Expert Opinion

What you need to start your dental practice

According to 2020 Statista data, about 41,300 dental practitioners were in employment in the UK. Starting your private dental practice can be a rewarding venture if you are a dentist, as many people take their oral health increasingly seriously. However, there are some essential things you need to turn your dream into a reality.

Please consider these points if you want to learn more about what you need to open your dental office.

  1. Business insurance

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It is common knowledge that many businesses require liability insurance, but a dental practice’s needs are pretty unique. Therefore, speak to your lawyer and an insurance agent about the kind of policies you will need. This way, you can avoid numerous problems in the later stages of your operation. Professional liability malpractice insurance, business loan protection insurance, and entity malpractice insurance are the most common insurance types you should consider for your dental business. Additionally, you may also want to get insurance for dental equipment like mobile chairs and X-ray machines. However, always choose the best insurance policies that align with your requirements and offer you the most benefits.

2. Dental equipment

Dental office equipment is undoubtedly a must-have to set up and run your business successfully. Therefore, it is crucial to put great effort into finding affordable but quality equipment for your practice. Dental patient chairs are essential dentist practice equipment to have since you, your staff, and patients depend on these chairs. When selecting patient chairs, look out for ergonomic units with comfortable padding, adjustable armrests, a thin backrest, and ample legroom to ensure patients’ comfort. Sterilisation equipment, dental operating lights, and suction pumps are some of the other vital pieces of equipment to invest in when setting up your practice.

3. The right location

Location is critical for dentists, so finding the best place to establish your business is a top concern you should address to lay a solid foundation for long-term success. Consequently, pick a centrally located area since convenience plays a vital role when patients decide which dental office to visit. Central locations are convenient to access, so many patients will opt for your services than drive to obscure locations for appointments. Furthermore, you may want to avoid areas saturated with competitors offering the same benefits since it would be harder to stand out in such an environment. Many experts agree that a conveniently located dentist office in an area with few competitors can enjoy a broader patient base and more significant revenue streams, so it is worth searching diligently for the right location for your practice.

4. An online presence

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There are reportedly about 127,000 searches for “dentist near me” in the UK alone. As such, dental practices without an online presence operate in oblivion in today’s digital age. Therefore, set up an appealing, easy-to-navigate, and informative website that offers visitors essential details like your office hours and business phone number. In addition, you can leverage social media to promote your practice and keep your existing clients engaged when they are not in your chair.

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