Two operatories + three doctors = one big problem! That's the situation in which Millstone Square Dental, a general practice in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, found itself. This busy dental practice had simply outgrown its space.
What began as Dr. Penwell's solo practice grew with the addition of Dr. Worthen in 1999 and Dr. Johnson in 2008. It didn't take long to realize the 1400-square-foot office wasn't sufficient for the doctors or the patients. With limited space and every square inch of storage throughout the office filled with supplies, the workflow was not efficient. Millstone Dental Centre had a large patient base, but with the addition of a third dentist, space and technology constraints were severely limiting their ability for growth.
Fast-forward a year later to Millstone's new location, in a newly built commercial building right in the heart of a bustling residential and retail area. Although it's just one kilometer away from the previous office, it's a world away, in terms of its technology, design and workflow.
"The doctors knew they wanted the office to be cutting edge, in terms of technology and design, since they planned to be there for many years," explains Henry Schein Sales Consultant Jason Tingley. "They were particularly interested in providing a medical-grade environment that offered patients the latest dental advancements, but was warm and comforting at the same time." Jason and Odette Legere of Henry Schein's National Design Group collaborated with the doctors from the beginning of the project through its final touches.
"The new 3500-square foot office is more than double the size of the old location. Doctors and staff, which includes three hygienists and an oral surgeon, no longer trip over each other as they work with patients. A large central storage area eliminated the need to hunt for needed supplies and allows the staff to access the inventory at a glance–giving a boost to efficiency and increasing daily productivity.
"The doctors had a particular desire to build the safest, most healthy setting possible for their staff and patients."
Decorated in soothing earth tones, the new office is calm and inviting. Framed photography by a local artist adds a pop of color in the waiting room and hallways. Dark wood laminate floors create a striking contrast against the muted walls.
"The generous use of wall sconces and indirect recessed lighting add ambience, giving the office a less formal atmosphere.
Four operatories and three hygiene bays run along the outside perimeter of the horseshoe-shaped office, showcasing views of the Halifax Harbor and skyline. Soaring 14-foot tray ceilings highlight the spacious feeling in the operatories, which are outfitted with Pelton & Crane Spirit 3000 chair packages and Renaissance cabinetry. A fifth operatory is currently being used as a consultation room. "Taking advantage of natural light was a key factor for us," notes Dr. Worthen. "Every opportunity was taken to utilize daylight throughout the clinic with glass partitions between the operatories and large exterior windows."
When patients are finished with their appointments, they are led to a private checkout area and exit, providing them with greater comfort and privacy. The staff, too, enjoys increased privacy with a lunchroom and private lockers that are set away from the main business areas.
Faster, higher quality images. Just as impressive as the new décor is the advanced digital technology that provides a clearer picture into patients' oral health.
The practice is equipped with a Cranex D Digital Panoramic X-ray and ScanX Intraoral System. Both allow the doctors to capture high-quality images quickly and without the cost of film and chemicals, which was a significant monthly expense for this busy office. X-rays can be displayed on monitors in the operatories, so patients can see areas of concern with larger-than-life imagery, leading to better understanding and acceptance of treatment plans.
Behind the scenes, the practice has invested in equipment with the goal of providing a medical-grade, sterile environment. "The doctors had a particular desire to build the safest, most healthy setting possible for their staff and patients," explains Tingley.
"To be at the highest standards for clean instruments, the sterilization area has been outfitted with Pelton & Crane's four-stage Solaris stericenter, a built-in Hydrim Instrument Washer from SciCan, and Hu-friedy's Instrument Management System. They've also addressed air quality within the clinic with a purification system from Surgically Clean Air."
The result of this project is a dental office that now experiences very positive benefits on all fronts with even more growth potential in the future, including the addition of clinical staff and extended business hours. "Henry Schein has been our regular supplier for many years, and we have a great relationship with Jason," commented Dr. Worthen. "His ability to 'know' what we need is extremely helpful and he is a big part of our practice."
Air Techniques Compressor/Vacuum
Air Techniques ScanX Classic
Air Techniques Acclaim Intraoral Camera
Belmont Phot-X II Intraoral X-ray
Belmont Pan/Ceph X-ray
Conex Stericenter
Digital-Doc IRIS Intraoral Camera
Midmark M11 Sterilizer
Pelton & Crane Chair Packages
SciCan Statmatic
Solmetex Amalgam Separator
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