Carly Peterschmidt Dentistry: ADA Design Innovation Award finalist

By David Burger

From an early age, Carly Peterschmidt, D.M.D., was drawn to the positive atmosphere of her childhood dental office, and how dental treatment affected her life for the better..

As she grew older, she was genuinely surprised when she discovered many people did not have the same positive experiences in dentistry that she had.

“I desired to make it my mission to help change the perceptions people had about going to the dentist,” Dr. Peterschmidt said. “I do believe that this influenced my design decisions with my remodel, as the esthetics and function of the office affects the overall patient experience.”

Dr. Peterschmidt’s practice, Carly Peterschmidt Dentistry, in Eugene, Oregon, is a runner-up in the remodel category in the 2023 ADA Design Innovation Awards competition.

The annual competition showcases the dental practices that excel in esthetic appeal, function and design. Judges from the ADA Council on Dental Practice narrowed down entries to the top three in each category. From Oct. 1-31, 2023, voting was open to the dental community to crown the winners.

The Oregon Health & Sciences University alum believes that the design of the practice lends itself to enhanced patient care.

Open: The front office and reception area features a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Ready to go: An operatory in Carly Peterschmidt Dentistry calms patients with its appealing colors and features.

Royal treatment: The new hygiene operatory encompasses the warm colors and seamless, modern design that Dr. Peterschmidt desired.

Infection control: The sterilization area is centrally located and simple, yet functional, in its design.

Warm: The reception desk is inviting and built for the comfort for staff and patients.

Touch: Open product display shelving is easy on the eyes and features the office’s recommendations.

Come on in: The entry room to the office offers greetings immediately.

“A positive dental experience is influenced by all of the senses,” Dr. Peterschmidt said. “You can help people feel a certain way by the intention behind what you provide for them to see, touch, smell, hear and taste. Of course, the most important, is how you make them feel.”

The general dentist also said the design of a space is important to those who function in the space every day.

“My team appreciates it, and I believe our office environment can help attract team members who share our values and style,” she said.

When planning the remodel, she had a definite look in mind.

“I wanted a space that felt bright, clean, tidy, ocean-like, spa-like, happy, friendly, playful, warm and welcoming” she said “Now, that dream is a reality.”

With one dentist and two dental hygienists working out of three operatories, Dr. Peterschmidt said there was little room for the unexpected, so she knew they could benefit from adding at least one more operatory to account for the unpredictable and to be able to see more patients in a day.

Also on her wish list was adding a second workstation to the front desk, routing plumbing to the breakroom for washing dishes, maximizing storage space and adding a staff bathroom.

“Logistically, we certainly needed to be creative to make our floorplan work,” Dr. Peterschmidt said.

Some of the ideas she came up with included utilization of a pocket door for the second bathroom to be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, decreasing the size of the sterilization center — but investing in a more efficient and custom version — decreasing the size of her personal office, removing a hall sink and mirror to move her panoramic x-ray machine out of the front office and investing in custom cabinetry throughout the office.

Dr. Peterschmidt said she believes the best way to know whether the design has accomplished her objective is to hear how others describe the office after seeing it for the first time.

“I hear the words bright, clean, relaxing, warm, playful, beautiful colors and comfortable chairs the most,” she said. “I believe these words definitely fit with the overall vision. I chose some fun furniture, art pieces, tile work, lighting, wallpaper and paint to add pops of color from our branding, while still balancing with some other colors too.”

After finishing her office remodel, she encouraged others considering this type of project in the future to start planning as soon as possible.

“The process doesn’t have to all happen at once,” she said. “For me, it was a three-year process of planning before the construction phase.”

In the end, it was worth it, she said.

“Overall, our office is more comfortable and enjoyable for all who enter, and it is so much fun to continue to receive positive feedback about the remodel.”

The 2024 Design Innovation Awards are sponsored by ADA Member Advantage and Panacea Financial. The call for entries for the 2024 competition will happen in June. Do you have a winning practice? Stay tuned for updates.