Get started with a little inspiration and an overview of all the options.

In part one of this three-part series for dentists find six topics to consider when designing a dental practice. Get started with a little inspiration and an overview of all the options and details.

In the operatory, dentists deliver expertise, years of education and experience in the care of every patient. With a dental practice design project, though, their level of preparedness can vary. Even a practice owner brimming with ideas and inspiration can benefit from a bit of expert direction in the area of interior design. And for a dentist new to the process, the sheer volume of decisions, topics and considerations might feel overwhelming.

Emily Pieshefski, Interior Designer with Benco Dental Design offers six topics dentists should consider when designing a dental practice. In this article, dentists can identify their design inspiration and reflect on an overview (Think: interior design outline).

1. Identity what inspires.

To help a dentist create the office they envision, interior designers gather inspiration from the doctor – their likes, dislikes – to guide the project direction. One effective method for a doctor to communicate their mental picture: share a simple photograph.

Inspiration images allow an interior designer to assemble a mood board. The best part, the photos need not be architectural in nature. A few examples of inspiration photos: a favorite piece of art or furniture, scene from a film, exterior of a building, destination (a mountain cabin in Colorado, a beach in the Pacific Northwest.

From these, a designer can gather insight on the doctor’s preferred color palette and style.

Insider Tips:

>>> Photos that don’t feature interior designs offer designers more leeway and allow them to tap into their creativity.

>>> A collaboration space, such as a Pinterest board, can strengthen the relationship between designer and doctor and create an open dialogue. One benefit: If the images don’t align with the architecture of the dental office, they will allow the designer to find elements that evoke the same feelings.

2. Make time for a big-picture overview that encompasses all the smaller details when designing a dental practice.

Get started with finishes.

• Flooring. In clinical spaces where infection control is top priority, LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tile offers a surface designed for easy cleanup. LVT’s durable nature won’t buckle under pressure, such as the weight of dental chair or large equipment.
  
• Walls. Options for wall paint and wall coverings of cleanable vinyl are endless. Don’t forget accent features, decorative wall materials such as tile, or those that include texture – also known as dimension walls.
  
• Ceilings. Tried-and-true selections include painted drywall and ceiling tile, but the sky’s the limit with options such as acoustic clouds and noise-reduction baffles.
  
• Millwork. When reviewing cabinetry, such as the reception desk, take into account accent finishes, countertop types (quartz vs. solid surface vs. laminate) and lighting elements.
  
• Wall base. Consider all possibilities, such as standard rubber base, a more decorative rubber with a profile, or even wood. A combination of these can also be used for different areas of the dental practice. Think: more decorative selections in patient areas and simpler in staff areas.
  
• Special trims. Practical, yet pleasing to the eye, trim variations can suit every style. Define and enhance with crown molding, or decorative custom accent elements such as wainscoting, board and batten, or geometric accent walls.

Let lighting lead the way and add dimension to a space.

• Decorative Lighting. Generally, an architect or builder selects architectural lighting, but interior designers incorporate decorative lighting.
  
  

“Decorative lighting is like the jewelry for your space. Add it as a final element for an extra statement or to tie everything together.”

Emily Pieshefski, Interior Designer with Benco Dental Design

Feeling inspired, but still not sure how to bring dental practice design ideas to life?

>>> Looking for personalized interior design expertise?

For details on how to create a dental office interior design that inspires dental patients and the entire dental team, email design@benco.com

>>> Ready for additional design guidance?

Begin an online master class where dentists can work at their own pace: Build Your Future® On-Demand. Available at the online learning platform of thevirtual Build Your Future:

• over a dozen design-centric content modules.
• a range of experts who can answer your questions and offer valuable advice across applicable specialties, including Dr. Tristan Hamilton, one of America’s leading experts in dentistry and architecture, and Melissa Sprau, NCIDQ, Benco Dental Director of Design.

>>> Want help deciding on a style and mood for your dental practice?

Check back at TheDailyFloss.com in the coming weeks for part two of this three-part series, 6 topics every dentist should consider when designing a dental practice.