In January 2015, Constantine broke ground on the construction of his own practice with the help of Patterson Office Designer Tim King. “Tim was very patient with me as we went through the design process. He offered up floor plans and was able to put everything together, from big to small changes,” Constantine said.

With a limited size city lot, Constantine and King knew they had to capitalize on every inch of space, whether for workflow or extra storage. With this thought in mind, and an intention to grow the practice in the future, Constantine designed the build with six operatories, initially outfitting three, with the goal of operating out of all spaces in the coming years.

Constantine’s values of patient care and comfort drove his decision to create an open office setting with high ceilings and larger rooms, but with full walls between operatories to ensure patient comfort and privacy. “Dentistry can be daunting for some people. I didn’t want patients to hear the sounds of dental equipment in the rooms next door, and I wanted them to feel comfortable sharing their concerns with me without having to worry that other patients may hear them,” he said.

While construction was underway, Constantine paid close attention to the ergonomics of the space, as he believed a custom design would prevent neck and back strain from cutting his career short. He designed oversized operatories, which allow ease in moving around patients and equipment. In his office, he installed a Rogue pull-up bar for between-patient alignment and a standing desk to minimize his time spent sitting each day.

These comfort-driven elements are further reinforced by the office’s aesthetic components. A soft, cool and fresh color palette emulates the office’s technology in a sleek, yet patient-friendly way. “I wanted the inside of my practice to be a balance between state-of-the-art technology and clean lines with soft textures, vibrant artwork and smart furnishings to create a comfortable and interesting atmosphere for our patients to enjoy,” Constantine said.

B.J. Simpson, a Patterson equipment specialist working with Constantine throughout the build process, recognized his dedication to creating a modern practice focused on serving the people of the community. “Rich wanted his office design and aesthetic to reflect his practice philosophy of delivering excellent patient care, excellent patient experience and an emphasis on precise, comprehensive treatment planning through the use of technology,” Simpson said. “He wanted patients to know from the moment they walked in the door that they would feel comfortable and confident that they’d be provided with the best care available.”

In order to maintain the office’s home-like feel, Constantine knew he needed to equip his office strategically. Constantine, accompanied by his wife, Simpson and Kent Chastain, his Patterson territory representative, took a trip to the A-dec headquarters in Newberg, Ore. There, he was able to see the benefits of the equipment before making any purchases. “I was able to go to the facility, meet the owners and the people who work there – it really put my mind at ease. I saw the value of service and equipment I would receive for the amount I was spending,” he said.