Are you planning on remodelling your dental office? Or are you building a new one? Perhaps you are looking to expand? Whatever your intentions may be, there is much that you need to know and consider. Above all else, you need to have a clear idea of what the layout should look like. With that said, dental office floor plans are key to achieving your dental office design goals.
The importance of dental office floor plans
Office space construction requires a substantial amount of thought poured into it, and the layout of a dental office is no different. The floor plan of the dental office is one of the complex parts of a dental office design project. It influences every aspect of the project, including the aesthetics, location, equipment, and budget. At the same time, these aspects also determine it. This relationship creates a circular planning process that can be tricky to navigate.
However, developing a solid floor plan is crucial to your practice’s well-being. A well-thought-out office design improves the status of your team while simultaneously making patients feel comfortable. Some sections of dental office floor plans are standard, while others are very unique. Whether you are building, refurbishing, or expanding your office, remember the following advice.
Floor space
To pinpoint the total square footage for the clinic, the floor space should be multiplied by a 1.3 conversion factor. This will allow for more wall and hallway space.
Space is essential for staff lockers and toilets, as well as a lounge for employees. These locations may reside in the general facility space, assuming the dental clinic is co-located with a medical clinic. Alternatively, if it is in a school. If the clinic is a stand-alone location, a staff lounge of 120 square feet minimum is a necessity. Additional space may be needed, but it ultimately depends on the facility’s total number of staff.
Lockers for items belonging to the staff like hats, coats, and purses are mandatory. They can usually be put in either the staff lounge or a separate room. The overall size of the lounge and the locker placement is more of a local decision than anything else.
There should be a restroom specifically for clinic staff. Clinics with a staff consisting of six members or fewer can save funds by incorporating a unisex staff restroom. It is imperative that restrooms be roughly 50 square feet.
Treatment area
A lot of dental office design plans are drastically evolving regarding treatment areas. Rather than have a row of private rooms, floor plan layouts are gradually opening up. Now there are very few – if any – walls to separate the chairs. Whatever dividing walls there are often don’t reach the ceiling. Because of this, light shining through windows from above can come down into all of the rooms.
Reception area
The reception area is the first thing a patient sees when they enter your office. Additionally, it will set the appointment’s tone. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you design the floor plan:
- Two reception area chairs with each operatory. Are you trying to determine how much space you should have in your reception area? If so, here is a rule of thumb. Generally speaking, two chairs in the reception area per operatory will provide your guests with enough space. If you conduct a lot of pediatric work, then you should use three chairs per room.
- Vestibules. Entrance halls create a barrier between the outside elements and the reception room. Be it rain, cold, or heat, the vestibule will ensure that the reception area is comfortable.
- Children’s area. If you work with families, it would be smart to include an area specifically for children. It will make parents feel at ease when bringing their children to the office and when they have other things to do.
- One-of-a-kind design. The reception area is the ideal location to flaunt your personality, as well as your brand. You could cover the walls with aquatic life or put local art on display. Whichever route you take, this is an opportunity to make your office unique.
Growing awareness of the perfect dental office floor plans
The medical field is experiencing constant expansion and changes. This is courtesy of new research providing the field with new understandings and outlooks. Both ergonomics and design teach us that design impacts people’s feelings. Consequently, doctors are taking this into consideration with their private practices and placing great focus on their dental office floor plans. For project management, consultation, and design assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our Toronto construction location. If you are interested in purchasing a dental practice, you should read up on the Cost of buying a dental practice in Ontario