How to Set Up Your Dental Clinic in India?

Setting up a dental clinic involves several key considerations beyond the initial setup cost. A well-structured business plan is crucial, as it not only outlines your current operations but also provides a roadmap for the clinic’s future growth. This plan allows you to carefully assess and manage the clinic’s expenses. To manage these costs effectively, you can opt for a doctor loan on Bajaj Markets, and get funds of up to ₹50 Lakhs.

Dental clinic expenses include the costs for dental treatment and procedures as well as the running costs of the clinic. Read on below to get an idea of how much you might be required to shell out as part of your dental clinic set-up cost and for each of the most common kinds of dental treatment.

• Dental Fillings

  • Dental drills, which are an essential part of the treatment, cost between ₹4,000 to ₹20,000.

  • While multiple dental burs are required for each filling, it can cost between ₹500 to ₹3,000 for each bur.

  • Only 3 grams of the composite, which is the tooth-coloured filling material, can set you back with a cost ranging from ₹800 to ₹7,000.

  • Any routine fillings after the first one will require the patient to shell out between ₹500 to ₹2,000.

• Tooth Extraction

  • While different kinds of dental forceps may be required for different kinds of teeth, the cost of a single pair usually ranges between ₹1,000 to ₹2,500.

  • The cost of other equipment required for the procedure, such as local anaesthesia, syringe, needle, cotton, etc., will range between ₹50 to ₹300 per patient.

 

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the patient can be set back by costs ranging from ₹100 to ₹5,000 for a tooth extraction.

• Root Canal Treatment

One of the most critical kinds of treatments, RTC costs around ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per patient after factoring in the costs for cement, dental files, X-rays, antiseptic solution, filling material, measuring gauges, dental drills and burs, etc.

• Dental Crowns

  • Tooth preparation costs between ₹100 to ₹300 with the equipment, including temporary crowns, impression material, and dental drills and burs.

  • Crown fabrication can cost between ₹100 to ₹300, depending on the quality and complexity.

  • Crown fixing costs around ₹25 to ₹100 and requires dental drills and burs as well as cement.

• Dental Implants

Dental implants involve fixing artificial teeth into a patient’s jawbones using metallic screws. The total cost incurred by the patient includes the costs for surgery (₹500 to ₹3,000), equipment such as physio dispensers and special dental burs (that together cost ₹25,000 to ₹2 Lakhs), and dental implants (ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000).

Setting up a dental clinic requires careful planning, especially when it comes to the essential equipment needed to run a fully functional clinic. The equipment costs form a significant part of the overall dental clinic setup expense in India, and it's crucial to understand these costs before starting your practice.

1. Dental Chairs and Hard Equipment

Dental chairs are at the core of any clinic, and their cost can vary widely depending on the features and quality. A single dental chair, along with other essential hard equipment like stools and delivery systems, can range from ₹2 Lakhs to ₹10 Lakhs. Higher-end models with advanced features, like ergonomic designs and digital integration, will push the cost toward the upper end of this range.

2. X-ray Sensors and Imaging Equipment

Advanced diagnostics are essential in modern dental care, making X-ray sensors a must-have for any clinic. These sensors, along with imaging software and radiography units, can cost around ₹2 Lakhs to ₹4 Lakhs. This equipment enables you to provide accurate diagnostics, ensuring a high standard of patient care.

3. Dental Drills and Hand Instruments

The cost of dental drills and basic hand instruments, such as scalers, forceps, and mirrors, also contributes to the setup cost. These essential tools are used in everyday procedures and surgeries. A complete set of high-quality instruments can fall within the same ₹2 Lakhs to ₹4 Lakhs range.

4. Sterilisation and Sanitation Equipment

Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial in dental care. Investing in autoclaves, sterilisation pouches, and other sanitation equipment is a one-time but essential cost. The prices for these items will vary, but they are essential to meet health standards and ensure patient safety.

5. Basic Consumables and Supplies

In addition to the larger equipment, you’ll also need to budget for consumables such as gloves, masks, syringes, and dental materials. While these items are not as costly individually, they form a recurring expense that can add up over time.

