Mobile dental clinic provide dental care directly to people by traveling to locations in customized vans or trucks. They increase access to dental services in underserved communities and provide care efficiently by eliminating the need for patients to travel. Mobile clinics bring the dentist’s office directly to the people who need it most.
Key benefits of mobile dental clinics include:
- Improved access to dental care. Mobile clinics can reach rural areas, inner cities, nursing homes, schools, and other locations underserved by traditional dental offices. This increases access for low-income families, the elderly, and other groups that face barriers to care.
- Convenience for patients. Mobile clinics eliminate the time and transportation challenges patients face getting to a dental office. Care comes directly to them.
- Efficient operations. Mobile clinics avoid the overhead of a dental office by providing care onsite. Dentists can see more patients by eliminating commute times between appointments.
- Portability. Mobile clinics can relocate quickly as community dental needs change. They provide agility in serving shifting or temporary populations.
- Versatility. Mobile clinics can provide a range of services from cleanings and fillings to complex procedures depending on their equipment and staffing. Services are tailored to community needs.
- Reduced anxiety. The informal setting of a mobile clinic can reduce patient fear and anxiety compared to a traditional dental office.
With proper planning and execution, mobile dental clinics can expand access to oral healthcare and serve communities effectively. They bring quality care directly to the people who need it most.
Choosing a Van
When converting a van into a mobile dental clinic, the most popular choices are the Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Master, Ford Transit, and Fiat Ducato. Each has pros and cons to consider.
Mercedes Sprinter
Pros:
- Reliable and durable
- Good cargo capacity
- Tall standing height makes it easy to fit equipment
- Mercedes brand has prestige and trust
Cons:
- More expensive to purchase and maintain
- Limited customization options
- Parts may be harder to source
Renault Master
Pros:
- Lower cost than Sprinter
- Good reliability ratings
- Spacious and flexible layout options
- Readily available parts
Cons:
- Less cargo space than Sprinter
- Not as tall inside
- Unknown resale value
Ford Transit
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Easy to find parts and service
- Good reliability and cargo space
- Customizable configurations
Cons:
- Cramped headroom
- Noisy ride quality
- Less prestigious than Mercedes
Fiat Ducato
Pros:
- Most affordable full-size van
- Excellent fuel economy
- Simple, functional design
- Lightweight yet spacious
Cons:
- Questionable long-term reliability
- Limited dealer network in some regions
- Basic trim and features
- Low resale value
Choosing the ideal van depends on budget, required features, and preference for brand prestige versus value. Test driving each model can help determine the best fit.
Layout and Design
The layout and design of a mobile dental clinic van is crucial for creating an efficient workflow and patient experience. Optimizing the limited space inside the van requires careful planning and attention to detail.
The first consideration is what dental equipment needs to be installed. Most mobile clinics will require at a minimum:
- A dentist’s chair
- Dental light
- Delivery unit with handpieces, suction, and other attachments
- Dental cart or cabinetry for instruments and supplies
- Sterilization equipment
- X-ray unit (if desired)
- Work surface for the assistant
- Storage for PPE, disposables, documents
The equipment should be arranged ergonomically to allow the dentist and assistant to work comfortably in a small space. There needs to be clear circulation space around the patient chair. Lines of sight and reach should be optimized.
Many mobile dental vans utilize a split level design. The dentist’s chair is elevated on a platform to allow better positioning of equipment like the light and delivery unit. Cabinetry, work surfaces, and storage are located below the chair platform to maximize headroom above.
The dental assistant area is often located behind the patient’s head for easy hand-off of instruments and supplies. This position also allows the assistant to document procedures and manage suction/irrigation.
Good lighting, both ambient and task, is essential. Skylights or roof hatches can allow in natural light. Adjustable LED surgical lights provide focused illumination of the oral cavity.
The sterilization center is ideally placed in the front or rear of the van for access separate from dental procedures. This equipment generates heat that should be isolated from the main cabin.
While layout is constrained by the van dimensions, careful planning allows an efficient clinical environment to be created on the road.
Required Equipment
A well-equipped mobile dental clinic requires several key pieces of equipment to perform dental procedures and examinations. At a minimum, the following equipment is recommended:
- Dental chair – An adjustable reclining chair allows patients to sit in a comfortable position during procedures. Electric chairs with an attached unit for handpieces and other equipment are ideal.
