There comes a time in the lifespan of every dental office – it could be several years after opening, or in many cases much sooner – when remodeling becomes less of a “nice-to-have” option, and more of a strategic requirement to grow the patient roster, shift towards the delivery of more profitable dental solutions, and ultimately boost the bottom-line.
Based on our in-depth experience, we are pleased to share 6 essential dental office remodeling tips that will help ensure that the process is straightforward and stress-free, and that the results are rewarding and profitable:
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Identify your goals.
Do you want to onboard new patients? Deliver new dental solutions? Help boost internal efficiencies? Attract and retain the talented staff you need to grow? Answering these questions will help you calibrate and clarify your vision, which will in turn help you make smart, strategic decisions on how to move forward.
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Choose the optimal time.
Are the holidays your busy season? The start of a new school year? Or perhaps just before year end as ex-employees seek to use their benefits before they expire? When possible, it is wise to schedule your remodeling project when it will cause the least amount of disruption to patients and staff.
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Don’t overlook equipment.
Naturally, your remodeling project will include fixtures and finishes, flooring and lighting, wall coverings and furniture. However, you should use this opportunity to evaluate your equipment and systems as well (e.g. air compressors, vacuum units, sterilization stations, etc.), and determine if they are optimized for current needs and future growth. If not, and provided it is within your budget, replacing these during your remodeling could prove to be an efficient decision – especially with respect to reducing disruption and/or downtime.
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Focus on improving patient flow.
Are patients routinely getting in each other’s way as they move around your practice? Or are they running into traffic jams with staff who are (for example) on their way to sterilize equipment or check X-rays? As much as possible within your budget, your dental office remodeling plan should focus on improving patient flow, since that will directly translate into a better patient experience.
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Focus on staff needs.
Dental offices are fast-paced, and at times, somewhat stressful environments as well. Your remodeling vision can certainly address some of these challenges, and go a long way towards making staff feel more engaged and motivated. This not only boosts productivity and patient-centric care, but it can substantially reduce your recruitment and turnover costs.
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Choose the right interior solutions team.
And last but certainly not least: ensure that you choose the right interior solutions team from the outset, who will work with you step-by-step to build your plan, refine your vision, and ensure that you make informed decisions that maximize your results, and minimize your risks and costs.
Learn More
To learn more, contact the team at Interior Solutions today. We have extensive dental office remodeling experience – from relatively small refreshes to major overhauls – and will be glad to answer your questions, and help you safely move forward. Your consultation with us is free.