 

These equipment costs will vary depending on the brand, quality, and features you choose. Having a clear understanding of these costs will help you manage your budget effectively and ensure that your clinic is equipped to provide high-quality dental care from day one.

Aside from your dental clinic set-up cost, there will be several dental clinic expenses that you will have to incur on a regular basis. These are referred to as the running costs of the clinic. Read below to get an idea of the repetitive dental clinic investments you will have to make.

1. Rent and maintenance cost of the clinic

2. White goods, which include air conditioning, refrigerators, computers, etc

3. Utility expenses, including water and electricity

4. Salaries for paying your staff

5. Marketing costs, which can go towards advertising and signage

 

Now that you know how expensive the dental clinic cost can be, it should help you plan better for setting up your own. You can always apply for a business loan on Bajaj Markets, through which you can avail up to ₹50 Lakhs and comfortably set up your dental clinic in India. With a low-interest rate and a flexible repayment tenure, you can set up your clinic without worrying about immediately turning a profit.

Financing your dental clinic requires planning and choosing the right option to cover setup costs, equipment, and operations. Here are some ways to finance your clinic:

Doctor Loans

Some financial institutions, like Bajaj Finserv and Fibe, offer loans tailored for medical professionals. These consider the specific costs doctors may incur and their unique cash flow requirements. Dentists can borrow up to ₹50 Lakhs without collateral for clinic expenses by applying for Doctor Loan on Bajaj Markets.

Equipment Financing

Specialised equipment loans can help you buy necessary tools without paying the costs upfront. This option often comes with terms that match the expected cash flow from your practice. These are offered by most business loan providers across India. 

Personal Savings

You can use your personal savings or retirement funds to set up a clinic. While this avoids debt, it does carry personal financial risk. Through this, the amount that could have been utilised in an emergency fund is used, reducing your ability to tackle monetary challenges effectively. Assess your finances well before deciding in this regard. 

Partnerships and Investors

Forming partnerships or seeking investors can provide additional funds. Though you share profits, it reduces your financial burden. Investors can also bring valuable expertise and networks that help grow your clinic. This approach allows you to focus more on operations while sharing the financial risks.

To open a dental clinic in India, you need to follow legal guidelines to ensure compliance:

• Dental Council Registration: Register with the Dental Council of India (DCI) or your State Dental Council to practice legally.

• Business Registration: Choose a legal structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.) and register your clinic with local authorities for legal recognition

• Trade Licence: Get a trade license from the local municipal authority to legally operate your clinic

• GST Registration: If your clinic's revenue exceeds the threshold, register for GST to comply with tax laws

• Malpractice Insurance: Acquire malpractice insurance to protect your clinic from legal claims

• NOC and Permits: You may need additional permits like a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local health authorities or fire safety approvals

The registration process for a dental clinic involves several steps:

• Prepare Documents: Gather identity proof, address proof, educational qualifications, and relevant dental council certifications

• Choose Business Structure: Decide on a business entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.)

• Dental Council Registration: Apply for registration with DCI or your State Dental Council with the required documents and fees

• Business Registration: Register your clinic's name with the Registrar of Companies or local authorities

• Trade Licence: Apply for a trade licence through the local municipal corporation

• GST Registration: If needed, register for GST online through the GST portal

• Secure Permits: Apply for any other necessary permits, like fire safety or biomedical waste management licenses

• Licence Renewal: Ensure timely renewal of licences to stay compliant

Proper space allocation is crucial for a well-functioning dental clinic. Here are the key requirements:

• Operatory Area: Each dental chair requires about 60 sq. ft of space, equipped with tools and sterilisation facilities

• Waiting Area: Provide about 35 sq. ft per chair to accommodate patients and families

• Reception Area: Allocate space for patient check-in and scheduling

• Utility Room: Designate a room for electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and supply storage

• Parking Facilities: Ensure adequate parking for patients and staff for easy access

• Regulatory Compliance: Follow local building codes regarding space dimensions, accessibility (e.g., ramps), and safety protocols

Opening a dental clinic requires navigating finance options, legal requirements, registration, and space planning. By carefully considering these factors and following the proper steps, you can establish a successful dental practice. With the right preparation, your clinic can serve the community while complying with all regulatory standards.

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