While the thought of tackling a remodeling project may sound a bit overwhelming, giving your drab and dated dental office a stylish and updated facelift can be just what the doctor, or in this case the dentist, ordered.

Here are 3 must have design elements to include on your list:

1. Make it functional

The first item on the list is undoubtedly the most important, because the functionality of your office is even more pressing and urgent than the style and design aspects. The most modern and perfectly decorated office won’t make much of a difference if your patients and staff are miserable because the space just isn’t working.

These issues should be addressed first, before any other plans can progress:

Traffic flow: Ask yourself, do patients and staff have enough room to keep the traffic flowing? Are they tripping over equipment, bumping into chairs, and stepping on electrical cords?

Space: No one likes to feel cramped. If not having adequate space is an issue, consider implementing an open-plan to offer a viable solution.

Lighting: Having proper lighting is essential. Lighting has been shown to affect people’s moods. Start with simple lighting changes such as using a dimmer light in the waiting room and brighter lights in the treatment rooms.

Play area for kids: While it’s not necessary to turn your office into a playground or jungle gym, nothing ruins the peace and tranquility like a bunch of bored, idle children with nothing to do. Keep them entertained and happy by having a designated kids’ area, such as a small table and chairs with basic art supplies, books, toys, etc. Or consider adding a kid friendly video game system or television set just for kids programming to keep them busy and occupied.

Employee break room: It’s important for staff to feel like they have their own designated space too. Include a gathering place for employees to be able to eat, rest, and talk without patients being able to overhear.

2. Make it colorful

Adding the right design elements is the fun part of a dental office redesign process. It’s an opportunity to let your own personality shine through. Don’t worry if interior design isn’t your specialty. You can never go wrong with freshly painted, clean white walls. Accentuate them with a bright, bold, cheerful accent wall. Consider blues, reds, oranges, and greens versus dull pastel colors that will blend into the background and go unnoticed.

Once you have successfully selected your accent colors, you can choose coordinating furniture and complimentary décor such as unique throw pillows, artwork, and area rugs to bring it all together.

3. Make it comfortable

Since most patients would much rather be at home than the dentist, why not take the opportunity to incorporate some of the comforts of home into your dental office remodel project?

Toss out those stiff, uncomfortable chairs and expired magazines and consider taking things to the next level by adding flat screen televisions, a coffee bar, or even a fireplace for extra coziness.

By making your dental office feel like an oasis, or a home away from home, patients will be much more likely to return. In fact, they may even look forward to a trip to the dentist. We’re experts at designing functional, attractive dental offices with your needs in mind. Call us today!