How to Start a Dental Clinic and Secure Financing for It

The cost of setting up a dental clinic in India 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 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. Know how much it costs to set up a dental clinic and how much you might be required to shell out as part of your dental clinic setup 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 and ₹20,000

• While multiple dental burs are required for each filling, it can cost between ₹500 and ₹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 and ₹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 (RTC)

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

Dental Crowns

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

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

• Crown fixing costs around ₹25 and ₹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).

To ensure that you cover all necessary aspects from legal formalities to clinic operations, here is a step-by-step guide to help know how to start your dental clinic business:

Create a Business Plan

Start by defining your services, whether general or specialised dentistry. Conduct market research to understand the demand and competition in your area.

Legal Requirements and Licensing

Ensure you have the necessary dental qualifications to start a practice. You must research the registrations and licensing you may need based on the type of practice, location, and other factors. 

Choose the Right Location and Set Up

Select a location that is easily accessible, such as near schools or hospitals, and ensure it meets safety and healthcare standards. Design the clinic with enough space for dental chairs, equipment, and a comfortable waiting area.

Arrange Funding if Required

To successfully launch and operate a clinic, securing adequate funding is essential. Consider financing options such as personal savings, loans, or investments to cover initial costs and ongoing operational expenses. You might wonder how much money is required to open a dental clinic; the exact figure depends on various factors such as equipment, location, and size.

Purchase Essential Tools and Equipment

Invest in essential dental tools like:

• Chairs

• X-ray machines

• Dental drills

• Scalers

• Suction units

• Sterilisers

Research reliable suppliers for both quality and cost-effective options, and ensure your equipment is suitable for the services you offer.

Hire Office Staff

Recruit a team of essential staff, including a receptionist, secretary, and dental assistant. Clearly define each role to ensure seamless clinic operations and create opportunities for professional growth as your practice evolves.

Marketing and Promotion

Establish a robust brand identity by crafting a professional logo, name, and tagline. Develop a user-friendly website that enables patients to book appointments online. Also, create social media profiles to build your online presence.

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

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: It helps protect you and your patients from potential risks

Setting up a dental clinic in India involves significant financial planning. Costs vary based on city tier, clinic size, and the range of services offered. The breakdown below provides a detailed cost analysis tailored to Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 cities. This can offer prospective dental entrepreneurs a clear understanding of all the potential expenses involved. 

Tier Classification and Cost Factors

• Tier 1 Cities (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru): These metropolitan areas are usually characterised by elevated real estate prices, higher labour costs, and a competitive market, leading to increased setup expenses. 

• Tier 2 & Tier 3 Cities (e.g., Jaipur, Kochi, Patna, Indore): These cities may offer more affordable real estate options, lower operational costs, and a growing patient base. 

Estimated Total Setup Costs

Summary

• Tier 1 Cities: Establishing a dental clinic in these cities may require an investment ranging from ₹15 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs, as per location, clinic size, and service offerings. 

• Tier 2 Cities: The cost of setting up a dental clinic can range between ₹8 Lakhs and ₹12 Lakhs, offering a balance between affordability and accessibility. 

• Tier 3 Cities: Launching a dental clinic in these areas can be done by an investment of ₹4 Lakhs to ₹8 Lakhs, suitable for compact operations and specialised services. 

Disclaimer: These cost figures are indicative and meant for illustrative purposes only and do not guarantee actual expenditure patterns. Actual investment needs may vary significantly depending on location, brand, property terms, and market conditions. It is important to consult experts for precise budgeting.

Effective financial planning and securing the right financing are crucial steps in launching a successful dental clinic. Business loans for a dental practice are an excellent solution to get the required funds.

A business loan for a dental clinic can be used for various essential needs, such as:

• Purchasing or Renting a Space: You need funds to cover expenses for renting or buying property, renovating the space, and installing the required infrastructure

• Buying Equipment: You can finance the acquisition of essential dental tools such as chairs, X-ray machines, sterilisers, and other necessary dental equipment

• Working Capital: You can ensure smooth operations by covering daily operational costs, including supplies, utilities, and inventory management

• Staffing: Hire and train qualified staff, including dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative personnel

• Marketing and Advertising: Allocating funds for promotional campaigns, creating a website, and establishing an online presence to attract new patients

A business loan offers several advantages, providing the financial support needed to start, grow, or expand your dental clinic with ease:

Competitive Interest Rates

Many banks and NBFCs offer loans at competitive interest rates. This makes it more affordable to secure the funding needed to start or expand your dental clinic

Repayment via Affordable EMIs

Repayment of the business loan amount can be done via manageable equated monthly instalments (EMIs). This ensures that your clinic's cash flow remains steady

Extended Repayment Tenures

Many business loans come with flexible repayment options. You can choose a longer tenure, which helps lower your monthly EMI and reduces financial strain on your clinic.

Quick Processing and Disbursal

Lenders often process business loan applications quickly. This ensures timely disbursal of funds, allowing you to access the capital you need without delays and set up or expand your dental clinic faster.

You can apply for a business loan with minimal documentation and easily secure a significant loan through Bajaj Markets. Below is a list of lenders, along with the interest rates they offer:

Disclaimer: The mentioned rates are subject to change at the lender’s discretion.

You need to fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit some paperwork to get a business loan via Bajaj Markets. Here are the details:

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: You must be a resident of India

• Age: Your age must be between 21 and 60 years

• Credit Score: You need to have a good credit score

• Experience: Your business must have been operational for at least 1 year

• Employment Type: You should be an experienced self-employed individual

• Annual Turnover: Your business needs to have an annual turnover of ₹1.5 Lakhs or more, as per the Income Tax Returns (ITR)

• Company Type: Your business should be registered as a partnership, LLP, or private limited company

• Medical registration: A degree registered with a medical council

Documents:

• Identity Proof: Passport, PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter’s ID, and driving licence

• Address Proof: Lease agreement, Aadhaar card, utility bills, and passport

• Income Proof: Bank statement (last 6 months), ITR, income computation, Profit and Loss (P&L) statement, and balance sheet (previous 2 years)

• Business Proof: Certified copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Sole Proprietorship Declaration, and Partnership Deed

When applying for a business loan to establish a dental clinic, financial institutions assess both personal and company credit profiles to evaluate creditworthiness. A personal credit score, typically ranging from 300 to 900, reflects an individual's credit history and repayment behavior. Lenders often prefer a score of 750 or above, as it indicates responsible credit management and enhances the likelihood of loan approval. 

The Company Credit Report (CCR) is a comprehensive record of a company's credit activities, including loans, repayment history, and credit inquiries. It provides lenders with insights into the company's financial behavior and stability. A favorable CCR can facilitate loan approvals and potentially secure better terms. Maintaining a strong personal credit score and a positive CCR is crucial for securing financing to open a dental clinic. Regularly monitoring these reports and addressing any discrepancies can improve your chances of obtaining the necessary funds.

Applying for a business loan through this platform is easy and can be done in just a few steps:

1. Click on the 'CHECK OFFER' button on this page

2. Fill in your basic personal details in the online application form

3. Specify the loan amount and your preferred repayment tenure

4. Submit the form for verification

The Indian government provides various schemes to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including those in the healthcare sector like dental clinics. These schemes offer financial assistance, technology upgradation, and skill development to foster entrepreneurship.  

Central Government Schemes for SMEs/MSMEs

Opening a dental clinic requires navigating finance options, how much does it cost to open a dental clinic, 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.

Reference of all T&C necessarily refers to the terms of the Partners as regards to pre-approved offers and loan processing time amongst other conditions.