Let’s start with the obvious; the value of any dental practice is measured on the quality of its service and its equipment. While offering the best possible care to every patient is paramount, in today’s fast-paced world, practices cannot escape the dreaded Google reviews from patients.
Therefore, offering an environment that is harmonious and welcoming for both patients and staff, and is designed to function at its best will guarantee a smoother practice all-round. It may sound far-fetched to some, but incorporating design principles, such as Feng Shui, practice owners can optimise the flow of energy to help to reduce patient anxiety, enhance comfort and improve overall well-being.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese knowledge that is believed to have originated some 6,000 years ago.[i] Put simply, the principles explain how the placement of objects affects the energy and flow of a space. By carefully selecting colours, furniture placement and lighting, for example, dental practices can foster a sense of calm and balance, which not only improves patient experience, but can also help to achieve a more productive workforce.
The importance of first impressions
The reception area, or waiting area, is arguably the most obvious space within any practice where you can inject a healthy dose of personality and add decorative design details. It’s an area where the branding of your practice can be seen but also felt.
According to Feng Shui, clutter and poor lighting can create negative energy, leading to increased tension[ii]. A clean, open layout with natural light, calming colours like blues or earth tones, and strategically placed plants or water features can help promote a sense of peace. These elements encourage a more grounded and welcoming environment, signalling to patients that they are in a safe healing space.
In private practice especially, where patients expect an atmosphere of luxury, thoughtfully integrating sensory touchpoints and layering the space with accents of tactile surfaces, soft furnishings and statement lighting fixtures can significantly elevate the sense of hospitality, enhancing the overall patient experience with warmth and comfort.
Designing for flow and functionality
The flow of energy in a dental practice is key to its overall success. A well-designed space that considers the natural movement of both patients and staff can reduce stress and improve efficiency. For instance, ensuring clear, unobstructed pathways from the reception to treatment rooms allows for smooth transitions and eases the patient journey. Considering the ‘in-between spaces’, such as the corridors, for example, to have the same design language will also help with the flow from one space to the other.
Additionally, in the treatment room, positioning dental chairs in ways that allow patients to see the door but not directly face it helps maintain a sense of control and security – a subtle yet effective way to minimise anxiety.
Colour and material choices matter
Colour psychology plays a vital role in Feng Shui design, and this can be explored further in healthcare settings. Soft, calming hues like pastel blues, greens, and neutral tones evoke a tranquil atmosphere, while overly stimulating shades like red, which can signal ‘danger’ and ‘discomfort’, should be avoided. Materials also matter – natural materials such as wood, stone, or water elements not only align with Feng Shui’s principles but also conjure a sense of grounding and connection to nature, which can help put patients at ease.
Benefits beyond the patient
Benefits beyond the patientFeng Shui design doesn’t just benefit patients; it can also enhance staff well-being and productivity.[iii] A harmonious workspace with good energy flow can reduce stress and burnout, leading to a happier and more efficient team. Well-placed desks and storage solutions can streamline work processes, while creating designated spaces for relaxation can give employees a much-needed break from the demands of the job. The result? A more positive atmosphere that naturally trickles down into patient care.
5 top tips to add Feng Shui into the design of your practice
- Optimise the entrance – keep the area well-lit and clean, with a clear path to the door. Consider adding plants or soft décor to invite positive energy into the space.
- Balance elements – incorporate the five Feng Shui elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) through colours, materials, and décor.
- Soothing colours – where possible, choose soft, calming colours to promote relaxation.
- Comfortable seating arrangement – in the waiting area, arrange seating to promote a sense of security and comfort. Chairs should not face directly toward the door, and patients should be able to see the entrance easily.
- Minimise clutter and maximise cleanliness – keep the environment tidy and organised, ensuring that all areas, especially treatment rooms, are clean and well-maintained to foster a feeling of professionalism.
A worthwhile investment
By integrating Feng Shui design into dental practices – thinking about how to best layout a practice for aesthetic and practical reasons – dentists can create a more calming, efficient and harmonious environment that not only reduces patient anxiety but also enhances staff morale. Services offered by the likes of RPA Dental include design, space-planning and the procurement of the highest quality equipment on the market to transform clinical spaces into a welcoming oasis of care and healing.
For more detail about the solutions and services available from RPA Dental, please visit www.dental-equipment.co.uk, call 08000 933 975 or email info@rpadental.net
Adam Shaw Bio
My name is Adam Shaw, and I am the sales Director here at RPA Dental ltd. Married to my wife Michelle and with two teenage boys, weekends are mostly taken up with their sporting activities and social diaries.
Having started life as an apprentice engineer with RPA Dental some 24 years ago, I have seen the Dental industry change and evolve considerably since first starting with the company.
At 16, working as an engineer I attended college one day a week and after a four-year period completed my qualification in electrical and mechanical engineering. From here I spent 5 years in the service department until gaining promotion to a senior status, responsible for managing the team, running my own installation projects and keeping quality levels to a high standard.
Coming from technical background allowed me to understand the equipment specifications and fundamental surgery requirements in its entirety and offered the base line on which to move over to my commercial role in 2011.
Our emphasis has always been on service and support to our clients, and this has continued with our holistic approach to designing surgeries and assisting in an optimum workflow with our valued customers.
My role within the business now is to offer our clients the help and support required on various levels dependant on their individual needs, whilst working with our manufacturing partners to ensure our portfolio brings a complete and extensive offering.
[i] Feng Shui Style. What is feng shui. https://www.fengshuistyle.us/fengshui [Accessed November 2024]
[ii] Dedalo. Feng Shui. https://www.dedalostone.com/en/feng-shui/#:~:text=A%20cluttered%20and%20dirty%20environment,%2C%20improving%20overall%20well%2Dbeing. [Accessed November 2024]
[iii] Interismo. The ideal workplace with Fengy Shui. https://www.interismo.co.uk/info/magazine/the-ideal-workplace-with-feng-shui [Accessed November 2024]
