The value of good dental practice design
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 27th April 2021
Many of us are taught not to judge a book by its cover, but what use is the cover if not to communicate positive messages about the book that entice you to read it? If we consider this in the context of dental practices, then appearances can certainly make a significant difference in one’s ability to attract and retain patients. The reality is that patients will make judgements about you, your business and the services you offer based on what they see. The design of your practice – from the exterior signage and architecture, to the reception, surgeries and even the decontamination area – can say a great deal about the standard of treatment patients can expect to receive.
This underlines the value of good dental practice design. A practice that is aesthetically and functionally optimised can reward you with an efficient working environment. This can have knock-on effects in promoting increased productivity among staff, an improved quality of care and greater patient satisfaction to support practice growth. Of course, designing and building the ideal practice requires considerable time, careful thought and substantial investment. That’s why one of your first priorities if taking on such a project should be to seek out an expert in the field who can be relied upon to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
It is always worthwhile working with a team who has extensive experience in dental practice design. They are more likely to understand and implement your vision, guiding you expertly through the many complex decisions involved with creating a practice that best meets your needs and preferences. Furthermore, the right team of designers will welcome open communication, collaborating closely with you to ensure you feel comfortable and confident at each stage of the design-build process. Some practice designers also supply dental equipment – in which case, it is important to seek out a company that is highly knowledgeable about the products they offer and can provide sound advice on the most suitable solutions for you. A reliable supplier will also be able to manage the technical aspects of your surgery installation, including the provision of user training to ensure that you and your practice team are able to fully capitalise on the benefits of the equipment purchased.
Once you have decided on the companies you want to work with for your project, there are some key considerations to make within the design-build process. Firstly, your designers will want to discuss your unique practice requirements in detail with you so as to develop the most suitable design concept within your budget. They will then measure and assess the building itself – often in collaboration with your chosen contractor – to plan the practice layout in such a way that it maximises available space and supports the day-to-day running of the business. Given that your practice team is the backbone of your business, it is crucial that their workplace promotes an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration, whilst minimising the risk of stress.
Creating an optimal practice layout will involve reconfiguring rooms where necessary and appropriate, addressing issues such as cross-contamination, and adhering to all relevant building regulations. Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, there has been a greater emphasis on ensuring the health and safety of staff and patients, necessitating changes in various dental decontamination protocols. Your chosen designer should be abreast of these changes and, therefore, encouraging of incorporating additional features into the practice design that can further support infection control processes, including water filtration systems and clean air technology.
The best practice designers will be particularly conscious of promoting trust among patients through the aesthetic of your practice, which is why they will strive to produce designs that pay attention to the details. Every element from lighting and colour, to furniture and décor will be key to creating a warm, welcoming and relaxed practice environment that appeals to patients. Highly skilled designers such as Clark Dental will be able to marry the unique aesthetic of your practice brand with that of your new equipment to ensure your business stands out from competitors. No matter whether you are starting with a blank canvas or updating your existing practice, Clark Dental can help you transform the space into one you, your staff and your patients can enjoy every day.
Good practice design is an invaluable investment into the growth and on-going success of your business. Not only can it influence patients’ impression of the practice and the services you offer, but it can also affect how you and your team feel about and approach your work on a daily basis, which is why it is essential to get it right with the help of a reliable team. Along with an experienced contractor, the dental practice designer and equipment supplier you choose to work with should provide the support you need to see your project through to a high-quality result that delivers on your demands in the most cost-effective way.
For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk
Author: Stuart Clark, Managing Director, Clark Dental
Having grown up within dentistry, Stuart has developed an unparalleled understanding of the industry. He is a technical specialist in digital imaging, pulling on his extensive experience as a Technical Director for Schick Technologies. Stuart is also an expert auto-CAD surgery designer and dental equipment engineer
