Initially, the doctors planned to keep the existing floor plan as-is; however, Mans expressed concern about this approach. “The operatories were too small and the hallways were too narrow,” said Mans. The doctors decided that if they were going to do the remodel, they wanted to do it in the most effective way possible, which meant starting from scratch. “We really needed to do it right,” said Dr. Resch. “So we ripped everything apart and created new operatories, new walls, new everything.”

Mans worked with the architect to design a new floor plan for the two-story, 12,647-square-foot practice that completely separates the clinical area from the reception and business areas of the practice. On the first floor is the reception area, spacious restrooms, a staff break room and a lab. On the second floor, there are 16 treatment rooms, nine hygiene rooms, a sterilization area, office space and an area for patients to check out and schedule follow-up appointments. An elevator was added for patients who are unable or prefer not to take the stairs.

Previously, the doctors’ offices were small and located on opposite ends of the practice. The new layout includes a large, private office space on the second floor, where the doctors can work and collaborate with each other. “Sometimes in the old building, the dentists wouldn’t even see each other for many days at a time,” said Robberstad. “Now they’re able to touch base from time to time, which is good for everyone.”