Are you looking to open your first dental clinic and turn your passion for helping people love their smiles into a viable long-term business? Or perhaps you’re a regular patient looking to gain insights into how the industry works so that you can have a greater appreciation of how it functions? No matter which side you’re on or why you’re reading this, we’re going to guide you through everything you need to know.
What is the total cost of opening a new dental clinic?
Good question! The total cost will vary depending on the size and location of the clinic, the number and extent of the services, and how you choose to source and fund the equipment. As a guide, you can expect to spend anywhere from £150,000 to £500,000. Breaking this figure down into its key components will help shed some light on where the money is going.
Essential patient equipment
The dental chair is the most obvious piece of equipment needed, and it can cost in the region of £15,000 to £30,000 depending on the model. Exploring a range of different options will allow practice managers to hear about the specific needs and preferences of their dental team, ensuring that the right choice is made. Adjustable stools that offer the right combination of ergonomics and comfort will also need to be sourced to make sure that everyone in the team is comfortable.
In addition to the seating options, an adjustable operating light is needed to provide the senior dentist and their hygienists and assistants with the level of flexibility required. They will also need a specialist intraoral camera with integrated magnification to explore hard-to-reach areas in a way that helps them accurately diagnose complex issues and problems.
Diagnostic and imaging equipment
An intraoral X-ray machine is used to identify issues below the gumline and will typically cost in the region of £5,000. Many practices choose to also have a panoramic X-ray machine that can provide a full-mouth scan with a single image. The additional functionality of such systems compared to a basic X-ray machine pushed the price up to approximately £10,000.
Digital sensors are another investment that many practices choose to make, with the initial outlay of £5,000 to £10,000 providing two key benefits. The first is that such systems are far quicker than those that run on traditional film, and the second is that they produce significant cost savings over the medium and long term.
To ensure digital image displays and accurate record keeping are never an issue, practices will also need to purchase several desktop computer systems. Large HD monitors and secure system backups will ensure that images can be accurately interpreted and then safely stored for future reference.
Sterilisation and cleaning equipment
An autoclave is a device that uses a high-pressure steam environment to rapidly and safely sterilise large amounts of dental instruments in one go. Practice managers can expect to pay in the region of £5,000 to £10,000 for a mid-range model. The purchase of an ultrasonic cleaner for pre-cleaning prior to sterilisation is also essential.
Practices will then have a dedicated sealing machine that allows them to store sterilised instruments in dedicated clean pouches until they are needed. In addition, disposable PPE such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eyewear will be needed to keep the staff and patients safe during each appointment.
Instruments and specialist supplies
Handpieces, mirrors, probes, explorers, and scalers are all examples of instruments that need to be sourced. The same is true of curing lights, disinfectants, and impression materials for restorative treatments. The key here is to make sure that everything is sourced from a single established supplier that can provide nationwide coverage and continual availability.
For example, if your practice needs to source dental Prophy paste, it makes sense to connect with a dedicated supplier who will be able to ensure that your practice is always fully stocked. While there are always new entrants to any market who offer prices and availability that sound too good to be true, there is simply no substitute for experience and a proven track record.
Front office and administrative essentials
Applying for the relevant licenses and paying the local business rates should always form part of the business plan and the subsequent budget. In addition, managers will need to budget for practice management software, office furniture and reception furniture that presents the right image, and a reliable phone system so that new appointments can always be booked in.
By working through the above points one by one, practice managers can create comprehensive business plans and budgets that will take them in the right direction.
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