Dr Aayesha Meghji established Teeth @ W1 in 1996. The practice was first updated in 2001, with the most recent renovation taking place in 2022. Dr Meghji shares her experience of working on this project, discusses her achievements and challenges she overcame, and offers advice to those looking to undergo a similar renovation:
Time for a refresh!
The project first started in 2022 when we updated the rear surgery in the two-surgery practice. We had decided to carry out the works in two phases as we were trying to get permission to install an external vent. The practice lies within a conservation area, so this proved to be a significant obstacle involving planning departments and building regulations.
I initially worked with Clark Dental when I updated the practice in 2001, however it had begun to look tired and outdated. Various work had been carried out over the years, so certain aspects appeared disjointed. Fortunately, there was nothing wrong with the existing equipment – it was all still working – but we felt that the practice as a whole could be more cohesive, and a renovation had been on the cards for a while.
The practice is set in an old office space, and the original plan was to install an air conditioning system and rejig to put in a decontamination corridor to better align with best practice. However, planning permission was denied, which meant we had to change our plans. Instead, we opted to update both surgeries with new equipment, and improve the dirty to clean decon routine, and hence improve workflows in the practice.
Management and preparation
For the first phase of the project – renovating the rear surgery – there was no impact on work at the practice and patients were seen as normal. Once work began on the front surgery, we planned for my colleague to take two weeks of annual leave, enabling me to move into the rear surgery to cover emergency appointments, whilst the rest of the practice staff were able to work remotely. During this time, everything was removed from the rest of the practice, allowing the contractors free rein to carry out the works, without any unnecessary obstacles.
Once the building work was completed, Clark Dental were able to come in and install our new equipment and cabinetry. We prioritised completion of the reception area and computer installation to allow the rear surgery to function as normal. The front surgery was completed two days later, enabling me to also return to work.
I decided to work with Clark Dental again on this project as, years ago, I redesigned Teeth @ W2 in Paddington, which was an old medical surgery. At this time, Clark Dental were the sole distributors of the very stylish Italian Anthos dental chairs. John and the team at Clark Dental were immensely helpful, and had a network of contacts from finance to building works which meant the project went very smoothly.
Out with the old, in with the new
When it came to selecting new equipment, I talked through quite a lot of options with the team at Clark Dental. Matt Rowlingson suggested options that would work for us, and I sought advice from others who made the same suggestions. I opted for two Sirona Intego Treatment Centres, Edarredo Cabinetry in Matte Black, and two Nomad handheld x-ray systems. The treatment centres we chose offer lots of options for customisation, including choosing the unit motors and scalers in each outlet.
Once a start date was agreed, the team drew up a schedule, organising when builders, electricians, plasterers and decorators would be onsite. Clark Dental then knew the exact dates to install the equipment and we were able to timetable our return to work. This was incredibly helpful as, once the schedule was finalised, everybody knew what would happen when enabling the works to be completed on time.
A lasting impact
Even though, because planning permission was denied, all of the original drawings and schemes for airflow work were scrapped, I am very pleased with the result.
It looks amazing and is a pleasure to work in. The old surgeries were dated and difficult, having been patched up over the years. Now the practice is modern, clean and crisp. The team has a real sense of pride in where they work. And, most importantly, our patients are impressed with the transformation.
On reflection…
Those who have undertaken a similar project will certainly know, it’s handy to work with people who know each other and can communicate easily. This makes Clark Dental invaluable, their expertise, knowledge, and connections make life a lot easier. It meant that we had a team of people from different companies working together, and it is crucial that builders and suppliers talk to each other. It’s a process, and if not managed properly a project like this could snowball, with small errors having a knock-on effect. Working with the team at Clark Dental meant the project was as efficient and seamless as it could be.
I would absolutely recommend Clark Dental to anyone embarking on a refit or renovation. This is my third time working with them. Their service and attention to detail is truly outstanding.
For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk
Author:
Dr Aayesha Meghji is the owner of Teeth @ W1, a boutique private dental clinic in the heart of Mayfair. Alongside providing excellent general dentistry, Dr Meghji has dedicated much of her continuing education to cosmetic dentistry offering smile design, cosmetic bonding, orthodontics, and administering cosmeceuticals.
