Resources Is this the right time to start your private dental practice? 7 Key Considerations in setting up Dental Clinic in Singapore. By Medinex Specialist Centre Team July 22, 2026 There is a shortage of dentists in Singapore. With a population approaching approximately 6.4 to 6.9 million within the next 5 years, there is a shortage of dentists in both the public healthcare institutions and in the private dental healthcare sector. In a written answer for a query raised in parliament on 2nd April 2024 on the matter regarding ‘INCREASING THE NUMBER OF DENTISTS IN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS TO MEET SINGAPOREANS’ DENTAL CARE NEEDS’, it was mentioned that “the number of dentists in the public healthcare sector grew by about 40%, from around 400 in 2013 to around 540 at the end of 2022. Going forward, we will continue to increase the number of dentists in public healthcare institutions to meet growing demand.” 1. Key Considerations in Setting Up Private Dental Practice in Singapore Dr Kelvin Chye, Vice President of Singapore Dental Association (48th Council 2024-2026) mentioned in his presentation ‘National Oral Health Strategy A Sharing of Perspective from Singapore’ that as of 2022, dentists to population ratio was around 4.6:10,000. According to the WHO registry, most developed nations would register ratios of above 6 dentists per 10,000 population. Singapore still has room to expand dental services in the future – we have about 3050 dentists in practice, which means that to reach parity with developed nations, our dentists’ population would have to increase to around 3,600 to 3,800 – there is substantial growth potential for the dental service sector. The other concern is the rising demand for dental care for the rapidly aging population in Singapore. In the report ‘Population in Brief 2025’ released on Sept 29, 2025, the National Population and Talent Division (NPTD) mentioned that: “the proportion of Singaporeans aged 65 years and older is rising, and at a faster pace compared with the last decade. About 24 per cent of citizens are projected to be aged 65 and above by 2030.” Separately, in the State of Oral Healthcare in Singapore Results from the National Oral Health Survey 2019, it was reported that only ‘35.7% of those above 65 years of age are having 21 or more natural teeth – the desirable number of teeth for normal functioning.’ This implies that nearly two-thirds of those above 65 are in need of extensive dental care and intervention. “Dental caries (cavities) experience was highly prevalent … with severe gingival inflammation and moderate periodontitis.” The report also mentioned that nearly four-fifth of those surveyed usually seek dental care in private dental clinics. In view of shifts in demographics and demand patterns, the Singapore Government’s broad Oral Health Strategies for the future is to have ‘vertical integration between tertiary and primary care providers’ and to build up ‘robust primary dental care network through horizontal integration between public and private healthcare’ providers. Dentists practising in Singapore who are currently considering launching their private dental care services will be able to obtain setting up and financing advisory through professional consultants, such as Medinex Specialist Centre, for their clinics. While setting up a dental practice can often seem daunting, we have summarized the process under the following seven, though not exhaustive, key considerations: 7 Key Considerations in Dental Clinic Set Up ( The 7 S’s of Dental Clinic Set Up ) 1. STURCTURE – Planning and Setting Up the Business Framework of Your Practice Registering your dental business – in Singapore, to operate any business entity, whether a one-man proprietor or multiple shareholding company, you will need to, by law, register the business with ACRA – Singapore’s national regulator of business registration, financial reporting, public accountants, and corporate service providers (CSPs). This will involve choosing the appropriate name for your dental practice – while there are guidelines in using certain words such as ‘Singapore’, ‘National’ or ‘Temasek’, selecting one that represents your practice’s vision and values will be imperative in this phase. Getting your practice license – beyond having a practice license from the Singapore Dental Council, getting the HCSA licence is a crucial step in starting your clinic operation. Promulgated on 6 January 2020 to regulate healthcare services in Singapore, the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) is for providers who are intending to offer a Licensable Healthcare Service (LHS), which in this case is your dental clinic. You will need to obtain this licence first before you are allowed to offer dental services in Singapore. Like any business, determining your organization structure – sole proprietor, private limited, Partnership and LLC, etc. Shareholding structure ( who owns the practice? Dentist + investors) – is an important decision. Drafting up shareholders agreement – document defining the relationship between shareholders, share transfer restrictions, and dispute resolution – is often a time of obtaining alignment in the values and objectives of the practice in the starting phase. 2. SERVICE – Managing Your Service’s Operation & Financials Knowing the business – how revenue is streaming in, flowing out and is being retained in the practice is paramount. Bookkeeping, accounting and fulfilling statutory requirements of filing financial documents is important not just for tracking the sustainability of the business but also for being accountable to the relevant authorities. Know your Revenue – the profit margin of most general dental clinics ranges between 25% to 40%. Specialist dental services will tend to be higher due to more complicated surgical treatments. Typically, in a dental clinic, a 60-30-10 distribution of dental service offerings would be observed. Routine procedures such as scaling, polishing, extractions, dental consultation and fluoride services are usually the cash cows – i.e. the main revenue generator. Crown, fillings, root canal, paediatric dental, braces and surgical procedures will make up about 30%, with the residual 10% of the revenue coming from dentures, tooth whitening and dental implants. While revenue distribution is a function of the intended target market of the clinic, it is often correlated with the demographics
