Setting Up a Dental Clinic

Setting up a dental clinic in Singapore can be a complex and expensive process, but it can also be a very rewarding one. Here are some of the steps involved in setting up a dental clinic in Singapore:

1. Choose a business structure. You can choose to set up your dental clinic as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a limited liability company (LLC). Each business structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you will need to choose the one that is right for you.

2. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits. You will need to obtain a business license from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), a medical clinic permit from the Ministry of Health (MOH), and a pharmacy registration certificate from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). You may also need to obtain other licenses and permits, depending on the specific location and services offered by your clinic.

3. Find a suitable location. The location of your dental clinic is important, as it will affect the number of patients you see and the amount of revenue you generate. You will need to choose a location that is convenient for patients, has good visibility, and is in a safe and secure area.

4. Design and renovate the premises. The premises of your dental clinic will need to be designed and renovated to meet the requirements of the MOH. You will need to install the necessary equipment and furniture, and you will need to ensure that the clinic is clean and sanitary.

5. Hire staff. You will need to hire a team of qualified dentists, hygienists, and other staff members to work in your clinic. You will also need to hire administrative staff to handle the day-to-day operations of the clinic.

6. Market your clinic. Once your clinic is open, you will need to market it to potential patients. You can do this through a variety of channels, such as print advertising, online advertising, and word-of-mouth.

The total cost of setting up a dental clinic in Singapore can vary depending on the size and location of the clinic, the type of equipment and furniture that is needed, and the number of staff that are hired. However, you can expect to spend at least $200,000 to get your clinic up and running.

Setting up a dental clinic in Singapore can be a challenging but rewarding experience. If you are passionate about dentistry and you are willing to put in the hard work, then you can be successful in this business.

Here are some additional tips for setting up a dental clinic in Singapore:

• Do your research. Before you start the process of setting up your clinic, it is important to do your research and understand the regulations and requirements that are involved.

• Get professional advice. If you are not familiar with the legal or regulatory requirements, it is a good idea to get professional advice from a lawyer or accountant.

• Start small. If you are not sure how successful your clinic will be, it is a good idea to start small and gradually expand as your business grows.

• Be patient. It takes time to build a successful dental clinic. Be patient and persistent, and you will eventually achieve your goals.
  

Applying for a New Dental Clinic Licence

Here are the steps on how to apply for a new dental clinic licence in Singapore:

1. Log in to the Healthcare Application and Licensing Portal (HALP). You can find the HALP website here: https://elis.moh.gov.sg/elis/

2. Select "New Application" and then "Dental Clinic Licence".

3. Fill out the application form and upload the required documents. The required documents include:

• A copy of your dental registration certificate.

• A copy of your business registration certificate.

• A copy of the lease agreement for your premises.

• A floor plan of your premises.

• A list of the equipment and furniture that you will be using in your clinic.

4. Pay the application fee. The application fee for a dental clinic licence is $500.

5. Submit your application. Once you have submitted your application, the MOH will review it and make a decision within 6 weeks.

Here are some additional tips for applying for a new dental clinic licence in Singapore:

• Make sure that you have all of the required documents before you submit your application.

• Be clear and concise when filling out the application form.

• Proofread your application carefully before you submit it.

• Pay the application fee on time.

If your application is successful, the MOH will issue you a dental clinic licence. The licence will be valid for 5 years. You will need to renew your licence every 5 years.

Here are some of the requirements for a dental clinic licence in Singapore:

• The clinic must be located in a suitable premises.

• The clinic must be equipped with the necessary equipment and furniture.

• The clinic must be staffed by qualified dentists and hygienists.

• The clinic must be clean and sanitary.

• The clinic must comply with the MOH's regulations.

1. Register with ACRA

o Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) Profile

Do note that the licensee can be an individual or an entity (Company / Sole Proprietor / Chartitable Organisation).

2. Premises Information

o Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)’s Fire Safety Certificate

The details of your premises and take note of the Fire Safety Certificate for your premises.

• For Non-medical commercial building

The total gross floor area (GFA) for clinics within a non-medical commercial building will be capped at 3,000sqm or 20% of the total floor area approved for commercial use, whichever is lower.

Write to MOH via MOH_Check_GFA@moh.gov.sg to check if your clinic is within the use quantum limits of the non-medical commercial building, and verify if your clinic can be exempted from submitting a planning application to URA.

• For Shared premises

If you share a unit address with another entity, it must be physically separated from non-healthcare institutions, i.e. separate entrances.

o Undertaking letter signed by existing and new licensees (Required only when the licence application is due to the change of licensee)

Submit the licence application no later than 2 MONTHS before the intended commencement date.

3. Application

▪ Submit application.

Licensee Particulars

Applicant / Authorised Person Particulars

The Authorised Person is the person appointed to liaise with MOH on licensing matters. This can be the licensee or an appointed staff member.

MedAlert Responsible Person Particulars

MedAlert Responsible Person is the person appointed to receive the medical alert notifications and circulars issued by MOH.

Manager / Deputy Manager Particulars

Do note that the Manager / Deputy Manager must be a registered medical practitioner / dentist.

Medical clinics which do not have at least one Family Physician registered with the Singapore Medical Council (excluding locums) will not be allowed to have the word “Family” in their clinic name.

You are required to indicate all the services that your clinic provides.

You will need to have a list of all the Doctors and Trained Nurses (only for medical clinics) that will be practising at your clinic. You will need their names, NRIC numbers and Professional Registration numbers.

Making Payment

Do pay licence fees as stated, to complete your application.

Once payment is made, the application process on the applicant’s part is completed.

Inspection

You will receive an email notification to arrange for a site inspection.

Ensure documents are ready for inspection. (e.g. MOM’s Registration for Pressure Vessels, NEA’s Licence for Irradiating Equipment).

Inspectors may contact you for further clarifications after inspection.

Outcome

▪ Receive email notification on application status within 5 working days from the date when all licensing requirements are met.

▪ View e-licence on eLis upon approval.

Post-Approval

▪ Renew e-licence (on eLis) no later than 2 months from the expiry date.

How Bestar can Help

Bestar is a company formation consultant that can help you set up a dental clinic in Singapore. They can help you with the following:

• Choosing a business structure. Bestar can help you choose the right business structure for your dental clinic, taking into account your personal circumstances and the specific needs of your business.

• Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. Bestar can help you apply for the necessary licenses and permits from the MOH and other government agencies.

• Finding a suitable location. Bestar can help you find a suitable location for your dental clinic, taking into account factors such as the size of the clinic, the location of your target market, and the cost of rent.

• Designing and renovating the premises. Bestar can help you design and renovate the premises of your dental clinic to meet the requirements of the MOH.

Bestar has a team of experienced consultants who can help you with all aspects of setting up a dental clinic in Singapore. They can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make your dream of owning a dental clinic a reality.

Here are some of the benefits of using Bestar to set up a dental clinic in Singapore:

• Expertise. Bestar has a team of experienced consultants who have helped many people set up successful dental clinics in Singapore.

• Convenience. Bestar can handle all of the paperwork and red tape involved in setting up a dental clinic, so you can focus on your business.

• Peace of mind. Knowing that you have a team of experienced professionals who can help you every step of the way can give you peace of mind.

If you are considering setting up a dental clinic in Singapore, contact Bestar to see how they can help you.

If you have any questions, please contact professionals from Bestar.

Setting Up a Dental Clinic

Setting Up a Dental Clinic | Bestar