Monday, September 1, 2008

Celebrating 12 Years of Creating Signature Dental Environments

Oh so far back, in 1996, Signature Environments was created out of the belief that dental planning and design could be so much better. My long time colleague, Kristin Harleman, and I met and had designed a combined 75 dental offices at another design firm. We had observed the need for general dentists and specialists to rise from a Level 1 (entry), to a Level 2 (mature) practice wasn’t fully being met. We realized dentists needed signature environments that clearly differentiated their Level 2 practice from others in their town, city, and, at times, their state. On September 1, 1996 Signature Environments was founded to do just that.

We had learned that dental practice success strongly depends on the patient’s experience in the practice. The more focused on the patient the entire dental team can be, the better the patients’ experience becomes. In any business, the best marketing is word-of-mouth. And, if the patient loves you, your team, and the care you provide for them, they tell everyone they know all about it- for free! We knew the way to create the best patient experience was to develop optimal function first. Function creates the best patient care by keeping the team focused on the patient and generates elevated income and profits. However, we also knew function was not alone in the equation. A practice’s visual signature is also essential to creating a lasting and positive memory. A visual, verbal, and functional presentation of your entire dental team is conveyed to your patients through your interior architecture, the warmth of the environment, amenities, and a seamless, yet caring operation. By developing both aspects in tandem, our clients experienced a significant increase in new patients and profits.

During our experiences, we’ve also observed how it overwhelms clients who were simultaneously working in their current, stressful office and trying to address all the aspects of planning a new office. As your team leader, Signature Environments manages the project from inception to completion by doing what we do best, so in turn our clients can continue to do what they do best--practice dentistry. We bring our expertise and resources to your project along with the most knowledgeable dental equipment specialists, dental contractors, dental bankers, leasing and real estate agents, and other top dental business consultants. Through our detailed construction drawings and thoroughness our clients go to the bank knowing they can also meet their business goals within their budget.

Our business plan was ambitious, and our growing client list and positive feedback has confirmed we were on to something better. Now in our 12th year (my 18th), I plan on sharing solutions, common pitfalls, great products, and funny stories. Please join me, and make yours a great practice!





Janice M. Thayer, President
Signature Environments, Inc.