Intelligent design is the foundation for a successful project. Often times I see projects with plans and layouts that set the project in motion without optimizing space, work flow, or aesthetics. Many in the industry are content with how they have always done things and miss opportunities to improve the patient experience, profitability, and overall flow in an office.
The operatory layout strategy is key from the start. There are essentially 3 main ways to layout the operatories in your practice:
Operatory layouts (in order top to bottom) Single Entry, Dual Entry, Open Bay.
As you can see above this layout decision should be carefully considered to align with the goals of the practice and experience your looking to create for your and your patients. Forget about how you have worked in the past, that is the past and your new future shouldn't be built looking backwards.
Lets take a look at single entry design for its strengths and weaknesses:
Single Entry
# of operatories - In a 65' span with single entry your able to fit an additional operatory into the layout. In larger offices I've seen the ability to add 2 or 3 more operatories into the same space without making them too small and cramped. This is a major advantage for single entry and the future production potential of the office.
Operatory Space - In this example we have lots of usable and open space to give the Dr. and assistant plenty of space to work and walk around the head of the chair. There is 4' of clear space on the Dr. side for free movement and an open feeling. Many other designs don't account for working from 12 o'clock positions at all. The 12 o'clock position is critical for ergonomic treatment on the palatal of the upper jaw with mirror, and the lower jaw with direct vision.
There is also space for patient items and guests as shown in the photos below.
Patient shelf and hook for coats, keys, coffee etc... (See arrow on right side fo image)
Guest chair for family members (See arrow on right side of image)
Sound -The single entry design provides much better sound isolation especially when using suction or handpieces. patients in adjacent operatories cannot hear conversation, or patients talking about health history and other private matters. In the audio file below you can hear suction and some quiet conversation from 3 operatories away. at :20 you hear the door close and the suction along with voices is nearly eliminated making a much more relaxing atmosphere. Notice how the music is no longer muddled with the voice and suction sounds with the door closed.
Privacy - Single entry provides a quiet private space thats safe for patients to talk about health history, relax, or watch Netflix while they wait for the Dr.
Not only will the patients appreciate their privacy the entire team will appreciate the lack of noise pollution and gone are the days of cranking the music to try and drown out clinical sounds and HIPPA regulated conversations.
New technologies and 21st century call systems allow for assistants to stay in the room assisting instead of running out to get supplies etc. The rear cabinet provides and ergonomic access to all the supplies without have to turn around to a side cabinet.
Myth - With traditional non integrated equipment single entry will lead to cords, cable, and clutter trapping the dental assistant. As you can see from the overhead view when advanced equipment allows for full integration design possibilities are different.
