“I was looking for a cost-effective, efficient design that was clutter-free,” Dr. Bennett said. “We wanted to look beyond enhanced patient care in our practice design. If your own dental team is not healthy and functional, they are not able to care for patients to the best of their ability. So first, we wanted to make sure we selected the equipment and design that allowed our team to function at their highest level.”
For instance, Dr. Bennett ordered several types of stools for his staff to try, and the vast majority of them preferred the ergonomics of the saddle chairs. All of the team members took turns working in the various operatory designs, and all of the dentists and assistants agreed they preferred an over-the-head delivery system.
“By trying out the four different options over a three-year period, it took the guesswork out of what design we preferred for the new office, he said.
He also learned more from his staff.
“Many of them struggled to find time to reach their health and fitness goals,” he said. “After COVID-19 resulted in the closing of many local fitness centers, we decided to create an onsite gym to help achieve their health and fitness goals.”
The fitness center is equipped with a rowing machine, inversion table, traditional and low impact cardio equipment, free weights, as well as access to a library of other exercise routines.
“We have had live Pilates, yoga and fitness dance classes hosted at our facility as well,” Dr. Bennett said. “These investments in the health and well-being of our dental team have provided access for each of our team members to reach their health and fitness goals. By investing in our team, I feel we have been able to provide a higher level of care to our patients.”
Once he knew the best options for the health and well-being of the team members, he focused on what design and equipment would directly impact their patients.
“When patients showed up to our old office we would ask them, ‘What is important to you when you come in for a visit?’” Dr. Bennett said. “We had a variety of responses, but the most popular ones were comfortable chairs, low wait times, cleanliness, reasonable cost, happy staff, keep the scary equipment hidden, windows in the rooms, high ceilings, et cetera. After receiving that feedback, we began designing our building by incorporating the suggestions from our patients.”
Ultimately, the building design is what Dr. Bennett called a “conglomeration of ideas from patients, staff and courses, all combined to best serve our team and patients.”
Staff input throughout was paramount, he emphasized.
“I think one of the most underutilized resources in our practice is our dental team,” he said. “We trust them to provide care for our patients so why not trust them to help us design our future building? They are the ones who understand how each space needs to work.”
The new office features patient chairs with massage and heat settings; dental equipment that stays out of the sight of the patient; large architectural windows to bring natural light into the operatory; high painted ceilings to prevent the feeling of claustrophobia; delivery carts that maximize flexibility and keep all of the supplies and materials within reach; same-day crowns; scanners and intraoral scanners to educate patients; a private soundproof portion of the office for patients who might have fears; and media mounts to provide patients with entertainment options during their visits.
Winning the design competition was emotional for Dr. Bennett.
“My father and the founder of our practice passed away from cancer shortly after the completion of our office,” he said. “He and my mother’s integrity and principles provided our practice with the solid foundation for future growth. Before passing away, he was able to tour our new facility and it was one of our favorite moments together.”
The 2024 Design Innovation Awards are sponsored by ADA Member Advantage and Panacea Financial. The call for entries for the 2024 competition will open in June. Do you have a winning practice? Stay tuned for updates.
