While it was Watkins' singular vision that brought the project to fruition, the Patterson team played an important part in making the doctor's ideas a reality. Ryan Link, Patterson service technician, was instrumental in working with Watkins as he made his decision on operatory equipment. "We always go to Patterson any time we need any service work. We even request Ryan," Watkins said. "All the service techs at Patterson are great, and Ryan understood what we wanted and needed. He was very knowledgeable and professional about the installation. He took great care to make sure the equipment was not damaged and everything was used as effectively as possible. He did a great job."

The choice to stick with Patterson for the new building was easy for Watkins. "We were given equipment options from many companies at meetings and decided that Patterson was going to be our best partner," he said. "They were very active in being there when we had questions and making themselves available more often than the other competitors."

From important equipment decisions to putting together some of the children's furniture a couple of days before opening (done by Chuck Gleisner, retired Patterson sales representative), Watkins says the Patterson team was there for him. After he and Borger had a preliminary building design, they brought in John Link, Patterson equipment specialist, who presented additional floor plan options. "We tweaked it a little bit," Watkins said. "And John put the finishing touches on [it]. He did all the detail work at the end and really brought things together for us."

While the function of the building was designed with the utmost care, the execution of the modern mountain look was done equally well. Upon entering the building, patients are greeted with a rustic reception area with a floor-to-ceiling ledge-stone fireplace, leather couch and hickory wood chairs. The neutral color scheme is soothing and the high-end finishes, such as granite countertops and a slate backsplash behind the beverage station, feel more akin to a vacation rental than a dental office.

Nature-inspired art is found throughout the building: metal wall sculptures have a Southwestern feel to them, and 6-foot photographs of Lake Tahoe, the Grand Canyon, and other natural wonders are printed on high-definition crystal paper and framed by the ledge stone along the walls and in the hallways. "[They're] designed to look like you're gazing out a window," Watkins said.

For the littlest patients, the playroom off the lobby is a fun place to wait with children's furniture, lots of books, and arcade-style Pac-Man and Donkey Kong games. A cartoon mural of Elkhart painted by one of Dr. Watkins' patients depicts icons such as Notre Dame, downtown, parks, and even Watkins Family Dentistry.