Legacy Planning: When Should High Net Worth Individuals Consider A Trust
Resources Legacy Planning: When Should High Net Worth Individuals Consider A Trust By Medinex Specialist Centre Team June 30, 2026 By Medinex Team According to the HSBC Life 2026 Legacy Planning Survey, approximately 45% of Singapore’s High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) now have formal legacy plans in place, outpacing their regional peers. However, a significant gap remains with 50% of these individuals citing the potential mismanagement of wealth by the next generation as their primary concern. With more complex considerations today, the conversation for legacy planning is shifting from a simple distribution – normally via Wills in the past – to a more sophisticated form such as a Trust. 1. Understanding The Differences Between A Will & A Trust While both Wills and Trusts are designed to help you pass on your legacy, they function with varying levels of speed, privacy, and control. Let’s start by understanding what they are. The Family Trust A Will is a legal document that outlines your instructions for how your assets—such as property, money, and personal belongings—should be distributed after your death. It also allows you to appoint an executor to manage your estate and name guardians if you have any minor children. Trusts A Trust is a legal arrangement where one party (the trustee) holds and manages assets on behalf of another party (the beneficiary). It is created by a “settlor” (or grantor) to ensure their property, cash, or investments are handled exactly according to their wishes. 2. Key Differences Between Will & Trust Feature Will Trust Fund (Living/Inter-vivos) Activation Only upon death. Can be active immediately (during your lifetime). Publicity Becomes a public record through the probate process. Remains private; there is no public trust register in Singapore. Probate Requires court validation (can take 6 months to years). Bypasses probate; assets transfer or remain managed instantly. Continuity Offers a “one-time” distribution of assets. Allows for “staged” distributions over decades or generations. Incapacity Does not manage assets if you are alive but mentally incapacitated. Can provide seamless asset management if the settlor loses capacity. 3. Why Should You Consider A Trust As of 2026, Singapore’s Trustees Act 1967 and its recent refinements have made the city-state a global hub for wealth protection. Here are some of the benefits you should be aware of. A. Robust Asset Protection A Trust separates legal ownership (the Trustee) from beneficial interest (the Beneficiary). This shields the assets from creditors, lawsuits, or bankruptcy and is particularly vital for business owners. IQ-EQ Singapore notes that trusts prevent “sideways disinheritance,” ensuring assets stay within the bloodline even in cases of remarriage or divorce within the family. B. Preventing “Affluenza” Affluenza is a portmanteau of “affluence” and “influenza”, and it describes the negative psychological, social, and behavioural effects of wealth and extreme materialism. A lump-sum inheritance may stifle a child’s drive, but with Trust, it allows for Conditional Distribution. You can specify the conditions for the funds to be released, such as higher education, entrepreneurial ventures, or milestones (reaching age 30, marriage, or buying a first home). C. Tax Efficiency and Incentives In the 2026 tax climate, Singapore resident trusts face a 17% headline tax rate on income. However, many HNWIs utilise Section 13O or 13U tax incentive schemes for Family Offices, which, when paired with a trust, can result in tax-exempt treatment for qualifying investment income. Speak to us if you need further clarification on this. 4. Key Considerations For Setting Up A Trust 1. Professional vs. Private Trustees: While appointing a family member is cheaper, professional trustees offer neutrality. HSBC Life reports that 37% of Singaporean HNWIs fear family conflict; a professional trustee acts as a “buffer” to prevent disputes. 2. Jurisdictional Risk: If you have assets in the US or UK, setting up a Singapore trust may trigger “exit taxes” or “grantor trust” rules. Always seek integrated advice if your family has mixed residency. 3. Setup & Maintenance of Trust can be costly. A standalone discretionary trust with a licensed trust company can cost between $15,000 to $35,000 to set up. There will also be an annual fee for administration ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on asset complexity. Tags: Clinic OwnersDoctorsEstate PlanningHealthcare BusinessLegacy PlanningMedical Entrepreneurshipprivate practiceProfessional TrusteesTrust PlanningWealth ProtectionWill vs Trust References & Sources • HSBC Life “Bridging the Intentions-Action Gap” Legacy Survey (March 2026).• Capgemini World Wealth Report (June 2026).• Singapore Trustees Act 1967 (Updated 2026).• IQ-EQ Singapore Succession Insights (October 2025).• The Straits Times: Family Estate Dispute Analysis (June 2026). If you need further consultation on how to set up a Trust fund, send us an email at contact@medinexsc.com.sg . MEDINEX Specialist Centre is an established one-stop consultancy service with more than 20 years of experience helping companies and High-Net-Worth Individuals. We understand the challenges and have the necessary expertise to provide the right solutions to overcome them.
