A dental office requires features to create an environment that is functional for medical use by the dentist. But, it also needs to be comfortable for the treated patient to put them at ease before going to the chair.
As with any construction planning, there are various tasks specific to the project that need consideration before building takes place. Failing to plan properly may sacrifice the functionality or good use of the space, or the building’s structural integrity. This could spell disaster for a construction project.
From our inventory of experience at Chad Fisher Construction, here are some of the most valuable practices to consider when planning the construction of a dental office.
Best Practices For Dental Office Construction Planning
The undertaking of specialized construction projects such as dental office commercial construction typically requires generous planning and time. Some of the most considerable agenda items for this construction planning include the following.
1. The end goal
Before you start any building, you need to determine the optimal office design for you. Once you have done this, it’s important to lay out and add all the objectives and the means to achieve them in the construction agenda.
This will enable the contractor to complete the design in a way that fulfills the aim and needs of the client through realistic goals. For example, if the aim is to make the office more comfortable for the patients, then the agenda may include the provision of improved equipment.
Maintaining the “why” over the course of the design and construction of the project will help to cut out unnecessary costs and timeline extensions. Thus, it will contribute to the development of the desired finished project.
2. Functionality and aesthetics
An aesthetic design incorporates creativity to produce an atmosphere that enhances the experience of patients and workers. The design should be attractive and appealing. But, it also needs to be professional to gain the trust of the customers.
The functionality of a design, especially when considering medical facilities, should be the priority of the design.
A functional design incorporates the wise use of space and equipment to serve the function of the office. If done adequately, it will increase patient satisfaction and improve working conditions.
A good design will find the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics to suit the needs of the specific project.
3. Human-centered design
The design of the space should ultimately serve the needs of the people using it. When this aim is a priority in the design process, it is more likely to achieve a suitable balance between aesthetics and functionality. This is referred to as a Human-centered design process.
In the case of a dental office, the design should cater to the needs of both the patients and dental workers.
The first step involves asking customers about their experience with the current office. You could do this through questionnaires. This will help determine trends of the current strengths and weaknesses, which can help you make improvements for the future design.
Some of the main questions to include in a customer survey could be: What did they enjoy about their experience at your dental office? What did they not enjoy? Do they have any suggestions for improvement?
Then, your contractor could use the most frequent answers in the survey to influence the design of your dental office commercial construction project.
4. Timeline
Time is money. The same applies when it comes to the dental construction industry. The design of a commercial dental office typically requires a lengthy planning and execution process. As such, realistic timelines and goals are essential when estimating the milestones of construction and re-opening the practice. This helps to set reasonable timeline expectations.
Planning allows the contractors to be familiar with specific aspects of the design. In the case of the office layout, this may save thousands of dollars in flooring and wall installation costs, as well as minimize the project’s timeline.
In general, the construction process may take anywhere between months (for renovations) and years (for complete construction) to complete.
A multidisciplinary and engaged team is essential in setting realistic goals and competing them in a construction project.
Final Thoughts
There are many things to consider when commercially designing and constructing a dental office. Even though it can seem overwhelming, taking time to follow the essential planning practices will streamline the process.
As experts in the construction industry, Chad Fischer Construction is available to give you extra practical tips and consultation services to create your ideal dental office. We can help you avoid costly mistakes and provide a guiding hand throughout the process.