The decision to remodel your dental office isn’t always an easy one. There may be some hesitation over the financial costs of it all. You also may be feeling unsure about addressing the current needs and concerns of your patients and staff while the remodeling is going on.

Here are 6 questions dentists should ask before diving, or in this case drilling headfirst into a renovation project:

1. How Do I Begin the Process?

The first step in a dental office remodel should be planning. For now, it’s best to put the hardhat aside and break out a pen and paper for this phase.

This is your opportunity to write down your needs, desires, and goals of what you hope to accomplish and prioritize them in order of importance.

2. How Do I Hire the Right Designer?

Hiring a designing firm with dental office redesign or renovation experience will save you time, money, and potential hassles down the road. They know what type of equipment your office needs and how to make things happen. Make sure to ask the firm what their level of knowledge and expertise is when it comes to the designing and construction of dental offices. This is not the type of project that any designer is properly equipped or skilled to handle. It’s also important to check references and ask the previous clients if they were satisfied with the value of the work provided and whether they’d hire them again.

3. How Much Time Should the Planning Process Take?

This will vary depending on how minor or extensive your remodeling project is, but an average dental office remodeling project can usually be determined in approximately two to four sessions, lasting one to two hours each.

4. Will I Have to Purchase All New Equipment?

Although it may be possible to use your existing equipment in the remodel (provided everything is still up to code and will fit nicely and appropriately into the newly renovated space), if the budget allows, it’s worth looking into purchasing a more modern and updated version of your used equipment that will have all of the latest features.

5. What Are Some Inexpensive Ways to Fix Up the Office?

Simple fixes can go a long ways, such as adding new texture or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and replacing old, dirty flooring with new carpet or vinyl.

Also, improving the lighting is a quick and easy fix that’s relatively inexpensive, but very beneficial as proper lighting can greatly set the mood.

6. How Can I Make Patients Feel More at Home?

For many people, going to the dentist isn’t something they look forward to. By making your dental office feel comfortable and relaxing, patients will feel as if they’re sitting in their very own living room.

It’s important to add a kids area to take some of the burden off of parents from feeling they have to work extra hard to keep their children quiet and entertained. It doesn’t have to be too elaborate, but a rug or small table and chairs with some toys, or a special gaming or TV area just for kids will suffice.

For the adults, adding those special touches like a coffee bar, flat screen TV, comfortable and classy seating, or even a roaring fireplace to make things feel extra cozy can greatly help patients to remain calm, relaxed, and even a little excited about being at the dentist. HJT Dental Design Consultants are experts at creating amazing dental offices through remodels and redesigns. Contact us today to talk about your remodeling plans!