 each
• Filling material: Up to Rs. 7,000/ 3gms
• Dental burs: Around Rs. 3,000/ bur

Tooth Extraction

The price of dental forceps varies based on the type of tooth being treated, typically falling between ₹1,000 and ₹2,500 for a single pair. Additional supplies like local anaesthesia, syringes, needles, and cotton range from ₹50 to ₹300 per patient. Depending on the procedure’s complexity, tooth extraction costs can range from ₹100 to ₹5,000. 

Root Canal Treatment (RCT)

• A dental X-ray sensor (necessary for RCT along with dental fillings): Approximately Rs. 1.5 lakh/ unit
• Root Canal Obturation Cement + syringe: Approximately Rs. 6,500

Dental clinic set up basic kit

• X-ray IOPA (Intra-Oral Periapical Radiograph) film pack
• Developer and fixer
• Root elevators
• Crown remover
• X-ray film holder
• Surgical instruments
• Other essential items

Cost of basic kit: Approximately Rs. 60,000/ kit

Dental crowns

The cost of tooth preparation typically ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300, covering equipment such as temporary crowns, impression materials, and dental drills and burs. Fabricating a crown can also range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300, depending on quality and complexity. Crown fixation generally costs between Rs. 25 and Rs. 100, requiring dental drills, burs, and cement.

Dental implants

• All the pieces of equipment for dental implants cumulatively cost around Rs. 2 lakh.

Alongside these, the cost of a dental clinic setup in small places and large urban settlements also includes:

• Lease/ purchase/ renting of property
• Computers, air conditioners, and refrigerators
• Electricity, internet, water, and telephone charges
• Staff salaries
• Marketing costs
   

What is the equipment list required for a dental clinic setup?

Here is a list of equipment that you may need to set up a dental clinic:

• Diagnostic instruments
  For diagnosis, you may need single-ended, endo-locking, and double-ended probes, and CPITN probe. Other instruments include tweezers, mouth mirror, endo excavator, endo plugger, and so on.
• Surgical instruments
  Austin’s retractor, Boley gauge, needle holder, suturing needle, bone files, and Boon’s gauge are some of the common surgical instruments. You may also need straight, curved, angulated, bond-cutting, suture-cutting, end-bend, gum scissors, forceps kit, and so on.
• Other equipment
  In a dental set-up, you will also require a UV chamber, needle burner, hot water bath, glass beads steriliser, compressor, and dental chair. You may also need an X-ray viewer, dental X-ray, amalgamator, and implant motor. A laser, intraoral camera, and other equipment can be useful as per your specialisation.

Legal requirements to set up a dental clinic

Before starting your dental clinic, there are several legal steps you need to take to ensure compliance with local and healthcare regulations. Here’s a brief overview of the key requirements:

• Acquire the necessary licences and permits.
• Register your clinic as a legal entity, such as an LLC or corporation.
• Ensure adherence to healthcare industry standards and regulations.
• Obtain malpractice insurance to protect your practice.
• Draft employment contracts for your staff.

It's advisable to consult legal professionals and industry experts to make sure all legal requirements are thoroughly addressed before opening your clinic.

Registration types for dental clinic setup

When setting up a dental clinic, you can opt for either provisional or permanent registration:

1. Provisional registration: This type allows you to begin operations without immediate inspections or inquiries for ten days from the application receipt. It remains valid for up to twelve months. To maintain this status, renewal must be completed with the authorities thirty days before the provisional certificate expires.

2. Permanent registration: This registration is effective for five years from the date of issue. Renewal should be done at least six months before the certificate’s expiration to avoid increased fees and penalties for late applications. For both types, registration can be done at your state Chief Medical Officer (CMO) office or by downloading forms from their website.

Space requirements for dental clinic setup:

1. Reception area: A welcoming space for patients to check in, complete paperwork, and schedule appointments.
2. Waiting room: Comfortable seating to accommodate patients before their dental consultations.
3. Dental operators: Dedicated treatment rooms equipped with dental chairs, instruments, and tools.
4. X-ray room: A shielded area for X-ray equipment and patient safety during radiographic procedures.
5. Sterilisation areas: A separate space for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilising dental instruments.
6. Storage and supply room: To keep dental supplies, equipment, and patient records organised.
7. Consultation room: A private area to discuss treatment plans and address patient concerns.
8. Staff facilities: Restroom, changing room, and break area for the dental team.
9. Disabled access: Ensure that the clinic is accessible to patients with mobility challenges.
10. Utilities room: Space for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC equipment.
11. Parking: Sufficient parking space for patients and staff, if possible.
12. Compliance with regulations: Adherence to local building codes and healthcare regulations.
    (Note: The specific space requirements may vary based on the size and scope of the dental clinic.)

What is the running cost for a dental clinic?

The running cost for a dental clinic setup includes various expenses essential for its day-to-day operations. These costs typically encompass staff salaries, rental or mortgage payments, utility bills, medical supplies, sterilisation materials, and equipment maintenance. Additionally, expenses for marketing, insurance, administrative tasks, and professional fees need to be considered. Staff training and continuing education may also be part of the running costs to ensure high-quality services. The actual running cost can vary depending on the clinic's size, location, patient volume, and services offered. Proper financial planning and efficient management are crucial to maintaining a sustainable dental clinic with manageable running costs.

How to finance your new dental clinic set-up

To finance the cost of dental clinic set-up, you can obtain a medical equipment loan. These are dedicated financing options curated to meet the needs of dental practitioners. You can also secure up to Rs. 80 lakh from Bajaj Finance via a business loan for doctors. This loan adequately covers the full dental setup price without straining your savings.

 *(inclusive of insurance premiums, VAS charges, documentation charges, Flexi fees, and processing fees)

• Understanding the financial considerations that you need to make for a dental clinic setup
• A new dental clinic set-up cost can set you back by as much as Rs. 10 lakh or more, going by current market rates for materials.
• Exploring the list of equipment that you may need to set up a dental clinic.
• To finance the cost of dental clinic set-up, you can obtain a medical equipment loan. These are dedicated financing options curated to meet the needs of dental practitioners. You can also secure up to Rs. 80 lakh from Bajaj Finance via a business loan for doctors. This loan adequately covers the full dental setup price without straining your savings