To understand our philosophy it is important to know our mission. Our mission is to significantly improve our patient’s oral health through high quality comprehensive dental therapy in a safe, compassionate environment. Our philosophy to achieve this is based on several issues. We are a comprehensive care dental practice. Our treatments are geared specifically to individual patients in an effort to bring them to an ideal oral health status. We achieve this by the following ways: 1. All comprehensive oral health begins with a healthy foundation. That foundation is healthy gum tissue. Studies continually show the relationship between healthy gums and patients overall health. 2. We monitor our patients gum health with yearly digital x rays and twice a year examinations and treatment of their gums and teeth. 3. We restore and replace fillings and missing teeth that promote comfort, appearance and function. 4. We replace or restore areas that may have changed due to infections, loss of bone support, breakage or decay. 5. Treatments are completed by a dentist that has specific training in the area. This may occasionally mean referral to specialists in endodontics, orthodontics, pediatrics or surgery. Comprehensive dental care incorporates the best available treatment options based on the realities of a patient’s health, attitude and budget. Our office is equipped with numerous dental technologies including digital x- rays and intraoral cameras. In addition to all general dental services, we provide dental implants and oral conscious sedation. Our target market is patients seeking ideal oral health. Our dental practice philosophy and target market were influential in the overall design feel of the office. We wanted an upscale feel that displayed an attention to quality and detail. We sought a practical, functional lay out that made delivery of our services as easy on patients and staff as possible, while maintaining an understated elegance. Our plan was definitely function driven and yet our design team effectively captured the overall esthetic vision for the office.

Design Criteria: Design Summary

Design Criteria: Dental Technology

1. Office is networked with all operatories equipped with computers. All business stations, private offices, labs and lounge have computer access. 2. Track mounted monitors are in each operatory for patient education or entertainment. Operatory chairs are equipped with audio access. 3. Dexis x-ray sensors, nomad x-ray units and intraoral Dexis cameras are available for all clinical operatories. A digital panoramic x-ray unit is on site.

Design Criteria: Dental Equipment

1. With a planned move to a new facility, our vision for the clinical areas was a minimalistic approach to the operatories. Significant to this was the elimination of x-ray units as a permanent fixture in the operatory. We purchased three Nomad hand held x-ray units that are utilized with Dexis senors. We have a central, secure area for storage and recharging of all units. The portability of the nomads is a huge benefit as are the cost savings relative to equipping all 8 operatories with fixed x-rays. 2. Each operatory has Pelton and Crane track mounted lights and video monitors. The Helios 3000 lights provide optimal illumination for the treatment field and the monitors are excellent to display digital photographs, radiographs, educational videos or commercial television/music. Operatory chairs are equipped with an audio outlet for headphones or ear buds. The response from adult and pediatric patients to the video/audio features has been outstanding. 3. Our clinical operatories are designed to accommodate our present and future technology needs with minimal impact on infection control issues. Each has a custom designed 12:00 and side cabinetry. The 12:00 units house a computer monitor with wireless keyboard/mouse along with additional computer components, nitrous oxide, cavitron and electro surgery units. Side cabinetry has ample storage for sundries.

Design Criteria: Ergonomics

1. Clinically the new layout has definitely improved work flow and reduced stress. The operatories feel spacious. Equipment is easily accessible and infection control has been simplified. Laboratory and sterilization flow is well designed which lends itself to a more efficient and effective process. 2. In the business area we have multiple stations for checkout and a dedicated space for business staff to complete tasks out of sight of patients. 3. Consultation area is private with access to computer technology and aesthetically is a centerpiece of the office.

Design Criteria: Aesthetics

1. Our philosophy is based on high quality comprehensive care preformed by well trained professionals using state of the art technology. Our office and staff project an attention to detail and professional/business environment that patients expect from those treating the oral health of their family. 2. Our staff and patients have been overwhelmingly appreciative of our move and the improvements at our new office. 3. Our office is surprisingly quiet given the number of staff and patients that are present at any time. I attribute this to the design nature of the operatories, the multiple architectural arches throughout the space, ceiling height and acoustic tile selection.

Design Advice: Dental Technology

Choose the best design team, architect, and dental equipment specialist available. Listen and heed their advice throughout all phases of planning and construction. Have your project coordinator be the sole voice of your team. Without this, onsite visits by the dentist to the project are a nightmare of questions from contractors. Once they understand all questions/change orders are to be presented to your team, negotiated and then approved before implementation, your life becomes a lot simpler. Building or remodeling your dream office can be an exciting adventure that will dramatically change your patient’s dental experience and your professional life.