- Dental light – A focused light source, usually LED, provides illumination for the dentist to see inside the patient’s mouth clearly. Flexible positioning is needed.
- Suction – A saliva ejector removes water and debris from the mouth during procedures. High-volume suction is important.
- Delivery unit – This holds the handpieces, instruments and other supplies needed for each procedure within the dentist’s reach.
- Handpieces – High and low speed drills and other dental handpieces connected to the delivery unit via tubing. Air-driven or electric options are available.
- Autoclave – A device for sterilizing all instruments and handpieces between patients. A minimum 15-20 minute sterilization cycle is required.
- X-ray unit – Digital dental radiography equipment allows for intraoral images. A wall-mounted arm or portable unit may be used.
- Compressor – Provides compressed air to power air-driven handpieces, tools and instruments.
- Operator stool – An adjustable stool allows the dentist to sit in an ergonomic position when treating patients.
- Cabinets & storage – For supplies, instruments, disposables, medications and patient records. Secured cabinets are ideal.
Having high-quality dental equipment is essential for a mobile clinic to provide excellent care for patients. Proper installation, operation and maintenance procedures must be followed.
Power and Water Systems
A mobile dental clinic requires reliable power and water systems as well as waste disposal while on the road. Here are some key considerations:
- Running water is essential for dental procedures and sterilization. The van should have a potable water tank, pump, and heater. Hot water is needed for handwashing and instrument cleaning. Estimate water needs based on procedures.
- Powering dental equipment requires an alternator, inverter, battery bank, and shore power hookup. Plan for equipment like compressor, autoclave, x-ray unit, curing light, etc. Install enough batteries to run equipment if engine is off. Consider a quiet generator or solar power.
- Proper waste disposal is critical. Have holding tanks for wastewater and sewage. Handle hazardous waste per regulations. Install sharps containers, red bag trash bins, amalgam separator, and biohazardous waste storage. Plan waste pumping and disposal stops.
- Layout should allow convenient access to water and power components for maintenance and repair. Place tanks/batteries to distribute weight properly. Good ventilation is needed for heat generating equipment.
- Consult experienced van builders to design and install optimized systems. Follow all codes and regulations. Test thoroughly before going live. Have redundancies in place for equipment failures or leaks.
Staffing
A mobile dental clinic requires a team to operate it. At minimum, you will need:
- A licensed dentist to provide examinations and procedures. They oversee all clinical operations.
- 1-2 dental assistants to aid the dentist, prepare instruments, sterilize equipment, take x-rays, and manage patient records. Their duties are similar to a regular dental office.
- A driver to transport the van between locations and setup at each site. They may also help with clinic operations.
Additional staff can include:
- A receptionist to check patients in, schedule appointments, handle payments and insurance claims. This allows the clinical staff to focus on providing care.
- A hygienist for cleanings, exams, and preventive services. They can see patients when the dentist is occupied.
- An office manager to coordinate logistics, marketing, staffing, compliance, finances, and other administrative tasks.
The number of staff depends on your service model and patient volume. Solo dentists can run a clinic with 1 assistant and a part-time driver/receptionist. Busy practices may require 2-3 assistants, a hygienist, and office staff. Staffing levels should scale to meet demand.
Proper training is essential – clinical staff need to understand mobile equipment and tight spaces. Cross-training helps staff fill multiple roles. Building a cohesive team improves efficiency in the compact clinic environment.
Licensing and Regulations
Operating a mobile dental clinic legally requires meeting regulations and obtaining proper licensing. Here are the key steps:
- Register your business and obtain necessary licenses and tax IDs from state and local governments. This includes a state business license, sales tax permit, and employer ID number.
- Acquire a mobile dental clinic registration or permit from your state dental board. This ensures you meet equipment and sanitation requirements. The application process can take several months.
- Hire licensed dentists and hygienists. All staff must have valid licenses to practice in your service states. Verifying credentials is essential.
- Follow OSHA, HIPAA, ADA, and other regulations. Your clinic must comply with health, accessibility, privacy, and safety rules.
- Obtain a waste transporter permit if transporting hazardous dental waste. Proper disposal protocols are mandatory.
