A2 Dental Lounge: ADA Design Innovation Award finalist

By Mary Beth Versaci

After working as associates in 50 different dental practices, Marjan Arman, D.D.S., and Shahriar Agahi, D.M.D., dreamed of owning their own practice.

There was just one problem: They couldn’t find an existing practice to purchase that checked all their boxes in terms of layout, technology and more.

So the spouses decided to build their own.

“There was always something missing, and to add or remodel an existing practice with decades of goodwill was not an easy — and in many occasions, a feasible — task, so we had the crazy idea of building our own practice from scratch,” Dr. Arman said.

Dr. Arman knew exactly what she wanted in terms of the practice’s layout and other finishes, so the duo didn’t hire an interior designer and the general contractor instead worked from the dentist’s sketches. Dr. Agahi handled technology and equipment.

Now, their vision and hard work have paid off, as A2 Dental Lounge in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, was named a runner-up in the 2023 ADA Design Innovation Awards in the large new build category.

The check-in concierge lounge at A2 Dental Lounge is adorned with marble features.

After their appointments, patients check out at a large marble desk.

A2 Dental Lounge has a private consultation room where the dentists meet with patients to discuss treatment plans.

The radiology room includes a cone-beam computed tomography machine.

A2 Dental Lounge has seven operatories, including two surgical and sedation suites.

The rejuvenation station includes a sink and mouthwash for patients.

The sterilization and inventory room has a wall of bins to keep items organized while limiting the need for cabinets in the operatories.

The annual competition showcases the best dental practices in esthetic appeal, function and design. Judges from the ADA Council on Dental Practice narrowed entries down to the top three in each category. From Oct. 1-31, voting was open to the dental community.

True to the “lounge” in its name, A2 Dental Lounge aims to transform the traditional dental office setting from a purely clinical space into something more relaxing.

“It acknowledges the importance of patient comfort and satisfaction, recognizing that a positive environment can contribute to a better overall dental experience and foster long-term oral health habits,” Dr. Arman said. “The objective of the design was to achieve a practice with a ‘lounge’ vibe, a practice or a location where once you entered, you would not feel like you were entering a medical facility and instead a rejuvenating and relaxing lounge.”

Both Drs. Arman and Agahi graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, and the esthetic of their practice is inspired by the city’s high-end hotel lobbies, complete with marble countertops and colors like black, white and gold painting the practice with a neutral, yet luxurious, palette.

The 3,380-square-foot space, which opened in June 2022, boasts a check-in concierge lounge, private consultation room for treatment discussions, radiology room, lunchroom, private doctor’s office with a private restroom, checkout desk, two patient restrooms, and seven operatories, including two surgical and sedation suites and two hygiene rooms. The radiology room includes a cone-beam computed tomography machine.

“At A2 Dental Lounge, we pride ourselves on treating patients with integrity and passion, utilizing the latest in technology and evidence-based science,” Dr. Agahi said. “Our valued patients enjoy a personally customized treatment in a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere that helps them feel at ease and reduces any anxiety or apprehension they may have about dental procedures.”

The husband and wife hope their experience designing A2 Dental Lounge inspires others to make their dream practice a reality.

“Only those who have been through the startup practice journey know the amount of effort it takes to design and build a project like such from scratch,” Dr. Agahi said. “We are honored to have been recognized by some colleagues as well as those who voted for our practice design, and we hope that this recognition will motivate others to pursue their dreams like we did.”

The 2024 Design Innovation Awards are sponsored by ADA Member Advantage and Panacea Financial. The call for entries for 2024 will open in June.