New Design Options Give Dentists and Patients Reasons to Smile

Few of us look forward to getting our teeth cleaned, drilled or filled, but many patients are discovering that a trip to the dentist isn’t as bad as they might remember. In fact, new designs in aesthetics and functionality of dental offices are shedding an entirely new light on the industry.

Today’s dentist office benefits from a wealth of design knowledge. Gone are the stark, uncomfortable waiting areas, the foreboding exam rooms. Newly designed dental offices welcome patients and staff to a pleasant, state-of-the-art facility that uses both visual and technological enhancements to everyone’s benefit.

ConTrak Corporation recently completed the construction of Powell Dental Group, the practice headed by Shelly Shults, DDS. The office takes advantage of many new design enhancements.

Office manager Krista McNamara says the design was a chance to answer the unique needs of the dental office. The lab and sterilization area are centralized with the exam rooms around the perimeter, creating a better work flow.

“Today’s designs allow medical and dental office buildings to benefit from a wealth of knowledge related to workflow, ergonomics and how to make the best use of space,” explains ConTrak President Mike Vasbinder. “An experienced contractor should know how to translate the architect’s design into a workable reality for the practice. With the right design in place, the office can run more efficiently and enhance the overall experience for staff and patients.”

Each exam room, complete with its own window, is set up to enhance the patient’s experience. Since much of their time is spent in a reclined position, looking up, patients have use of specially mounted video monitors and headphones. The screens can be easily positioned for patients to relax with a video during a teeth cleaning or view an on-screen display of their digital dental X-rays.

The exam rooms and the central office area are equipped with networked computer stations. To protect patient confidentiality, the displays are positioned away from view in areas used by the public.

Powell Dental also includes a children’s play center in the entry area. It also takes the extra step in helping kids feel at ease by inviting them to make use of a giant “gumball” machine. Of course, it’s a tooth-friendly device that dispenses prizes instead of gum or candy.

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