Choosing the ideal location for your dental office is one of the most strategic career decisions. Location directly impacts patient flow, perceived value, and the financial viability of the business.
In this Dental Access guide, we've gathered the main criteria to help you make this decision with confidence and planning.
1. Define your target audience
Before evaluating any property, be clear about the profile of patients you wish to serve:
- What is your audience's income bracket?
- What is the predominant age group (children, adults, seniors)?
- Will you serve companies, insurance plans, or exclusively private patients?
- Do you plan to specialize in a specific area (implants, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry)?
The answers to these questions will define the neighborhood, the property standard, and the type of structure needed.
2. Evaluate location and accessibility
| Criterion | What to check |
|---|---|
| Visibility | Is the property visible and does it convey professionalism to the target audience? |
| Parking | Is there private or third-party parking nearby? |
| Public transport | Is there a bus, subway, or taxi stand nearby? |
| Accessibility | If in a building, is there an elevator? Wheelchair and elderly access? |
| Competition | How many dental offices already exist in the neighborhood or building? |
| Safety | Is the neighborhood safe? Consult SSP, Atlas da Violência (Ipea) or interactive maps. |
| Infrastructure | Adequate basic sanitation? Stable electrical grid without frequent power outages? |
3. Size and architectural standards
The space must meet Sanitary Surveillance requirements and provide comfort for both patients and staff:
- ✅ Dental chair separate from the administrative area
- ✅ Dual-environment sterilization area (dirty materials vs. sterilized materials)
- ✅ Comfortable reception area proportional to the expected patient volume
- ✅ Air conditioning installation for adequate climate control
- ✅ Separate bathroom for patients (recommended by ANVISA)
- ✅ Easily hygienizable floors and walls (ceramic, epoxy, or similar)
⚠️ Attention: Consult your municipality's Sanitary Surveillance checklist before signing any rental agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a home office permitted by the CRO?
It depends on the state CRO and local Sanitary Surveillance regulations. In general, it is allowed as long as the space meets the minimum requirements for infrastructure, biosafety, and accessibility. Consult your state CRO before investing in adapting the property.
Commercial point or shared clinic: which is more worthwhile?
It depends on the career stage. Shared clinics (subleased by period) reduce initial investment and are ideal for those just starting out. An owned location offers more autonomy, brand identity, and customer loyalty potential, but requires greater capital and commitment.
What is the minimum size for a dental office?
ANVISA's RDC 50 and state CRO regulations define the minimum requirements. In general, the clinical environment must be at least 9 m², with a separate sterilization area. Always consult your local Sanitary Surveillance for your municipality's specific requirements.
How to evaluate competition before choosing a location?
Search Google Maps and your local CRO to see how many dental offices and clinics are already operating in the neighborhood. Evaluate the specialization level of competitors — often, a neighborhood with many general practitioners may have unmet demand for specialists.
How to check the safety of the neighborhood?
Consult your state's Public Security Secretariat (SSP), Ipea's Atlas da Violência, or interactive maps like Estadão's, which allow you to view criminal occurrences within a 500-meter radius of the address.
Content prepared by Dr. Maysa Monnerat, Technical Manager at Dental Access.
