Are you wanting to increase the number of patients at your dental practice?
By using strategic healthcare design, innovative equipment, and clever features, you can attract more people to your surgery. In this article, we explain how to use design to increase community awareness, boost patient retention, and build a positive reputation.
Why is dental practice design so important?
Upon entering your dental clinic, patients will make snap decisions based on their first impressions. This is a one-time opportunity to win them over so your dental practice design must be sending the right message.
For example, an outdated and unwelcoming space does not entice a potential patient to come back again. On the other hand, a clean and inviting practice will make them feel comfortable and encourage them to make your clinic their regular dental care provider.
What are your patients looking for?
The first step is to identify what your patients are seeking in a dental clinic. Are they looking for a convenient location? Comfortable facilities? A welcoming atmosphere? Whatever motivates your patients will influence whether they choose your clinic over your competitors.
Every practice is unique, so it’s important to understand your patient type before you can design the type of space you want. It’s also worth stepping outside of your practice to view it from the patient’s perspective. From there, our dental practice designers can find the perfect balance of form and function.
Patient-centric dental practice design
The success of your dental practice is dependent on your patients so their motivations and priorities must be at the heart of your design process. Investing in patient-centric design creates a positive environment for your patients and encourages them to return. Our top tips to achieve this include the following:
1. Practicality and ergonomics
When designing your clinic, the first thing to consider is how your staff and patients will exist within the space. By considering the workflows, you can ensure efficiency and effortless flow throughout your practice. When changing the layout or position of equipment, always think about how easy it will be to access, use, and maintain daily.
2. Clinic accessibility
If you want to grow your practice, it’s critical to consider accessibility and convenience. If your patients struggle to get to your clinic or to find a park, they’re not likely to make the effort. However, if you champion wheelchair accessibility and invest in sufficient car parks, they’re far more likely to make the trip back.
Our top recommendations for accessibility include wider doorways, ample parking and, if possible, a clinic located near public transport routes. Over time, these investments will pay off a hundred times over.
3. Reception furniture and interior design
The reception and waiting areas are critical to making the right first impression on your patients. When it comes to making people feel welcome, comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a complimentary drinks station can go a long way.
If you want to keep your patients coming back time and time again, consider a customised reception design that feels fresh, original, and on-brand. This helps establish your clinic as one to remember. This can also reduce dental anxiety and build rapport with your patients – even before they enter your treatment rooms.
4. Colours and finishes
The colours and textures in your dental clinic have a significant influence on your patients. By opting for calming colours, you can ease anxiety and set the tone for their entire visit. In comparison, bold colours can cause subconscious stress and exaggerate the discomfort your patients may already be experiencing.
The most effective colour choices in healthcare design are soft blues, greens, neutrals, and natural timbers. For example, we love how the timber elements at Dental Artistry create a serene and inviting environment, combined with plants, ambient lighting, and relaxed seating. As a result, the reception area feels less like a clinic and more like a home.
5. New dental equipment.
One of the best ways to attract new patients is by offering the highest standard of dental care, which relies on having the best dental equipment. To ensure your services are matching your patient’s needs, consider upgrading the following equipment:
- Dental chairs and stools
- Dental imaging and 3D printing
- Dental suction
- Dental compressors
- Dental sterilisation and hygiene
- Small dental tools and equipment
- Dental lighting
- Dental laboratory equipment
At Dentec, we supply a wide range of dental equipment, from full equipment packages to one-off replacements. And, if any of your equipment needs repairs, we have a large network of distributors and trusted technicians across the country to assist you.
6. Get professional support
When investing in your dental surgery, it’s always worth having the experience and expertise of professionals on your side. While it may be tempting to save a few dollars upfront by handling the design yourself, the initial investment of a professional design team will certainly pay off for years to come.
Creating a dental practice that will help grow your business is easy, as long as you have the necessary assistance along the way. For more design advice and recommendations tailored to your clinic, reach out to the Dentec consultants today. We’d love to help!
Our dental practice construction process is divided into eight distinct stages. This proven methodology gives our clients greater control over the entire project while saving time and thousands of dollars.
The 8-step process includes:
- Initial consultations
- Conceptual design
- Budget projection
- Developed design
- Budget alignment
- Council approvals
- On-site construction
- Handover and aftercare
If you're just looking for new dental equipment or a few renovation tips, we can help with that too. Contact us today, explore our range of equipment or download our inspiration guide.
