Planning to open your own private dental clinic in Malaysia?
Setting up a dental clinic is not just about renting a shop lot and buying dental equipment. It involves company registration, clinic licensing, renovation approval, professional practising requirements, staff registration and ongoing compliance with multiple authorities.
This guide explains the key steps dentists should know before opening a private dental clinic in Malaysia.
1. Understand the Current Dental Clinic Requirements
Before starting, dentists should take note of several important regulatory updates.
The Dental Act 2018 has replaced the old Dental Act 1971. Dentists must now apply for their Annual Practising Certificate (APC) online through the Malaysian Healthcare Practitioners’ System, also known as MHPS.
From 1 January 2025, dentists must also have valid professional indemnity insurance and sufficient Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points before renewing their APC.
If the clinic plans to use dental X-ray equipment, the licence must be obtained from the Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia, also known as Atom Malaysia, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
2. Choose the Right Location
Location is one of the most important decisions when opening a dental clinic.
Your premises may be rented or owned, but you should consider:
• Local demographics
• Nearby competitors
• Accessibility and parking
• Visibility from the main road
• Public transport access
• Population density and growth
• Suitability of the premises for clinic renovation
A good location can support patient flow, long-term growth and clinic sustainability.
3. Register Your Sdn Bhd
Most private dental clinics operate through a Sdn Bhd registered under the Companies Act 2016.
A Sdn Bhd gives the business a proper legal structure and allows the clinic to open a company bank account, enter into tenancy agreements, hire staff and manage business expenses under the company.
With Boss Boleh, you can register your Sdn Bhd online and begin preparing the business structure for your dental clinic.
4. Apply for a Signboard Licence
Before installing your clinic signboard, you must apply for a signboard licence from the relevant local council.
For example:
• DBKL for Kuala Lumpur
• MBPJ for Petaling Jaya
• Other local council depending on your clinic location
The requirements may vary depending on the council but generally include:
• Tenancy agreement or purchase agreement
• Business location map
• Photos of the proposed signboard location
• Signboard design, size, colour and layout
• Company documents
You should check the local council’s requirements before printing or installing your signboard.
5. Register the Clinic with CKAPS / JKN
A private dental clinic is considered a licensed healthcare facility. Therefore, the premises must be registered before it can operate.
The key legislation is the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586) and its related regulations.
The clinic registration process is handled by CKAPS through the relevant State Health Department or Federal Territory Health Department.
To start the application, you must submit Borang A.
Borang A generally requires information such as:
• Clinic name
• Clinic address
• Proposed opening date
• Operating hours
• Type of dental services offered
• Applicant details
• Person in charge details
• Staff information
• Floor plan
• Financial particulars
• Supporting documents
A processing fee of RM500 applies.
If the proposed clinic layout is approved, CKAPS / JKN will issue a No Objection Letter, allowing you to proceed with renovation.
6. Renovate the Clinic According to MOH Standards
Your dental clinic’s design should meet the Ministry of Health (MOH) standards.
Key areas that need to adhere to these regulations include the clinic’s infrastructure, the documents you keep on-site, pharmaceutical services, and specifications for private dental clinics under KPJKS.
For detailed information on these requirements:-
i) Infrastructure
- Choose a location away from noise and smoke.
- Ensure proper door widths and emergency exits.
- Set up waiting areas, reception, and consultation rooms with appropriate dimensions.
- Equip treatment rooms with necessary facilities.
ii) Document in Clinic
- Maintain clinic policies, contracts, and patient procedures.
- Have procedures for things like patient registration, billing, and grievance handling.
iii) Pharmaceutical Services
- Create a dedicated space for storing medicines.
- Follow guidelines for storing and labelling medications, especially vaccines.
iv) Dental Clinic in KPJKS
- Make it easily accessible for outpatients.
- Set up public facilities like waiting rooms, reception, and rest areas.
7. Inspection Of Dental Clinic By UKAPS ?
Once settled with your dental clinic’s setup and renovation, UKAPS will schedule an inspection. They’ll give you a date after you let them know your clinic is ready.
During this visit, they’ll check everything based on the rules you’ve been told about. There’s a guideline you can review to know exactly what they’ll be looking at.
Your application will move to CKAPS in Putrajaya if everything is up to their standards.
8. Evaluation of Dental Clinic Application by Cawangan Kawalan Amalan Perubatan Swasta (CKAPS) ?️
The CKAPS team will closely examine it once you’ve sent in your application. This review usually takes about 4 weeks. After that, they’ll let you know if it’s been approved.
If they say yes, they’ll send you a letter asking for a fee. This costs RM1,000. You can pay this with a bank draft or money order made to Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. Remember, they won’t take personal cheques or cash.
After paying, you can get your Borang B form. With this in hand, you can open your dental clinic in Malaysia!
9. Launch Your Dental Clinic ?
With all the preparations, you’re ready to start your private dental clinic in Malaysia. As you embark on this journey, here are a few suggestions to help draw and keep patients:
- Begin by offering tailored treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique dental requirements.
- After their visits, be it for a check-up or procedure, take a moment to follow up and see how they’re feeling.
- Additionally, consider leveraging advertisements to introduce your clinic to potential patients.
10. Licence for Advertisement ?
Before you kick off any advertising efforts, securing a license specifically for clinic promotions is essential. Your local council issues this license; its specifics can differ based on your clinic’s location.
For example, if your dental practice is in Kuala Lumpur, you must get a Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) license.
Typically, it takes about 2 months to get this license approved. Once you have it in hand, you’re ready to launch your advertising campaign for your clinic.
11. Annual Practising Certificate ?
After opening your dental clinic, updating your APC with the new clinic address is crucial. This can be done at the Ministry of Health in Putrajaya.
Remember to renew your APC annually. Submit renewal applications to the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) before 1 November of the ongoing year. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
- One main practising address: RM 100
- Two practising addresses: RM 200
- Three or more practising lessons: RM 300
A late fee of RM100 applies for delayed applications. Other APC-related prices include:
- Copy of APC: RM 50
- Changing details or address on APC: RM 30
Payment Methods:
- Manual: Use a Postal Order or Bank Draft, payable to ‘Pendaftar Pergigian‘ Note: Cash and personal cheques aren’t accepted.
- Online: This option will be available soon.
It’s essential for dentists to have a distinct APC for each practice location and to display the APC prominently at each site, as per Section 42 of the Dental Act 2018.
Click HERE for more details.
12. Hiring your Team/Staff ??⚕️
The efficiency of your dental clinic is often influenced by having skilled staff on board.
However, before bringing them on ensure that their EPF and SOCSO formalities are finalized at the local KWSP/EPF and PERKESO offices or through online processes.
13. X-ray Machine Installation ?
Securing a Class C license is crucial if you’re considering adding an X-ray machine to your dental clinic. This is mandated by the Atomic Energy Licensing Act (ACT 304) and can be obtained from the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
The cost for this license, regardless of the number or type of equipment you have, is RM200.00 annually.
When paying the license fee, you can do so through a money order, postal order or a crossed cheque directed to the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
14. Procurement of Drugs ?
You need the Annual Practising Certificate (APC) to get medications for the clinic. After securing the APC, you can establish an account with pharmaceutical companies to source the required drugs.
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Credits –
Article by: Koghulan Maslamani “How to Open and Set Up a Private Dental in Malaysia”, February 2022. Available at: https://mayflax.com/author/koghulan/