Simple workstation solution provides versatile, ergonomic results
Whether conducting live seminars on dental theory or classroom workshops with hands-on applications, Spear Education in Scottsdale, Arizona, is among the dental industry's leading providers of continuing dental education classes. When Spear committed to a facility expansion, they sought advice from the experts at Lista.
To accommodate the demand for courses that were quickly outgrowing Spear’s current classrooms, an extensive transformation of Spear’s existing office space was envisioned. The complete renovation, down to the floor and support beams, would eventually become a new classroom.
The decision to choose Lista came down to a review of Lista’s portfolio of work and case studies showcasing ROI-boosting outcomes. Spear Clinical Supervisor Scott Ratcliff reached out to Lista Vertical Market Manager James Anderson.
Since the project was essentially a new build with a more modern look and more efficient function, it presented the opportunity to start fresh from the ground up. The facility had been previously limited in size and function by the space available, so Spear worked with Anderson and Ryan Wadman, Lista’s local sales manager, to develop a conceptual layout based initially on blueprints alone.
“Our initial consultation involved a survey and layout based on floor specs and future growth. Based on this information we were able to provide renderings that gave a realistic visualization of what the end solution could look like,” said Wadman. “This was helpful when making final decisions.”
A Simple Solution for a Demanding Work Environment
With increasing patient demand for both esthetic excellence and predictable long-term results, more dentists are boosting their skills through hands-on continuing education. In the high-traffic learning environment, it is important to simplify the workflow, an area Lista excels in.
Lista’s simplicity was a major selling point for the project. Lista’s workstations are built for durability from high-quality all-steel construction for durability and can stand up to the harshest work environments—a critical factor for Spear.
To meet the forecasted demand of the classroom, the new solution required the installation of 21 custom-designed workstations with shelving positioned between each. These workstations offer a comprehensive collection of options and accessories, including the freedom to reconfigure components to suit different classes and dentists’ needs.
Because its application is so unique, Spear didn’t want a cookie-cutter solution or something overly complicated. Lista’s custom design, configured to specifications, created a workstation that is entirely hassle-free for students.
With classes often running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., a comfortable setting was an important factor in design. Lista applied ergonomic principles defined as dentists’ “primary reach zones”—horizontal and vertical areas users can reach with minimal movement. Work outside of these primary reach zones was deemed inefficient and avoided in design.
“In spite of being a custom-built solution, we constantly have dentists ask where they can get this setup to replicate in their practices—even down to the chair. Lista’s seating is comfortable enough to sit in all day,” said Ratcliff.
Integration: Key to a Seamless Installation
The customized workstations also provided the ability to integrate with existing Vaniman personal suctions, Patterson Dental hand pieces, audio/visual systems, dispensary areas, microscopes, and more to improve the user experience.
Lista’s engineering and design team prepared a Floorspace Utilization Analysis CAD drawing of the proposed room solution. Working around the fixed elements, personal suctions and hand pieces, Lista’s integration with architectural and construction planning delivered a new layout offering the highest density, greatest productivity, and future flexibility.
Lista was able to seamlessly retrofit around Spear’s existing Vaniman tools. The resulting enclosed vacuum system is quiet, and offers a clean aesthetic. Lista also color-matched the new workstations to the room’s colors—light gray and Spear’s signature turquoise.
An Immediate Boost to the Bottom Line
Accommodating more than 36 dentists per class, the new classroom has since enabled the addition of Spear’s new, enhanced curriculum, including new implant courses.
“Start to finish, Lista’s customer service has been fantastic and the feedback on the end result has been extremely positive,” says Ratcliff.
Spear and Lista will partner for an additional classroom renovation and possible future integration with a CAD/CAM system.
