So often we are contacted by dentists whose offices are in need of an update but the concern for lost production and income during any level of renovation has stopped them cold. Rightfully so, but inaccurate! The key to having a successful operational renovation is working with a detailed dental office designer and planner (that would be us, of course) and a knowledgeable and experienced dental contractor. Depending upon the size of the physical office and the scope of the work to be completed, a full closure is usually unnecessary. especially when combined with a motivated Doctor and team. Whew, now there is cash flow to pay for the updates!
The office pictured here for Drs. Victor Barry and Micheal Mulick in Seattle, WA is case and point. From the picture here (or on our website) you can see the actual physical changes were minimal - while the change to the visual impact was significant. With new carpet, paint, dark stain, and artwork their reception area was transformed into a sophisticated entry for their practice and other updates carry the theme through the office.
Here's how this works. In the same way dentists start with a new patient interview, an exam, x-rays, and treatment planning before treatment, so does our team. However, we call those steps programming, inventory, as-built measurements, and space planning. With the dentist we determine what the practice's office design and functionality needs are, what the desired outcome is, and-of course-what the budget is. Then we complete a detailed questionnaire, measure and photograph the office and dental equipment, and "as-built" measure the entire office or just the areas to be updated. This process creates the "records" for our "treatment planning" to be built upon.
Then the fun starts! Functional space planning (the dental treatment plan) begins to correct poorly functioning key areas such as sterilization, the business office or lab. The existing equipment from the inventory and any new equipment to be purchased are integrated into the planning so everything flows smoothly. Then color schemes are developed that include new carpet and other flooring, fabrics, wall covering, and paint to blend with any existing materials that need to remain to stay on budget. The dental office space plan or plans are presented to the dentist and team for review and, if needed, further refinements are made. The color and materials schemes are presented next and narrowed to one final option with a lot of happy smiles, a few "woo hoos" from the team), and conversation about just how great this will look!
The next step is accurately and completely illustrating the functional and colors updates in detailed drawings (your lab prep). The drawings reflect existing power, data, telephones, lighting, and walls, etc. to remain, plus any added needs. They show the new functional planning and design updates needed to modify the existing office. This process is just like sending your patient out to your specialists as part of your treatment plan before you can begin your care. Working "updates" into an existing office is just like preparing for an implant, braces, or long term health of a mouth. It takes foresight and knowledge, planning, careful execution with specialists. Most importantly a "patient" that understands the value of comprehensive treatment and the investment it takes in the short term for great outcomes that pay for the long term growth and success of the practice!
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