The Complete Checklist for Starting a Dental Practice in Australia

Starting a dental practice in Australia is exciting but overwhelming. There are hundreds of tasks to complete, and missing just one can delay your opening by months. We've compiled this comprehensive checklist to ensure you don't miss anything critical.

Quick Summary

This guide covers: Professional registration, business structure, location, equipment, staff, insurance, compliance, and marketing. Bookmark this page - you'll refer to it often.

Phase 1: Professional & Legal Requirements

AHPRA Registration

✓ General registration with the Dental Board of Australia - Verify your registration is current at ahpra.gov.au
✓ Specialist registration (if applicable) - Orthodontics, periodontics, etc.
✓ Provider numbers - Apply for Medicare provider number if offering public health services
✓ Private health fund numbers - Register with major health funds (Medibank, BUPA, HCF, NIB)

Business Structure

✓ Choose business structure - Sole trader, partnership, company, or trust (consult your accountant)
✓ Register for ABN - Australian Business Number is mandatory
✓ Register for GST - Required if turnover exceeds $75,000/year
✓ Register business name - Through ASIC if different from your personal name
✓ Open business bank accounts - Separate personal and business finances

Phase 2: Location & Premises

Finding the Right Location

✓ Demographic research - Analyze population density, age demographics, competition
✓ Accessibility - Public transport, parking, disability access
✓ Visibility - Street frontage, signage opportunities
✓ Lease negotiation - Get a commercial lawyer to review terms
✓ Zoning compliance - Ensure the property is zoned for healthcare use

Fit-out Requirements

✓ Council approvals - Development application if structural changes needed
✓ Infection control compliance - Sterilization room, clinical waste disposal
✓ Radiation safety - Shielding for X-ray equipment, ARPANSA licensing
✓ Plumbing specifications - Dental chair requirements, amalgam separators
✓ Electrical requirements - Adequate power for equipment, emergency lighting

Phase 3: Equipment & Technology

Essential Equipment

✓ Dental chairs - Budget $15,000-$50,000+ per chair
✓ X-ray equipment - OPG, intraoral sensors, CBCT (if offering implants)
✓ Sterilization equipment - Autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners
✓ Handpieces and instruments - High-speed, low-speed, surgical sets
✓ Compressor and suction - Oil-free dental compressor, wet/dry suction

Practice Management Software

✓ Choose practice software - Dental4Windows, EXACT, Dentally
✓ Patient records system - Digital charting, treatment planning
✓ Accounting integration - MYOB, Xero connectivity
✓ Online booking system - Let patients book 24/7 (see our booking solution)

Phase 4: Insurance & Compliance

✓ Professional indemnity insurance - Mandatory through Avant, MDA, MIPS
✓ Public liability insurance - Minimum $10-20 million coverage
✓ Workers compensation - Required if employing staff
✓ Business insurance - Contents, equipment breakdown, loss of income
✓ Cyber insurance - Protect patient data

Phase 5: Staffing

✓ Dental assistants - Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting
✓ Reception/practice manager - Experience with dental software preferred
✓ Employment contracts - Use dental-specific award rates (HPSS Award)
✓ Superannuation setup - 11.5% super guarantee contributions
✓ WorkCover registration - State-based workers compensation
✓ Training protocols - Infection control, emergency procedures

Phase 6: Marketing & Online Presence

Critical for New Practices

Most new dental practices fail not because of clinical skills, but because of poor marketing. Patients can't visit you if they can't find you.

Essential Marketing Setup

✓ Professional website - Mobile-optimized, fast-loading (see our hosting solutions)
✓ Google Business Profile - Complete every section, add photos weekly
✓ Review management - Actively request and respond to reviews (see our review management)
✓ Social media presence - Facebook and Instagram for patient engagement
✓ Messenger automation - Answer patient queries 24/7 (see our messenger automation)

Online Visibility Audit

Before opening, understand your local competition. How visible are they? What are they doing well? What gaps can you fill?

We offer comprehensive visibility audits that analyze your local market and identify opportunities to stand out.

Phase 7: Pre-Opening Checklist

✓ Soft opening - Test all systems with friends and family
✓ Emergency protocols - Medical emergency kit, anaphylaxis training
✓ Appointment book ready - First month of availability set up
✓ Supplies stocked - Consumables, lab work contacts established
✓ Phone system - Auto-attendant, after-hours messaging
✓ Grand opening marketing - Announce on social, local press, signage

Ready to Launch Your Practice?

We help dental practices across Australia build their online presence. From lightning-fast websites to Google Business Profile optimization and review management - we handle the digital side so you can focus on patients.

Get a Free Visibility Audit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating startup costs - Budget 20% buffer for unexpected expenses
2. Choosing location based on rent alone - Visibility and demographics matter more
3. Neglecting online presence - 77% of patients search online before booking
4. Not asking for reviews - Happy patients won't review unless asked
5. DIY marketing - Your time is worth $200+/hour clinically. Outsource marketing.

Estimated Startup Costs

Category	Cost Range (AUD)
Lease deposit & legal	$20,000 - $50,000
Fit-out (2 chair practice)	$150,000 - $300,000
Equipment	$100,000 - $200,000
Initial supplies	$15,000 - $30,000
Marketing launch	$10,000 - $25,000
Working capital (6 months)	$50,000 - $100,000
Total Estimated	$345,000 - $705,000

*Costs vary significantly based on location (Sydney/Melbourne vs regional), new vs existing fit-out, and equipment choices. Get professional quotes for accurate budgeting.