Setting Up Your Private Practice Can Be Overwhelming. If You Are Doing It On Your Own.
Resources Setting Up Your Private Practice Can Be Overwhelming. If You Are Doing It On Your Own. By Medinex Specialist Centre Team July 23, 2025 By Medinex Team 1. A Turnkey Service To Set Up Your Private Practice Professionally & Expediently. Many aspects of setting up your private clinic are intimidating and unfamiliar as they fall out of your professional training as a medical doctor. The expertise and experience required in setting up your clinic can be more demanding than you expect. It requires expertise in regulatory and financial compliance, operations and human resource management, branding and marketing development know-how, and more. While it may not be impossible to manage this Herculean task yourself, it may be more effective and beneficial in the long run to have it professionally managed by companies with the relevant expertise and track records. Medinex Specialist Centre provides one-stop support and consultancy services with a team of highly experienced professionals to meet all your needs. We also have a proven track record in helping General Practitioners and Specialists start their own private practices. Hear Two Specialists Share Their Experiences Learn from Dr. Loong Tse Han from Loong Colorectal and Dr. Derek Park from Park Orthopaedic as they share their personal experiences and insights on the setting up of their private practices. You may watch the full videos by clicking the play buttons below or read the key highlights we extracted below. https://youtu.be/s1htSNkku78 Dr. Loong Tse Han LOONG COLORECTAL Question Please share with us your clinic setup experience. Dr. Loong“When I was first contemplating coming to private practice, there were a lot of concerns that I had, specifically to … finding the clinic space. Then I realised there is a lot of regulations … they were particularly concerning to me because … it is a field outside of what I was familiar with.” “So, I was apprehensive about the logistics of getting clinic licensing, getting set up in terms of inventory, getting staffing. All these issues were things that I was contemplating as potential hurdles …. But with Medinex, all these were addressed very smoothly.” Question Is there something that surprises you in this journey? Dr. Loong “That there are people out there that specialise in this field. Before this, I wasn’t aware and I thought I have to do everything myself. So, at first, I was just looking at just the accounting service, because I know the accounts is where I need someone to manage. “ “Then I realise that there are also other services that could help with the clinic set up, to make things a lot smoother. … I was under the impression that I have to set up my own Instagram page, Facebook page perhaps. … my initial plan was to set up a very rudimentary website just to give my contact details but the branding team (Medinex) showed me that there is a lot more involved in branding and the website setup. Question What is one advice you would give to doctors who will be setting up their clinics? Dr. Loong “There are people that have the expertise in areas that they (doctors) are not so familiar with, that can help them in the setup and the journey can be a lot smoother than they initially think what it might be.” https://youtu.be/cQnesBCSoiE Dr. Derek Park PARK ORTHOPAEDIC Question What were some of the challenges when you first started your clinic? Dr. Park“In terms of the challenges, there are 3 parts, one is the practical aspect of setting up the clinic, then the financial aspect, and the mental aspect.” “The financial aspects were quite challenging as well. You have to get a sense of what is your initial capital budget is, and that is not easy to do because you can’t project for activities. So, it’s always going to be an estimate. You put aside a certain amount of capital and certain amount of family savings with the understanding that the first year or two will be quite challenging …” Question How has Medinex helped you in your clinic setup journey? Dr. Park “… there were various things like inventory, outstanding payments, improvements to clinic functions like stock taking, ordering investigations, how to chase outstanding late payments, … to training the clinic assistants that I have no insights to.” “… You (Medinex) have so much experience with clinic setup, that you can see someone’s processes like mine and suggest improvements. … Tapping on the experience that Medinex has, was very, very useful. “One other thing was applying for Tele-medicine licensing and NEHR onboarding, … they (Medinex) were able to help us to apply for Tele-medicine licensing, otherwise it would have been quite painful for me.” 2. Finding the Right Partner Is Critical For The Success Of Your Clinic Setup Beyond the competencies in term of services across company registration, corporate secretarial, accounting and tax services, statutory filing, branding and marketing, it is also important to select a company that has a proven track record providing these services specifically to General Practitioners (GP) and Specialist Clinics. This experience will enable these partners to provide value-added services for your business such as regulatory compliance, licensing administration, clinic operations improvements, recruitment and training of your clinic staff and more. Medinex Specialist Centre comprises a team of business service professionals and certified public accountants based in Singapore who can help you manage your business risk and safeguard your corporate financial and structural constitution. We have over 20 years of experience and expertise in helping GPs and specialists navigate complexity while strengthening them through our complete services. Tags: clinic licensingclinic operations setupclinic recruitment and training.clinic setupMedinex Specialist Centreprivate practiceregulatory complianceSingapore doctorsturnkey service