So you’re thinking of starting your own dental practice?
6 things to know before investing in a private practice in Pakistan
When I made the decision to start my own dental practice I searched high and low for guidance. The one place I had counted on the most for information but turned out to be the least useful was the internet.
There was plenty of general information regarding opening a business or a dental setup. But nothing concrete, and nothing at all about how to go about doing so in Pakistan.
So I turned instead to the considerable alumni network of my alma mater, Army Medical College. This network comprised of my old professors and seniors who were more than happy to provide me with the guidance and contacts I needed to start my journey as a budding dental entrepreneur.
With TwinCity Dental officially ready to open its doors, I myself have started receiving calls from colleagues both congratulating me and also asking for advice regarding their own prospective practices.
While I’m always open and frankly humbled to share my experiences, my reach is limited. I want to leave this post here for all fellow dentists seeking help. Bear in mind though, that these recommendations are based on my personal experience. I in no way claim to be an authority on this subject and others might disagree with what I’ve said. So feel free to ask around before making your final decisions.
That said, here’s a list of 6 things to know before opening up your private practice:
1. It doesn’t have to cost a lot
Since 2018 the federal government has started levying heavier taxes on all imported dental and medical machinery and equipment. Coupled with this the value of the Pakistani rupee has dipped significantly. Thus, the prices of most dental goods have increased significantly.
That said, for my colleagues on a budget, there are always less expensive options available. You just need to find the right vendor.
Don’t invest very heavily in a new practice. Later when your practice starts generating a good profit, you can always choose to upgrade.
In 2020 the minimum amount you need to spend on machinery and material — that is actually of good quality — is roughly Rs 12–18 Lakhs. There’s no upper limit. If you have the capital you can spend as much as you want.
2. You’ll need a business plan
Make a list of all the things you need and everything you’ll need to get done.
Decide on your budget, allocate funding towards your location, remodeling, equipment, material, marketing, and staff.
Jot down your short term, midterm, and long term goals.
Sincere advice: you’ll need patience.
It can take anywhere from 2 to 5 years for your practice to start becoming profitable. Yes, you read that number correctly. There is a reason most dental practices in Pakistan close within their first year. Plan accordingly. And don’t get demoralized if your clinic doesn't do as well as you expected in the first few years of its run.
3. Find the right location
Unfortunately, dentistry in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (where I am based) has become highly saturated and competitive. Finding the right location at an affordable rent might be the most important decision you take.
You’ll need to find a place that is accessible, within your budget, and not already teeming with other dentists.
A quick google search of your desired location will inform you about the population demographics and what your competition will look like.
For example, there are currently 9 dental practices in sector G-11, 5 in sector G-10, and only 2 in sector G-13.
Therefore, when deciding on a location for ‘TwinCity Dental’ I chose to go with G-13 even though the other two options were closer to my place of residence.
4. Chose the right vendor!
I spent several months taking recommendations, meeting with potential vendors, checking out the equipment, even sometimes going to warehouses outside the city just to be 100% sure that when I finally made my decision I knew that I had purchased the best possible equipment at the most economical rates.
Some vendors will try to screw you over, some simply won’t have good equipment, others will have good products but provide poor aftercare services. Make sure you survey the market thoroughly and make a well-informed decision.
5. Plan for staffing
As I mentioned above, your practice will not start generating a profit immediately. Therefore, in the beginning, hire minimal staff, and as your patient base grows you can expand as need be.
From my experience at my previous workplace, I’ve learned that a good assistant can not only handle your reception but also aid you chairside. Start the interview and hiring process at least 2–3 weeks before your official opening so that you have time to build a good rapport with your assistant.
6. Attract Patients
You can set up the most high-end practice in the city and still not get patients if they don’t know you exist.
How much you chose to spend on publicity will again depend on your budget, but online and billboard marketing campaigns can go a long way in getting the word out about your practice and lining up your very first patients.
Stay active on social media. You should make daily posts on your Facebook and Instagram pages. Always document your cases and (with your patient’s permission) share them on your socials, this is going to be one of your major means of attracting new patients.
Feel free to contact me if you have any further queries. I wish all you aspiring dental CEOs the very best! ❤️
Dr. Zainab Javed Qadri is a board-certified dentist and CEO of her private practice, “TwinCity Dental” situated in Islamabad, Pakistan. Through her Medium articles, she aims to create dental and oral health awareness in the local and international populace.
