How to Design a Dental Office

A dental office should be comfortable for all patients.

Designing a dental office should take into account not only patient comfort, but should also provide dentists with a workable environment that allows patients' needs to be met, improves the flow of patients and ensures productivity for the dental team. Designing a dental office can be a big undertaking. While some dental offices can be designed or made over using help from friends and family, others need the services of a professional design team.

Instructions

1. Start working on the walls. The walls of the waiting room and dental-examination rooms can either be painted or designed using wallpaper. Choose the color or wallpaper design that works best for the patients. The type of patient population the office serves, for instance, families, primarily adults or children, affect your design choices. For example, if the dental office is primarily for children, use a juvenile wallpaper. When choosing the colors or design, pick shades that are comforting to the patients.

2. Add furniture to the waiting room. Choose furniture that is comforting, pleasant and matches the colors on the walls. Get a variety of furniture, such as couches, chairs and coffee tables. Select accessories for the waiting room, such as plants or paintings. Make the dental room lively, homey and comforting. Include gender-neutral toys, so children can be occupied while waiting for the dentist. Design the waiting room so there are no immediate threats to children and so parents can see their children at all times.

3. Add relevant reading materials to the waiting room. Include various types of reading materials, including gossip magazines, cooking magazines and informational pamphlets about dental procedures. While some patients will read non-dental-related information, others may want to inform themselves about dental procedures, services and health.

4. Complete each dental-examination room by installing equipment, including sinks and other supplies. Place the dental chair in the middle of the room, so the dentist can examine the patient from both sides of the chair. Ensure that there is plenty of walking room, so assistants can make their way around the room. Place dental equipment near the patient's chair, so the dentist can easily reach the necessary tools and supplies to give the patient a thorough, but smooth dental examination.

5. Design the reception desk area and include storage for patient files. Ensure that the receptionist has the work space and supplies he needs to check files, answer phones, fax charts and update and check patient data while welcoming patients.

References

• Informed Design: Color Effects in a Hospital Room
• Dental Compare: Dental Practice Management
• Dentistry IQ: The Importance of Measuring Patient Satisfaction