Designing, building and even upgrading your Dental Office requires a great deal of planning and organization. Since you will be spending much of your time providing patient care within your future treatment rooms, designing a space that will support comfort and efficiency will greatly benefit you, your staff and your patients.
Setting yourself up for success can be an enjoyable experience by investing in your long-term practice plan, strategic use of office space and the comfort of your patients. With that, our team at BUILD IT by Design has put together a list of tips to help maximize your vision’s potential:
TIP #1: PLAN FOR LONG-TERM:
When building or renovating a Dental Office, it can be very easy to focus on your immediate needs. However, shifting your planning to long-term goals will be very helpful in accommodating the future of your business. For example, consider the following:
– How many associates and hygienists do you/will you have?
Ensure adequate staff area and number of restrooms are provided
– Will you be offering Dental Implants/Surgery?
This will require a room for Digital Dentistry (Cone Beam CT/CEREC Milling Machine)
– Will you be facilitating any group courses or seminars?
This will require space for a meeting room with the appropriate tech (drop down screen, projector, speakers, etc.)
– Will you be using current technology?
This is a great way to remain competitive within the industry.
Although upgraded technology, digital dentistry and seminars are not absolutely mandatory for your practice – they may be things to consider as they will communicate to your patients that your business is proficient, modern and collaborative. By embracing new technological advancements with community involvement, you can remain connected to the needs of your patients despite any changes within the economy.
TIP #2: MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE:
Mapping out your dream office can be a great time to take a moment and visualize your future success. As positive feelings toward the future of your career will help make the planning process more enjoyable, here is a comprehensive list of space considerations to help you on your way:
While developing the floor plan of your office space, be sure to plan for the following necessities:
– Reception Area
– Consultation Room
– Maximum Number of Operatories
– Staff/Kitchen Area
– CT/X-ray Room
– Office Manager’s Office
– Small IT Closet
To store routers, switch and server equipment
– Closet/Storage Space
Minimize as much as possible
– Small Mechanical Room
Storage for compressor and vacuum pumps
– Restrooms
A few additional tips to help maximize your space include:
– High Ceilings
Aiming for 9 foot ceilings will offer an “open” and
“airy” environment
– Lighting
Not having enough light may lead to eye fatigue, strain and headaches
– Flooring
Consider quieter options such as glued-down vinyl plank
TIP #3: CONSIDER THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE IN YOUR DENTAL OFFICE DESIGN:
The physical appearance of your dental office will hold the first impression for both new and potential patients. As they will have no way of otherwise evaluating the quality of your treatment right off the bat, their initial perspective will be motivated by what they can physically see and/or experience.
A few great ways to optimize patient comfort are as follows:
– Open concept space / high ceilings
– Minimize clutter
– Opt for ergonomic chairs
– Introduce calming sounds (ambient music, waterfalls, etc.)
– Place dental instruments out of direct sight during treatment
As a result, providing a space that is open, inviting and professional will be essential to attracting and retaining loyal patients for years to come.
If you are an Ontario resident interested in purchasing a dental practice, check out our article Cost of buying a dental practice in Ontario to learn about the costs.