Parklane Dental was established with the philosophy of providing exceptional customer service and excellent clinical results.We want our patients to conclude utmost comfort and professional trust from the initial moment of hearing about our practice, viewing our website, or reading online reviews. Approaching and visualizing the office from a patient’s perspective help identify any discomforting and unpleasant issue that could contribute to an overall negative experience. As such, one of the design challenges is eliminating elements that could conjure the potential fears, anxieties, and stereotypes of a dental office. From the lobby room through the corridors to each operatory, soothing aesthetics and a relaxing ambience (as explained later, through sleek top-notch technology, calming music, flowing shapes, warm welcoming colors, open space, and other design concepts) synergize complementarily with a trained and coordinated team of compassionate, friendly staff to create the ultimate, patient-oriented experience. Our target market is a patient community who holds confidence and pride in the quality and efficient dental work received at Parklane Dental through the use of the latest technology and who also appreciates a beautiful, modern environment as integral to a positive patient experience. Parklane Dental started in 2009 with only two equipped operatories and a staff of two. Overcoming financial obstacles with advice from Wells Fargo Business Relationship, we were finally able to re-design and expand our office with nine operatories to accommodate our rapidly growing patient base and a dental team of twenty-seven staff members.

Design Criteria: Design Summary

Design Criteria: Dental Technology

Patterson Dental’s EagleSoft System establishes paperless and environmentally-friendly office communication by completing all daily tasks electronically throughout the entire practice: including signing all consent forms and financial agreements digitally with a signing pad, storing all patient information on a protected server for easy but password-protected access by staff members only, scanning all paper documents from patients and insurance companies, and registering patients via a touch-screen computer for entering personal and medical information. All computers and televisions in every room are equipped with Patterson Caesy’s dental videos to supplement patient education by our dentists and staff members; copies of the video are provided to the patient by request. Video cameras installed in the waiting area are for staff protection.Notification of patient arrival can be viewed in the sterilization center and all office computers. Messaging programs on all computers and personal walkie-talkies are extensively utilized by all doctors and staff members to quicken internal office communication. We combine quality voice-over IP phone system with our exceptionally trained staff to deliver the best customer service experience. Telephone conversations are recorded for quality assurance and staff training purposes. To improve office-patient communication, our office uses Demandforce for appointment confirmation and reminders and satisfaction surveys via text messaging and email in addition to traditional phone calls. Planned for the future, a CEREC machine with CAD/Cam technology will be incorporated to fabricate same-visit crowns and bridges to push our high-tech efficient clinic to the next level.

Design Criteria: Dental Equipment

The additions of cabinets and equipment in the south wing, different from the original ones in the north wing because of a discontinuation in color and model, were paired with custom-designed film glasses and a color palette to create a distinct, design theme yet still adhere to our office’s overall, contemporary style. For example, the north wing employs green chairs with light-brown cabinets, while the south wing employs yellow chairs with dark-brown cabinets with purple accented glass fixtures. To match the original operatories with A-DEC dental units and cabinets lining the office before the renovation, the four additional operatories are also equipped with state-of-the-art A-DEC dental units, each with a juxtapositioned intra-oral x-ray system by Planmeca and Schick digital sensors to increase the efficiency of examinations. Maintaining the theme of utilizing the most advanced technology to reduce discomfort and pain for patients, Soft Tissue Laser by AMD Laser is also used for some clinical applications in the office. The Sirona Panoramic and Cephalometic X-Ray machine, placed in the center of the office as the majestic highlight of advanced machinery in our office, accentuates the technological prowess and modernity our practice uses to elicit the feeling of comfort and relaxation from our patients. Future implementation: Hard-Tissue Laser by WaterLase for cavity preparation and surface etching with minimal operative discomfort. iTero Digital Impression Scanner for 3D digital scanning of teeth and bite.

Design Criteria: Ergonomics

The doctor’s private office, located in the center of the entire suite, is walled with filmed glass panels and door to oversee and coordinate the activities of all nine operatories. The manager‘s private office, located near the north wing entrance, is lined with a filmed glass panel and door to monitor with a clear-view of both the front office and the hygienists station. Consisting of two all-in-one personal computers, the hygienist station, located on a north wing bench in the hallway, allows hygienists to conveniently use the computers and efficiently bring in patients upon their arrival. Each of the nine dental units was designed with a rear-delivery system, attached to a dental supply storage cabinet and a computer for the operatory. A large television, connected to the operatory’s computer, is mounted in front of the dental chair to showcase dental presentations and consultations with educational videos and x-ray images, and to broadcast entertainment programs for the patient’s enjoyment. Each of the delivery system has attachments for high speed and low speed handpieces, the ultra-sonic cavitron hand piece, and a large table surface mounted with suction lines and an air-water syringe. This uniquely designed system facilitates efficient instrument coordination and communication between the doctor and the assistant, and empowers the patient to enjoy the spacious comfort of the operatory without seeing the frightening presence of dental equipment and tools.

Design Criteria: Aesthetics

First, the lobby must be able to create an awestruck, first impression just from its physical grandeur and contemporary design to match the outstanding dental care Parklane Dental provides. The office’s upscale-hotel décor through its color theme, classy furniture, inviting spotless restrooms, formulated lighting, and consistent name-branding should bring forth a sense of warmth and stylish ambience. The copious use of glass throughout the office, especially with the glass walls down the center aisle of the office, signifies the transparency of the office. With a royal purple-themed leaf pattern, five ten-foot-tall glass fixtures adorn the corridors to essentially highlight the earthy brown tone of the office. Further underlining the calming brown theme, all staff members wear purple uniforms. Because of limited desk surface area, an all-in-one PC and a desk with hollowed-out legs and retractable storage units were used to hide all cords and wires to present a clean, uncluttered space in each consultation room. As crowded and busy places can cause uneasiness and anxiety, we strive to maximize space efficiency through high ceilings and wide walking areas in the lobby and operatories to construct a spacious environment for patients to comfortably receive consultation and make important dental and financial decisions. In addition to the four enclosed operatories, cabinets in each operatory are uniquely placed to contain all noises in its area. For further noise reduction and patient entertainment, each operatory is also equipped with Beats headphones by Dr. Dre for patient use.

Design Advice: Dental Technology

Visit and examine as many dental offices as you possibly can. Learn the advantages but also the drawbacks of all the different designs. No one design is perfect for all scenarios, as different patient demographics and markets have different accommodations and standards. Have a clear understanding of what your needs are and what is important to you and your business. Plan the office layout around your patients’ and staff’s habits. Fully utilize your resources and network to hire a suitable professional design team and also financial and legal consultants to incorporate all your thoughts and concerns. Thoroughly know how to proficiently use your office equipment, including computer and telephone systems, to determine their best possible location. Restrooms should be located in the front to avoid patients or patients’ company from awkwardly walking around or through the busy dental office. Talk with your staff and patients to hear others’ perspectives and inputs.