One of the major considerations in laying out the floor plan was establishing a welcoming feel. It was paramount to Dr. Fischer to mitigate patient fears. “I wanted it to be very clean-looking and not have a cluttered feel – mainly, I didn’t want it to be overwhelming to the patient. We accomplished that with very high ceilings in the main area and also implemented a bay design.”

Because the bay design was new to Dr. Fischer, and because he knew some patients may be more comfortable with a more traditional room design, the expansive office also features three private operatories. Those operatories are located near a second private doctor’s office and sterilization area. Patients can choose one or the other based on their preference. “Everyone has loved it,” he said. “‘Wow,’ that was the general consensus.”

The practice fits its surroundings and Dr. Fischer’s personality in a special way, too, Dambra said. Some of Dr. Fischer’s photographs adorn the walls, and New Paltz is an eclectic community with an artistic side. “When you walk into his office, it reflects that,” Dambra said. “It’s kind of like a small art gallery. It’s very modern, sleek and clean. When people walk in there the first time, they are impressed.”

The additional space gave Dr. Fischer new opportunities for growth, and he brought on another dentist: Dr. Harrison Linsky, a board-certified maxillofacial surgeon with both dental and medical degrees. The results were instantaneous. With eight functional operatories, 2011 was Dr. Fischer’s first full year in Ariel Dental Care’s new office. And it was the best year Dr. Fischer’s ever had – growing 23 percent.

The business’s value has significantly changed, which was another of Dr. Fischer’s goals. He has always appreciated A-dec quality, he said, and it was an easy choice for his new chairs. “I started this when I was about 60 years old and I didn’t want to revisit this again. I wanted the kind of quality that would eventually add to the value of the practice down the line.”