The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on how to get a dental license in Dubai.
Most dentists in Dubai start as associates at one of the established corporate or private dental practices. This step can last a few years while they save up the capital to start their venture. Some dentists network with other dentists to find like-minded people to start a new venture. Whether you choose to start on your own or with a few partners, the journey begins by creating a plan.
Business Plan for Dental Clinic Business
Business plans are rarely mentioned in dental school, but they are critical for your success. With increased competition and well-established dental providers in Dubai, you will need a stable and solid plan. In addition to a business plan, you will need to know how to organize and manage your new practice, which can be quite different from just being a clinician. You will need to manage personnel, finances, marketing, insurance network management, case referrals, and more!
Unlike other small businesses, you will need a small team to get your business functioning properly. For a new dental office to run smoothly in Dubai, there needs to be at least one dental hygienist, one dental assistant, and a customer care associate. For larger practices with more than one dentist, you will need to adjust your staffing levels accordingly. It is easy to say that employee wages are a more significant ongoing expense for dental practices, costing on average 20 percent of the practice’s total annual income. Talented, skilled staff come at a premium!
Opening and operating a dental practice is a costly endeavor, with costs often reaching in the seven digits in the first year; therefore, it is not for those on a tight budget. Dentists in Dubai are also fiercely competitive. With dental practices of all sizes, there is a lot of competition that puts many entrepreneurs under pressure until they have developed a strong reputation.
Dental Clinic License in Dubai
Most dental practices will opt to get a local license via the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). The license needs additional approvals from the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA), which is the local regulator for the dental industry. You will need a UAE service agent for license issuance.
It is also possible to open a dental practice in a free zone; however, affordable and suitable sites for this endeavor are in limited supply. Dental practices in free zones also require the approval of DHA.
Open a Dental Clinic in Dubai
To open a dental practice in Dubai, you will need one of the degrees from the below list:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc)
You will also be subject to an assessment by the DHA. In addition to testing, there are set requirements on the dimensions, and the type of premises deemed acceptable to the DHA.
The process of getting a license can be pretty cumbersome for someone not accustomed to the bureaucracy at the DED or DHA. Incorrect documentation can lead to costly delays; therefore, we recommend that you employ the services of seasoned consultants who have previously incorporated dental practices in the UAE.
You might be interested in reading: How to Start a Pharmacy Business in Dubai UAE?
We offer a free consultation to outline all the steps from beginning to end, along with detailed estimates of how long the process will take. Our consultation does not require any commitment. Let us help you accomplish your dream of starting your dental clinic business in Dubai.
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