The focus of our practice is giving our patients the best dentistry has to offer, with compassion and experience. This dedication to excellence runs through each and every staff member in our office. We like to think of ourselves as the “Tiffanys of teeth”, housed in a “Ritz Carlton” like facility. At nearly 6,000 square feet, our new office is meant to be more like visiting a spa or a luxury hotel than a medical building. Our target market are college educated adults aged 30 to 65. Every detail of the office was designed and created with our target group in mind, including: - the physical and esthetic layout of the office - easy access to parking - beautiful interior design - hand picked art for each operatory - elaborate beverage center - paraffin hand wax treatments - treatment chairs topped with Temperpedic Cushions and blankets - patient viewing monitors for watching DVDs during treatment - hot lemon scented towels at the end of the appointment We invest in the highest quality materials and dental laboratory so that we may produce the highest quality of dentistry for our patients. We achieve an upscale image of expertise and professionalism in a high-tech “state of the art”, clean, and “professionally decorated” setting. We have a strong commitment to our profession and continuing education. We have an incredible passion for all we do. Our patients sense this and in return are excited about committing to treatment. The practice focuses on cosmetic, sedation, implant (surgically placing and restoring) and all phases of general and preventative dentistry. We are patient driven in everything we do.

Design Criteria: Design Summary

Design Criteria: Dental Technology

Current advanced technologies include: digital x-rays; Cerec restorations; soft tissue lasers; computers in each operatory; LED curing lights; implementation of digital intraoral photography for patient education and treatment planning; Casey system; a CBCT scanner (iCat) has been ordered and will be installed in August 2009.

Design Criteria: Dental Equipment

Dental chairs/units: treatment rooms are large enough to incorporate all technologies comfortably, whether for a simple filling or implant surgery. Bottled water is used for elimination of potential biofilm issues. Conduit was run under the floors to the chair and cabinetry to allow for placement of wires and tubing for current and future technologies. X-ray units, designed for digital x-rays, and switches are positioned for ideal ergonomics. Nitrous Oxide is plumbed to each operatory. Units slide under cabinetry when not in use. Lab: a vacuum is present inside cabinetry for safe removal of dust and debris. Appropriate counter space is present for all lab equipment including vacuform, model trimmer, vibrator, bunsen burner, grinder, and sandblaster. The Cerec milling unit is housed in a specially designed soundproof cabinet. Sterilization centers: There are two sterilization areas, each servicing different halves of the office. The areas are designed to facilitate unencumbered flow of assistants and processing of instruments without cross contamination. Appropriate positioning of ultrasonic cleaning units, steam autoclaves and dry heat sterilizers allow for this. Trash and bio hazards such a sharps may be disposed of through holes built into the counter tops and into their properly labeled containers. Cabinet space is abundant. Cabinets were designed to easily house the soft tissue laser, eltectrosurgery units, pulsoximeters, and other technologies in the office. LED curing lights are stored in chargers in the sterilization center.

Design Criteria: Ergonomics

Every member of the office contributed to the design of their “working area.” Business Area: Each computer workstation is ideal for patient care: - Privacy dividers for patient confidentiality - Efficient placement of printers and credit card processing equipment - Wireless headset telephones. - Computerized charts eliminating the need for paper charts - An easy to use telephone system -A remote door opening system with video to allow remote door opening for deliveries at the delivery door. Clinical Area: Treatment rooms are of ideal size and dimension - Our equipment is new and optimized for four handed dentistry. - Assistant utilities and tray table is located behind the patient - Fiber-optic swivel hand pieces (air and electric) can be passed to the doctor from Euro-style over the patient dental units. - Cabinetry was designed for efficiency and esthetics. - Sterilization centers are ideally located and designed for efficient use. - Treatment room computers with dual monitors are ideally placed for clinical staff use and patient viewing. Wireless mice and keyboards enhance functionality. - Everything from treatment room entryways, x-ray machine buttons, sinks, glove and paper towel dispensers were placed for ergonomic use. - Track lighting with combined patient computer monitor makes for efficient use of these items.

Design Criteria: Aesthetics

The “look” of our new office goes hand in hand with our practice philosophy of offering our patients the “best dentistry has to offer.” Reception Area: Provides the patient with a tranquil and elegant setting. Amenities include a hot and cold beverage center featuring specialty coffees, and a dedicated children’s area. Our large “built into the wall” saltwater aquarium adds to the peaceful setting. Powder Room: The patient’s marble restrooms were designed to be a private “get-away”, with chic crystal light fixtures and faucets. We have been told, by patients coming to our new office for the first time, that their friends have told them, “they must see the power room!” Art: Each area or hallway of the office has a group of art by a different artist. The dental hygiene rooms contain flowers done in oil. Another hall has water colors of peaceful outdoor scenes. Each picture was chosen personally, to help enhance a beautiful peaceful setting and to make the patient feel special and treasured. It is a huge “pick me up” for the staff as well. The patient experience is enhanced as the patient feels pampered. Patient amenities mentioned above go hand in hand with the beauty of a facility like ours. Patients are really pleased being treated in a first class dental office. Our patients have responded favorably to our new office, saying that we finally have a building that matches the type of dentistry we offer. Our staff is thrilled to have been integral with the planning and design of the new office. The front desk staff wears matching navy blue suits with matching blouses. The assistants and dental hygienists wear matching nay blue scrubs underneath their long white lab coats. They love working in an incredible office environment. Their pride in the office and their work is wonderful. The functionality of the design makes their jobs easier and more comfortable.

Design Advice: Dental Technology

Dare to dream big. Do your homework before you start a project of this magnitude. “A picture is worth a thousand words”, this is especially true when you want to convey what appeals to you with your designer, architect, and builder. Come prepared to meetings with pictures of office or building fronts, waiting rooms or lobbies, etc. so that your team can see what you want. Surround yourself with experts who can help your dream become a reality or help mold your dream into realistic expectations.