Trust the experts

01 September 2010
Volume 26 · Issue 8

Stuart Clark explains what to expect from a design company.

Every time regulatory guidelines are tightened or new measures introduced, modern dental practices have a huge amount with which to contend. Many aspects of a practice demand detailed attention so as to meet the latest requirements. These concerns can often overshadow a surgery’s core activity (the treatment of patients) without which practices would not survive. 

To have an edge over the competition, practices need to meet patient expectations by making the right first impression with aesthetically pleasing surroundings, and by delivering top quality care. The equipment and design of the surgery used to deliver that care also has to satisfy the latest industry guidelines. 

HTM 01-05 has brought in ‘essential quality requirements’, which include new regulations for decontamination procedures. Best practice is a clearly separate decontamination area, implying a separate room should be used for reprocessing only, and utilising a validated automated washer-disinfector. This will be a requirement of the future and needs to be considered when planning and designing surgery upgrades.

 

Best practice design

Busy dentists do not always have the luxury of extra time to invest in visualising and executing plans for a new, first class surgery environment. Fortunately, there are companies specialising in the dental market that can deliver the whole package of perfect surgery design, from planning through to installation, leaving dentists free to concentrate on their core business.

Dedicated design and equipping companies will work with their clients to deliver flexible, bespoke solutions within the agreed timeframe, using a variety of tried and tested tools to plan and execute all aspects of the desired outcome. Such companies will offer a preliminary survey, listen to the dentist’s needs and wants and then collate the information into an adjustable model utilising auto CAD-enabled computers with 3D graphics. This provides a virtual overview of exactly how cohesive and congruent the design is, and gives the dentist a chance to try out many detailed options before committing to a final design.

Three-dimensional modelling also provides creative solutions for the available space. Older buildings can often present challenges in terms of space and facilities, especially with the advent of separate decontamination area requirements. Yet it may not be necessary to move premises when in situ solutions can be found by modelling possibilities virtually. 

The real strength of CAD/CAM 3D design is the model gives a clear visual idea of how the finished result will fit, because all the virtual cabinets are shown to scale.

 

Quality and reliability

Once the best and most practical design has been agreed, dentists can rest assured that reliable companies will work to the highest standards. Reliability is key; work and equipment must be guaranteed to be delivered on time, to ensure the practice’s business is subject to minimal disruption.

Equipment companies that specialise in the dentistry field will understand wants and needs as well as mandatory requirements. Being fully versed in the latest news and updates, these companies can remove another worry for the dentist. New surgery or established, tailored solutions can be found to suit all situations and budgets.

It is equally important the equipment supplied is functional, durable and top quality, and that it also meets the recommended standard. Suppliers should also deliver a total package, including all construction work, from electrical to plumbing and pipe work. The inevitable impact of construction work on surgery business can be daunting, but professionals who understand the business will offer a sympathetic, practical approach that avoids the pitfalls of haphazard, poorly planned work.

Once the surgery has been remodelled and installation is complete, dentists and staff need to be fully conversant with the operation of all new equipment. Dentists should ensure their supplier offers full training for staff so they can work in confidence.

Continuing support should also be guaranteed in case of need. Reliable companies offer 24-hour support with experienced engineers on-call who have comprehensive knowledge of equipment servicing, fault-finding and repair, keeping downtime to a minimum. This quality of care is offered as part of its continued support and after-sales service in an ongoing relationship with its valued clients. Practitioners should always look for this level of care from their chosen design company. 

 

Practices made perfect

Well-designed, functional and comfortable surgeries make economic sense, as the right environment is good for business. Top specification equipment and furnishings ensure penalties or downtime for not meeting the required standards are avoided.

Design companies that deliver a total package ensure peace of mind that all bases are covered for a perfectly profitable practice. It makes sense to entrust the design and equipping of a surgery to professionals dedicated to making changes happen effortlessly, with minimum disruption to the dentist’s core business of attending to clients.

For more information contact Clark Dental Wickford Essex Office on 01268 733146 or email enquiries@clarkdental.co.uk or Clark Dental Nantwich Cheshire Office on 01270 613750 or email sales@clarkdental.co.uk