CHC Planning Guide - 2019 - 30

Fundamentals
Panoramic X-ray Machine Space
Even if you cannot afford one now, plan for the future with a designated space for a panorex machine. It only
needs 5'x5' feet of clear floor space. It is often efficient to locate the panorex space near the front of the clinical
area, close to the entrance from the waiting room. If you plan to add ceph capability in the future, obtain the
dimensions before finalizing the plan.

Doctor's Office
This space does not need to be large, but with enough room for a desk, computer equipment, chair, reference
materials, and storage of personal items. The office should be close to the clinical area, but away from the
usual route of patients entering and leaving the clinic. This will give privacy and security to the space.
Multiple clinicians can share a space with a modular or built in desk system.

Lab
Study models and initial impressions are poured, custom trays, temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) splints,
mouthguards and space-maintainers are made, broken dentures repaired, and a variety of other adjunct
functions occur. You may decide to do many of these activities yourself, or just very basic ones, and use the
space to ship and receive projects to and from a professional lab. Your space requirements and equipment
needs will depend on what activities you keep "in house."
A good minimum is 5'x7' with one countertop with a small sink along the short wall. The lab is part of the clinical
space, but can be out of the main path of activity.

CAMBRA (Caries Management by Risk Assessment) Room
This space, the Consultation and Anticipatory Guidance Office, is Essential for the PCHH. If you plan to follow
the national recommendations for early childhood assessments, and we recommend you do, it is more costeffective to use the treatment consultation office than to 'tie up' an entire operatory. You do not need a room
with expensive dental equipment and the room can be much smaller than the normal operatory. Consider
locating the room just inside entrance to the clinical area so that moms with babies and very young children can
efficiently be brought in, assisted without walking through other treatment areas. Allow about 8' by 6' and equip
with two regular office chairs (when doing a risk assessment exam on a baby, the mom and clinician sit knee
to knee with baby lying on his/her back with legs wrapped around mom's waist). The chairs should be vinylcovered for cleaning. A mobile cart readily stores basic assessment supplies and fluoride varnish application
materials. Address hand cleaning with hand-sanitizer products so no sink or plumbing will be needed.

Promotores de Salud or Enabling Services Space
Also essential for PCHH. Designate a centralized location utilizing strong communication technology, where
the promotor/a or case manager is easily accessed by staff and patients and readily able to help patients
negotiate care.

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CHC Planning Guide - 2019

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