Key Resources and Business Strategies for Creating your next Professional Dental Office by Gary T. Lowery Atlanta Design Associates
Whether you are considering a small improvement to your current facility or designing and building a new office, there has never been a better time to invest in your practice. The right facility improvements will result in practice growth as well as in your comfort and image as your career moves forward. The right professional resources along with engaging Key Business Strategies is critical to getting the full value from a facility improvement project. Below is a brief description of several of the resources that are available in todays Dental Market. Traditional Design Build Contractors: This can make
it difficult to hold a contractor accountable in reducing the change orders that are typical on most projects. These contractors usually provide a less detailed design process that can compromise the needs of the project. A strong project management presence is needed if using this type of contractor. Strategic Design Build Contractors: Provides some
design services which are usually coordinated with the services of others that are involved in the project. This approach can be helpful as long as clear coordination is provided to all the members of the design team through “Cost Based Design�.
Traditional Architectural Firms: May compromise the
long-term investment of facility improvements if they have limited experience with dental offices. The opportunity to improve the flow of the office can be missed if a traditional design approach is taken instead of taking a method that is focused on the needs of the individual practice.
Construction Managers (Project Managers): Can be an
asset to a complex project if they understand the big picture how the facility affects the dental practices long-term growth. Their involvement creates another layer of expense that can sometimes be justified if they have “Cost Based Design” training and extensive experience in dental projects.
Dental Supply Drafting Services: Provides basic space
planning along with utility requirements and specifications primarily focused on supporting dental equipment sales. The plans provided should be incorporated into complete architectural and engineering documents that are typically provided by architects, engineers or a Design Build Contractor that the dental supply company recommends. The checks and balances that most dentists require when making a complicated expenditure is important to consider. The total value within all aspects of the project can be compromised without progressive project management expertise.
Dental Consultants: Professionals that rely on their particular backgrounds (interior design, accounting, practice management, etc.) to provide expertise in the design and construction process and may not always fully understand the details that are outside of their training. There are also nationally recognized lecturers that can provide excellent expert information and concepts, however, these resources can be limited in providing the personal details needed for a particular project. Key Business Strategies
A truly successful project is also linked to impletmenting Key Business Strategies. One key strategy that should be a vital part of this process is Practice Focused Investments. This concept evaluates today’s technologies and advancements, while making recommendations based on budget priorities, and the doctor’s preference of style and practice. This approach determines a long-term investment strategy. Among the topics that are included in this evaluation and discussion are: • Treatment Room Delivery Systems & Dental Furniture • Information Technology and Dental Software • Instrument Management Systems • Re-Supply and Inventory Control Systems • Hygiene Recall and Treatment Presentation Procedures • New Patient Evaluation Procedures • Treatment Planning / Case Acceptance Strategies • Business Systems and Scheduling Procedures
As an example, Facility Aesthetics is a Practice Marketing Strategy in today’s progressive dental practice. This is one of the most important ways to market a practice in today’s competitive economy. Making these types of investments should promote the image of the practice aesthetically, while supporting the way the dental team communicates with each patient. The changes in patient perception can create valuable momentum for referrals and case acceptance. The way to accomplish this is to move past a discussion about a traditional office and more towards a functional practice. A “Cost Based Design” trained interior designer can facilitate a conversation on these subjects. This conversation also focuses on making aesthetic choices that are focused on the budget and marketing strategy of the practice along with the functional concerns listed earlier. Another key strategy to consider is Cost Based Design. This is a progressive process that begins with project design, budgeting, and possibly financing coordinated with acquisition or lease negotiations. The process then moves to contractor negotiations and construction management which produces control of the desired results, while encouraging practical cost solutions from everyone involved. Cost information, along with data from previous dental projects should be blended with extensive experience in evaluating and developing a custom Project Design Strategy. This strategy is tailored and focused on the dentist’s budget and practice marketing objectives. One of the primary goals is to take the concepts that are available in today’s dental industry and evaluate them against the needs and personality of the individual practice. There is not a “cookie-cuter” solution that works best for all practices. Each dentist has preferences, ideas, and a style of dentistry that should be incorporated into their design process. The idea of individual preferences being integrated into a new design is important, but it can also lead to bad habits or designs
being ignored and recreated. The challenge is to address the bad habits, while maintaining the doctor’s personal style of practice. Experience, advice, and meaningful conversation are the key. There is a need to evaluate trends in technology and the affect it has on design. A potential concern is that some company’s sales strategy is focused on promoting concepts that are costly and do little to improve efficiency. There can also be a tendency to promote a large sale instead of making a series of investments over time. All of these issues and potential problems should be considered and discussed during the “Cost Based Design” process. Working with a company that uses the “Cost Based Design” strategy can address these concerns. There are also additional professional resources that can be critical to a project including Financing, RealEstate/Leasing, Information Technology, Marketing Consultation, and more. Each of these resources and strategies should be discussed and evaluated based on the complexity of your project. The right combination of resources that fully understand these key strategies can make your next project efficient, productive and financially successful for your dental practice. For a complete overview of available resources and how these business strategies can help you achieve maximum benefits and value from your next project, contact Gary Lowery at: garylowery@atlantadesign.net . Biographical Outline: Gary T. Lowery In 1986 Gary played a vital role in the formation of Atlanta Design Associates, Inc. Atlanta Design Associates is a full-service Architectural, Design Firm specializing in Dental facilities, located in the Southeast. Gary is a Principle Owner and serves as a Senior Design Consultant for the firm. With over a decade of experience, Gary has aided countless dentists in the process of budgeting, planning, designing, and facilitation of the construction of their projects. Since 1994 Gary has been a feature speaker at the Thomas P. Hinman meeting; and recently spoke at the Florida National Dental Convention and the South Carolina Dental Associations Annual Meeting. Gary has also been involved in programs associated with the Medical College of Georgia, American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, and the MATSCO Design Symposium. Among the services offered are: Basic Dental Design Interior Dental Architecture Exterior Architectural Design Lease/ Acquisition Negotiations Contractor Negotiations
Construction Management
Most Recently Completed Projects: Dr. Jo, Dr. Kwon, Dr. VanDerhei • Hamilton Mill, Ga Interior/Exterior Architecture & Interior Design Dr. Scott Merritt • Canton, Ga Interior/Exterior Architecture & Interior Design Dr. Timothy Shaughnessy • Johns Creek, Ga Interior Architecture & Dental Design Dr. Hunt • Rome, Ga Interior/Exterior Architecture & Interior Design Dr. Lana Vo • Kennesaw, Ga Interior Architecture Dr. Tyler Myers • Columbus,Ga Interior/Exterior Architecture Dr. Dale Hardy • Anderson, Sc New Dental Office Design
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