Creating a peaceful, comfortable ortho practice, and reducing patient anxiety
Adam Daniels, DDS, MS, owner of Connecticut Valley Orthodontics, wanted a fresh, new office that represented his personality. He knew he did not want his practice to look like a typical medical/dental office. Dr. Daniels was at a point where he needed to computerize charting at every station. His workflow was getting bogged down because his X-ray room and records rooms were combined, so splitting the room would allow for simultaneous procedures to increase productivity.
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Dr. Daniels was seeking a design team that would create an inviting, new, and highly productive operation, while bringing the outdoors inside for his thriving orthodontic practice.
He found R&F Building and Remodeling, LLC, out of North Haven, Conn., who specialize in dental build-outs. They brought together the architectural and interior design, technology, and builder to design and manage the entire project.
Dr. Daniels felt a connection with R&F’s team, including Laura Bordeaux of FX Dental Design, who understood his objectives. Dr. Daniels wanted to create a comfortable patient experience in which family members could see anywhere in his office. Dr. Daniels knew that if all lines of sight where open, patients and their family members could relax and know they were well cared for.
The design pallet began with the dentist’s favorite colors – bright greens and dark teal – that are reflected in the Connecticut Valley Orthodontic’s logo. Dr. Daniels also liked the idea of dark brown operatory upholstery because it would not show scuffs. In addition, all his existing perimeter wood and door trim was a dark finish, which he wanted to incorporate into the new design.
Another key requirement Dr. Daniels introduced was ease of cleaning and low maintenance for all new finishes. Ms. Bordeaux’s team and Dr. Daniels’ staff tested many materials. They went as far as using dental/lab tools to try to scratch and gouge solid surface products to obtain results. They found out that the lighter the Corian material, the less visible the scratches. This prompted the design team to specify and install “Antarctica” Corian for the lab counters only.
During the fact-finding phase, Ms. Bordeaux suggested adding a water feature for a calming element. Dr. Daniels took that idea and ratcheted it up by requesting a salt-water aquarium. The team decided the aquarium should be cylindrical, centrally located, and viewed from two sides, both from the waiting/check-in area and the records room.
Dr. Daniels said that he loves his new office, which combines many unique touches to his highly productive orthodontic practice. The elliptical flow of the new office layout combined with the separated X-ray and records room has increased productivity. But hands down, Dr. Daniels believes that the aquarium is the piece de resistance.
Laura Bordeaux, ASID, MS Project Mgt., is president of FX Dental & Medical Interior Specialist. Reach her at 860-657-8161.
