2 answers
tadiwa
Student
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
1
Question
Asked
813 views
can a dentist open a dental clinic and how?
I am a 10th grade student based in Port Elizabeth. I love working with people and empowering them. I decided to study oral health because I did not want to see a single person who has insecurities about their teeth. I really wish to work with children because I love them and want them to know they are important. #dentist #children # activist
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2 answers
Madiha Sultan
Dentist
49
Answers
Harrison, New Jersey
Updated
Madiha’s Answer
Understand Your Budget
The cost of starting a new dental practice can be significant—sometimes upwards of $250,000. That’s a large sum of capital that few people have access to, requiring them to seek outside funding sources.
2. Find the Right Location
Before settling on where to locate your practice, it’s a good idea to research the area in advance to gain an understanding of the local market. You want your location to be accessible, in proximity to your targeted patients, and within your budget. You also want to avoid an area that may already be saturated with practitioners offering the same services. All of these factors can impact your potential patient base and revenue stream.
3. Purchase Equipment
Furniture, equipment, software, supplies—determining and purchasing all of the things you need for your practice to function can be a lengthy, costly process. Make sure to do your research on dental equipment and technology for the best prices, financing and training.
4. Plan for Staffing
It’s important to start thinking about hiring before you’re ready to move into a new office; make sure to make time into your schedule to properly screen and hire candidates. Beyond salary, other considerations you’ll need to budget for are health insurance, time off and other benefits.
5. Secure Licensing & Legal
Don’t wait until the last minute to handle the legal aspects of opening a dental practice. It can take months to earn credentials for your practice to accept private and government insurance can take months.
You also need to make sure you’re properly licensed in your state, have a national provider identifier number, are registered with the DEA, and comply with all other local regulations specific to your area.
On top of all of this, you will need to choose a legal structure for your business and register for state and local taxes. It’s a good idea to retain a healthcare attorney to assist so you can be sure you’re not missing anything.
6. Attract Patients
Your practice isn’t going to succeed without patients. When your opening day is within sight, it’s crucial to get the word out and start to line up your first patients. Consider implementing a marketing plan that advertises your practice across local print, TV, and radio stations, as well as online. Build a professional website with clear directions for setting up an appointment, and begin welcoming patients to your new dental practice.
The cost of starting a new dental practice can be significant—sometimes upwards of $250,000. That’s a large sum of capital that few people have access to, requiring them to seek outside funding sources.
2. Find the Right Location
Before settling on where to locate your practice, it’s a good idea to research the area in advance to gain an understanding of the local market. You want your location to be accessible, in proximity to your targeted patients, and within your budget. You also want to avoid an area that may already be saturated with practitioners offering the same services. All of these factors can impact your potential patient base and revenue stream.
3. Purchase Equipment
Furniture, equipment, software, supplies—determining and purchasing all of the things you need for your practice to function can be a lengthy, costly process. Make sure to do your research on dental equipment and technology for the best prices, financing and training.
4. Plan for Staffing
It’s important to start thinking about hiring before you’re ready to move into a new office; make sure to make time into your schedule to properly screen and hire candidates. Beyond salary, other considerations you’ll need to budget for are health insurance, time off and other benefits.
5. Secure Licensing & Legal
Don’t wait until the last minute to handle the legal aspects of opening a dental practice. It can take months to earn credentials for your practice to accept private and government insurance can take months.
You also need to make sure you’re properly licensed in your state, have a national provider identifier number, are registered with the DEA, and comply with all other local regulations specific to your area.
On top of all of this, you will need to choose a legal structure for your business and register for state and local taxes. It’s a good idea to retain a healthcare attorney to assist so you can be sure you’re not missing anything.
6. Attract Patients
Your practice isn’t going to succeed without patients. When your opening day is within sight, it’s crucial to get the word out and start to line up your first patients. Consider implementing a marketing plan that advertises your practice across local print, TV, and radio stations, as well as online. Build a professional website with clear directions for setting up an appointment, and begin welcoming patients to your new dental practice.
thank you very much , really helped !
tadiwa
Akshita Pulla
College student
3
Answers
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Updated
Akshita’s Answer
Yes a dentist can start their own practice/clinic after getting a dental license. After getting licensed, dentists start looking for a place for their clinic, hire dental assistants, etc to make sure they have patients coming in.
Thank you so much,really helped !
tadiwa