Dental Equipment Catalog - 2021/2022 - 161

CUSTOMIZED PRACTICE SOLUTIONS
* Open Bay: While an open bay can help maximize
space, it is still important to respect the safety of
patients. Partitions between chairs provide added
separation and privacy while retaining that ease of
treatment from the staff perspective. A semiprivate
bay is a terrific addition for those wanting more
privacy, a family treatment bay, or as a multipurpose
space for treatment photography or scanning.
* Quiet Rooms: We highly recommend at least one
private, enlarged treatment room for each practice,
no matter the specialty. This room covers a multitude
of needs, such as a space for longer procedures,
adequate space for mobility and guests, treatment
planning conversations, and patient education.
Just as in waiting, consider the amenities to include in
treatment that enhance the overall experience. Some
options include sinks for handwashing or brushing,
ancillary seating, and entertainment for both those in
treatment and accompanying guests.
Consult
Whether or not a plan incorporates a designated
consultation room, a stand-up consultation adjacent
to treatment offers a space for efficient conversations
pertaining to treatment plans, payment, or reappointment.
This will reduce time spent relocating to another room and
minimizes patient traffic and potential anxiety.
Imaging
The size of a practice's imaging relies on the type of
technology utilized in the office. If a practice uses both
intraoral and extraoral imaging to create an extensive
digital profile, the practice may want to consider creating
one, fully equipped room to efficiently gather all the
necessary images. However, separating the intraoral
imaging equipment can alleviate wait time for a practice
that utilizes this often such as orthodontics.
The location of imaging should be centralized, but not
necessarily right by the front office. The key is to place this
area convenient to treatment and the patient path of travel,
but not to impede upon those flowing in and out of the
clinical space.
Flex Spaces
Parents appreciate the convenience of a practice that
serves the needs of all their children, from infants through
teens, hence the increase in group practices. This has also
spurred a demand for " flex " spaces. For the same amount
of space, you can design a room that covers multiple
needs, such as a mother's room to offer privacy to nursing
moms, a pre- and post-op space, or an infant exam room.
Having a pre- and post-op space minimizes the amount
of time each patient is in the chair, so your staff can more
quickly turn over treatment for the next patient. The flex
space can also be used for visits that do not require the full
operatory. This saves chairs for additional appointments,
resulting in better patient flow and higher revenue for the
practice.
CREATE AN EXPERIENCE
Branding
A practitioner is not judged solely on their skill, but on
how a patient perceives the overall look and feel of the
office. The visual branding is a large component of this
perception. The brand should reflect the demographic that
the practice is looking to attract and serve. Create a brand
that creates a sense of trust and stands out from others
through a cohesive color palette between the logo, interior
finishes, and marketing material.
The 5 Senses
When designing a memorable space, consider the five
senses:
* Sight: Choose inviting materials, layered lighting, a
cohesive color palette, and architectural interests such
as decorative soffiting.
* Scent: A well-thought-out space with appropriate
division helps prevent unwanted smells from getting
into public areas. Scent masking or air purifiers can
further enhance the overall scent of the office and tie
in with branding.
* Taste: If providing a beverage station, include flavors
such as lemon or coffee. Consider offering children
multiple flavors of toothpaste to make tooth brushing a
positive experience.
* Sounds: Create a relaxing environment with
appropriate music, sound masking, or water features.
Choosing the right materials and acoustical products
can also absorb additional unwanted sound.
* Touch: Select textures, surfaces, and materials
that are comfortable and interactive. A textured
wallcovering or green wall can provide added
dimension to a space. However, it is also important
that these materials are durable and can be easily
maintained and sanitized.
Key Takeaways
The first step in designing your space is to understand
your demographics and then build your space around
your patients' desired experience. Determine key areas
of optimization for patients and the practice by evaluating
your individual practice's workflows. Working with a
design team that is experienced in dental practices can
help maximize practice efficiency and increase patient
and practice satisfaction. Finally, create a memorable and
consistent environment both in person and online. All
these aspects help draw patients in and keep them
coming back.
Contact Your Local Henry Schein Consultant or Specialist For More Information.
161
ORTHODONTICS
Dental Equipment Catalog - 2021/2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dental Equipment Catalog - 2021/2022
