Comprehensive Guide to Working as a Dentist in Singapore (Part Two)

As we continue our guide to working as a dentist in Singapore, this segment sheds light on the essential steps and regulations involved in establishing a dental clinic in this thriving city-state; the cost of dental care as an approximate indication of how profitable it is to run a practice here; and the pay scale for a dentist.

One of the biggest questions asked by those who are keen to practice dentistry in Singapore is this: How do I start my own dental clinic in Singapore?

When it comes to forming a dental clinic in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) takes center stage in overseeing the licensing of medical practices. The Central Licensing Branch (CLB) of MOH handles the application process, and individuals, societies, and organizations with medical licenses can venture into the dental practice realm.

However, there are specific steps and regulations to adhere to before embarking on this journey.

Registering a Dental Clinic in Singapore : Business Entity and Licensing

Before setting up a dental clinic, the first step involves registering with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore (ACRA) to form a business entity. 

Once the business entity is established with ACRA, the next crucial step is to apply for a license with CLB. This procedure mirrors the one for setting up a medical clinic, and both the application and licensing fees are submitted to CLB. 

It’s important to note that applications will only be processed when the complete required documents and license fees are submitted. If you intend to operate multiple branches for your dental clinic, separate applications for each branch are necessary. 

MOH issues licenses individually for each medical facility, including a separate license for the x-ray laboratory. Each license remains valid for two years, and your dental clinic must obtain this essential license from MOH before commencing public services.

Comprehensive Guide to Working as a Dentist in Singapore (Part One)

The Significance of Choosing the Right Name

Choosing an appropriate name for your dental clinic is a significant consideration. Since June 1, 2009, it’s essential to remember that names for medical facilities cannot include the words ‘Singapore’ and ‘National’ without prior approval from MOH.

Meeting Premises Requirements

Setting up a dental clinic involves stringent rules and guidelines concerning the design and layout of the medical facility. 

CLB has developed online PDF guides to facilitate this process, aiding you in preparing for the on-site inspection of the premises, an integral part of the licensing procedure. If the existing space necessitates renovations to comply with regulations, you must apply for a building work permit through the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA). 

Profile: Singapore’s Dental Services and Market

Upon completing the building works, obtaining a Certificate of Statutory Completion and/or a Temporary Occupation Permit from BCA is necessary before occupying the space. 

All renovation works must be undertaken by certified or licensed contractors, including architects. Furthermore, a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is a prerequisite before moving into the building. Obtaining the FSC can be done through the Singapore Civil Defense Force with the assistance of a registered architect or engineer. Moreover, applying for an Advertisement License from BCA is necessary for the business signage displayed on the building.

The Cost of Dental Care in Singapore

If you’re contemplating starting a dental clinic in Singapore, a thorough understanding of the market landscape and the cost of dental care is essential for informed decision-making. 

The dental industry in Singapore presents promising opportunities, with approximately four dentists for every 10,000 people. As of 2020, there were 862 private and 245 public dental clinics in the country. With a forecast compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% in revenue until 2022, the potential for growth is undeniable, especially considering Singapore’s current population of 5,900,882.

Navigating Regulations and Compliance

While the dental industry in Singapore holds great promise, it is vital to recognise that this sector is subject to strict regulations and compliance requirements. Ensuring your dental clinic remains compliant and in top form is crucial for sustained success. While some guidance can be found through readily available resources, seeking expert help when required, such as from 3E Accounting, can be invaluable in navigating the intricacies of compliance.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Procedures

Before undergoing any dental procedures, patients typically undergo an oral health examination by a dentist. The cost of this consultation and examination can range from approximately $15 to $30 at public institutions and between $40 and $150 at private clinics.

For patients requiring further dental procedures, the costs can vary based on the treatment needed:

• Scaling & Polishing: Routine dental check-ups often include scaling and polishing to remove tartar buildup and maintain the brightness of teeth. In public institutions, this procedure can cost approximately $45 to $90, while private clinics charge starting from $70 and may go up to $250.
• Dental Filling: Dental fillings are employed to address tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth, and damage caused by misuse (e.g., tooth grinding). The cost of dental fillings depends on factors such as the type of filling, the number of surfaces to be filled, cavity size, and more, ranging from $50 to $500.
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening procedures help combat tooth discolouration caused by various factors. Although at-home teeth whitening kits are accessible, professional dental examination and diagnosis before opting for teeth whitening services are essential for safety and efficacy. Dental clinics offer teeth whitening procedures at costs ranging from $750 to $1,300.
• Dentures: To address tooth loss, especially among older individuals, dentures offer a practical solution. The cost of dentures per arch ranges from $150 to $2,000, with public institutions charging between $500 to $680 per arch. Subsidies for Merdeka Generation, Pioneer Generation, and CHAS Blue or Orange cardholders can help offset some of the expenses.
• Veneers: Veneers, thin tooth-coloured shells adhered to the front surface of teeth to improve appearance, come at varying costs depending on materials used—composite or porcelain. Veneers can range from $200 to $2,500 per tooth.
• Wisdom Tooth Removal: Wisdom teeth removal, depending on whether it necessitates simple or surgical extraction, can cost between $200 to $2,200 per tooth. MediSave claims cover up to 80% of this procedure’s costs.
• Root Canal Treatment: Root canal treatments, ranging from $270 to $1,600 per tooth, involve the removal of inflamed, infected, or injured pulp from a tooth’s center.
• Dental Crowns: A dental crown, a tooth-shaped cap, helps restore, protect, and cover a tooth. Public institutions offer dental crowns at approximately $700 to $1,300, while private clinics may charge up to $3,000 per unit.
• Dental Implants: For permanent tooth replacement, dental implants offer comfort and durability. Costs for dental implants range from $1,200 to $15,000, and the procedure is MediSave-claimable.

Wages and Salaries for Dentists in Singapore

In this section, we delve into the salary distribution of Singapore dentists to provide a more comprehensive and precise understanding of expected earnings. Rather than relying solely on the average, we have categorised frequently occurring salaries into different ranges to paint a clearer picture of the job’s financial landscape.

The Majority: 10,600 SGD to 14,900 SGD (per month)

The data reveals that a significant portion, approximately 65%, of reported salaries for Dentists in Singapore fall within the range of 10,600 SGD to 14,900 SGD per month. This mid-range segment represents the bulk of professionals in the field, showcasing the typical earning potential for Dentists in the country.

Below 10,600 SGD (per month): The Lower Quartile

Around 20% of Dentists earn below the 10,600 SGD mark per month. These individuals occupy the lower quartile, indicating that a sizeable portion of the workforce faces relatively lower remuneration levels compared to the majority.

14,900 SGD to 16,800 SGD (per month): The Upper Quartile

On the other end of the spectrum, about 10% of Dentists in Singapore enjoy salaries ranging from 14,900 SGD to 16,800 SGD per month. These professionals find themselves in the upper quartile, earning higher wages compared to their peers.

Exceeding 16,800 SGD (per month): The Top Earners

The data shows that only 5% of Dentists in Singapore earn salaries exceeding 16,800 SGD per month. These individuals represent the top earners in the profession, enjoying relatively higher financial rewards for their expertise and experience.

The 25th percentile indicates that 25% of Dentists earn less than 13,800 SGD per month, while the 75th percentile reveals that 75% earn less than 19,400 SGD.

Median Salary and Percentiles: Understanding the Middle Ground

To gain a better grasp of the salary distribution, we also consider the median and percentiles. The median salary for Dentists in Singapore stands at 16,900 SGD per month. This means that half of the professionals earn less than this amount, while the other half earn more.

The 25th and 75th Percentiles: Unraveling the Range

The 25th percentile indicates that 25% of Dentists earn less than 13,800 SGD per month, while the 75th percentile reveals that 75% earn less than 19,400 SGD. These percentiles provide valuable insights into the salary range and distribution for professionals in the dental field.

In Conclusion

As Singapore’s dental industry continues to flourish with a growing number of dentists and dental clinics, the potential for professional growth and success is evident. The city-state’s commitment to providing excellent healthcare facilities and services makes it an attractive destination for dental professionals and patients alike.

For those looking to start a dental clinic in Singapore, understanding the licensing procedures and complying with the stringent premises requirements are essential steps in the process. Additionally, being aware of the cost of dental care in the country will help dentists make informed decisions about pricing and service offerings, ensuring that they cater to the needs of their patients while maintaining a financially viable practice.

Studying the pay scale structure for Dentists in Singapore highlights the diverse earning potentials within the profession. While the majority falls within the mid-range of 10,600 SGD to 14,900 SGD (per month), some individuals earn significantly more, and others face lower remuneration. Understanding these salary dynamics empowers dental professionals to make informed decisions and negotiate equitable compensation for their valuable contributions to oral healthcare in Singapore.

Comprehensive Guide to Working as a Dentist in Singapore (Part Three)