Creating a Dental Office Patients Love

Posted by HJT Design

What you, the dentist, wants is a well-designed office that runs efficiently without equipment breaking down or unnecessary staff drama as well as getting compensated for the treatments the practice provides…we get that.

What you, the dentist and or practice owner needs are to have patients in the chairs and a full schedule of patients ready to come in for treatments…we get that also.

Here are some things that can be done through good design execution, management, and internal procedure implementations that can satisfy your needs as a business owner, but also create and maintain an environment your patients are sure to love and appreciate and rave to friends and family…which you want. For example:

Patient’s Lounge

While creating your dental office floor plans, set out to design and provide a spacious layout and well-appointed patient’s lounge-often referred to as a waiting room. Though we are all accustomed to the term “waiting room” referring to the space where patients spend time while waiting their turn to be care for. A waiting room reaffirms that they will be waiting…ugh!

Change their perspective and perhaps attitude and mood and invite them to relax in the “patient’s lounge”. Everyone will appreciate a warm, welcoming environment with comfortable seating. Use design aesthetics to tell your story and separate yourself from the rest of the pack.

Restrooms

One overlooked area that is so often understated and viewed with an indifference is public restrooms. While building codes only mandate the public restrooms to be handicap accessible and furnished with a sink, mirror, and a water closet with grab bars, that doesn’t mean you have to make it look and feel like a public restroom. Public restrooms, particularly the one closest to the patient’s lounge, should be more spacious and appointed with finishes and aesthetics meant to impress. This sets the standard of care patients can anticipate. Don’t deprive your office the opportunity to wow and provide a sterile standard utility grade public restroom.

Technologies

Don’t be afraid to invest in current, state of the art equipment and technology. By doing so, you’re conveying that the level of care and commitment to your patients is considered valuable and is a top priority to the practice. State-of-the-art technology in your office allows you to provide more and better treatment plans and convey to your patients that you have invested in your practice with tools and technologies to better care for their oral health.

Location

We’ve all heard the saying “location, location, location” and there’s definitely much truth to it. Having a highly visible and conveniently accessible office can play a big role in your practice’s success, whether its new patients searching for a dentist and finding your office or spotting it while driving down the street.

Hours

People are busier than ever these days, so having extended office hours, perhaps even every other Saturday, provides patients with the convenience, options, and flexibility which will help ensure that they will stay loyal to your practice and keep coming back.

Appearance

Every office staff member should be happy, friendly, personable, and well-groomed. The reception desk should invoke feelings of happiness and ease for patients and be a positive and happy sight, not a negative and dreaded experience. Patients should never feel they are a burden or unwelcome, so something as simple as a smile and a friendly greeting can go a long way in making patients feel welcomed and validated.

Housekeeping

It’s important to implement a regular housekeeping program for daily straightening up and tidying of the office. Schedule a weekly cleaning of the entire office and then quarterly or bi-annually to deep clean the entire office. Keeping your office clean and presentable will let your patients know that you care and want to give them a clean and well-kept office to come to and will, at the same time, prolong the lifecycle of your finish materials, such as carpet from premature wear or stains, also reducing the need for premature replacements.

The HJT Difference

Your dental office is a direct representation of you, the dentist, and your visions. Making your patients feel happy and important as well as providing them with the best experience possible should always be your number one priority. It’s important that it reflects you and the quality of care you provide to your patients. We’d welcome the opportunity to bring your visions to light through insightful designs that meet your clinical requirements and aesthetic criteria while optimizing efficiency and functionality for your practice’s everyday needs. You and your staff have adapted long enough, it’s time to de-stress and increase the positive vibes.

With our years of collective knowledge and experience, we have a deep understanding of the functionality and unique needs within the dental industry. We invite you to contact HJT (866) 213-1268 to start the dialogue regarding a plan for your current or new office and how we can implement your unique visions. We look forward to talking with you soon.