We are an orthodontic office committed to the highest level of patient care and customer service. The design of our office was geared towards creating an efficient work flow for a growing patient base and number of employees. We wanted to the design to be appealing to both children and adults with a mind on hospitality and creating a clean and comfortable environment for the patients and the employees.

Design Criteria: Design Summary

We sought out to create a modern and efficient orthodontic office. Using the latest in dental digital technology we have created a space that allows for highly personalized patient care. It is a comfortable environment for both the patients, the doctor, and the staff.

Design Criteria: Dental Technology

Technology is a huge part of our practice. Not only does it allow us to be more precise and organized, patients love that we are progressive in the use of it. Our digital x-ray and records system allows for easy access to patient records and information access from any workstation. We planned for a central records room with enough space to allow for future technologies - like CBCT. We use the mobile iTero dental scanner for record taking, Invisalign fabrication, and diagnostic planning. We would consider utilizing 3D printing once the units become more affordable.

Design Criteria: Dental Equipment

The mechanical parts of the office are centrally located in a sound-proofed mechanical room. This allowed ease of access for maintenance and construction. The space allotted for the vacuum and compressor have room for expansion. A water filtration system allows us to fill chair side water tanks with clean, filtered water.

Design Criteria: Ergonomics

The clinic operatories are set up identically and allows for universal set up for 2 handed dentistry or 4 handed dentistry. Assigned work areas allow for improved patient flow in the orthodontic office. Doctor personal office is centrally located and is accessible from clinical and administrative areas.

Design Criteria: Aesthetics

We wanted to keep administrative areas separated from the clinical "sounds" (suctions, handpieces, etc), but ease of view to assess waiting room status. The look of the practice is designed to reflect the quality of the practice- clean, efficient, precise. Our patients have repeatedly complimented on the "feel" of the office. The acoustics arewell separated using the layout of the office. Glass partitions have given us sound insulation, but visual "openness".

Design Advice: Dental Technology

My advice would be to explore different design concepts, but really identify what your vision for the practice and patient flow is in your mind's eye. Visit the offices of peers and draw ideas from your own personal experiences at hospitals, clinics, restaurants, and hotels. Think about what you like and what you think your patients are looking for when choosing a care provider. Then seek a professional's help - design and construction are specialties and it takes a training eye and contemporary ideas to bring it all together. From there you can design the practice to work within your practice philosophy to truly be as efficient within your space as possible.