- Secure necessary insurance policies. This includes business, professional liability, commercial auto, and workers’ comp at minimum.
- Display required licenses and registrations. Posting proper documentation in your clinic proves legal operation.
- Develop protocols for crossing state lines. Understand each state’s rules if providing mobile services across borders.
Staying current on all regulations, renewing licenses on time, and keeping detailed records helps ensure your mobile dental clinic meets legal and ethical standards of care.
Insurance and Financing
Operating a mobile dental clinic requires various types of insurance coverage to protect the business, staff, and patients.
Malpractice Insurance
Malpractice insurance is essential to cover any potential lawsuits or claims of negligence. Policies can be obtained from most major insurance providers. Coverage limits of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate are recommended. Premiums are based on factors like professional history, years in practice, specialty, and location.
Vehicle Insurance
Commercial auto insurance should be purchased to cover the van, passengers, and equipment in the event of accidents, damage, or theft. Collision, comprehensive, and liability limits of $1 million are typical starting points. Business owners may also consider umbrella or excess liability policies for further protection.
Business Insurance
General business liability insurance helps cover incidents at mobile clinic sites, such as a patient slipping and falling. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for employees. Other options include data/cyber security and equipment insurance.
Loans and Grants
Financing a mobile dental clinic may involve SBA loans, equipment leasing, commercial loans, or grants. Non-profit clinics can apply for federal HRSA grants. Crowdfunding is another creative option. Costs range from $100k-$300k so sufficient capital is key.
Scheduling and Routines
Effective scheduling and establishing routines are crucial for operating a successful mobile dental clinic. When planning your schedule, there are several factors to consider:
Route Planning
- Determine which areas you plan to serve – underserved rural communities, schools, nursing homes etc. This will guide where you schedule appointments.
- Optimize your route to minimize unproductive drive time between appointments. Cluster appointments together by geography.
- Build relationships with locations to establish regular service schedules. For example, visit certain schools or nursing homes weekly or monthly.
- Use scheduling software and route optimization tools to efficiently plan your schedule and routes. Allow time for traffic delays.
Appointment Setting
- Offer both scheduled appointments and walk-ins. Allow extra time in the schedule for walk-ins.
- Enable online appointment booking through your website or apps like ZocDoc. Make it easy for patients to book.
- Follow up with appointment reminders via phone, text or email to reduce no-shows.
- Accommodate short notice appointments when possible to fill last minute cancellations.
- Adjust schedule based on demand. Expand hours during busy times and trim hours when demand is lower.
Costs and Profit Potential
Operating a mobile dental clinic in a van requires significant upfront and ongoing costs. However, it also presents an opportunity to generate revenue by serving patients who otherwise may not have access to care. Here is an overview of the typical expenses and potential income.
Expenses
- Van purchase or lease payment – Expect to spend $50,000-$100,000+ to buy a van outfitted as a dental clinic. Leasing may cost $1,000-$2,500 per month.
- Insurance – General liability and malpractice insurance are necessities. Budget at least $5,000-$10,000 per year.
- Staff – At minimum you’ll need a dentist and dental assistant. Their salaries will likely be $70,000-$150,000 each.
- Supplies – Tools, sterilization equipment, disposables, and medications will run $15,000-$30,000 per year.
- Fuel and maintenance – For a busy mobile clinic, fuel and van upkeep can reach $10,000+ annually.
- Licensing and compliance – State licensing, inspections, and continuing education can cost several thousand dollars per year.
- Marketing – Advertising, website, signage, etc to attract patients may require a $5,000-$10,000 investment.
Revenue
- Patient fees – What you can charge will depend on your location and patient mix. You may be able to generate $200,000-$500,000 in fees annually.
- Insurance reimbursement – If you participate with dental insurance plans, you can potentially boost revenues 20%-40%.
- Government programs – Medicaid and grants specifically for mobile dental care may provide additional income streams.
Bottom Line
Realistically, a mobile dental clinic will require $100,000-$150,000 upfront and have $100,000-$200,000 in annual operating expenses. With diligent marketing and patient care, you could potentially produce $250,000-$600,000 in annual revenue, yielding a modest profit after expenses. Proper planning and execution are key to succeeding financially with a mobile dental van business.
