The team that won Dr. Hansen back to Patterson included Houston Branch Manager Tim Wagstaff, Territory Representative Monetta Reyes and Equipment Specialist Skip Fortune. At their initial meeting, Monetta and Dr. Hansen had a long conversation about his personal and professional goals. "He had two goals for the new practice. Number one was new technology to benefit the patient. Number two, however, was to give him a way to spend more time on his ranch. Once I had an understanding of what he wanted, I went back to him with solutions," she said.

Monetta provided the connection between Dr. Hansen and the rest of the Patterson Dental team. While they assisted with the physical aspects of the construction process, she worked with Dr. Hansen to map out a new vision for the practice, including changing the name of the practice to Memorial City Smiles and hiring a firm to develop a new website.

Skip and Tim led the equipment and technology selection process, and took Dr. Hansen to the A-dec facility in Newburg, Ore. There, the doctor saw how the equipment was made and test drove it in an operatory setting. He ultimately chose A-dec 511 chairs for his three operatories and A-dec 311 chairs for the two hygiene rooms. "Dr. Hansen is a man who understands construction and how things are made. He's hands on," said Skip. "He saw the quality of how A-dec designs and engineers their equipment, and he was impressed."

The trip to A-dec also gave Dr. Hansen a chance to meet with contractors, financial experts and other doctors to discuss his new practice opportunity. "That 'Day with the Experts' event at A-dec really showed Dr. Hansen what Patterson and A-dec are all about," said Skip.

Dr. Hansen selected a new practice space across the street from his current location and secured the lease. Fittingly, the new office is located in the same building where Dr. Hansen launched his dental career more than 40 years ago.

The building process moved swiftly, with Dr. Hansen needing to be out of his existing space by the end of the year. Monetta and Skip worked with the doctor to design the floorplan, honoring his penchant for organization with a circular design that directs foot traffic throughout the practice. Two doors flank either side of the reception area and staff is encouraged to welcome patients on the left side and check them out on the right. This way, the assistant or hygienist can give the patient a tour of the facility before seating them in their assigned treatment room.