From conceptualization to décor, Dr. Eliopoulos orchestrated the process with a full team of architects and professionals to ensure the space was inviting, but functional. “He has a really strong commitment to the relationship between his dentistry and his patients,” said Bill Pellicano, Dr. Eliopoulos’ equipment specialist with Patterson. “Dr. Eliopoulos wanted his facility to reflect the very high level of what he does and the personal service he offers. While partnering, we recommended solid changes to enhance the doctor and patient experience while driving innovation well beyond today’s date. You can see his commitment to the industry in implementing the latest technology.”
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Dream Office
Dr. Eliopoulos’ wife, Dr. Nano, joined the practice just months after opening, making the building a family investment. Knowing that the move was coming, the dentist carefully detailed what was important for the evolution of his practice, including setting up the new office. He made sure to plan accordingly so Dr. Nano could have her own treatment room. Currently the clinic boasts five treatment rooms, with three for the doctors and two for the hygienists, and a sixth for future use.
One of the things that delights Dr. Eliopoulos the most is the ability to have a new dental lab. “I’ve never really had the capability of sitting down at a lab bench and creating restorations. I made a point of designing a truly functional dental laboratory. I purchased a Dental Arte lab bench, which was my treat to myself.”
Finally having a space to accomplish the CEREC restorations (staining, glazing and more) has given Dr. Eliopoulos even more excitement toward his work.
New Solutions for Everyday Problems
While Dr. Eliopoulos values technology, he also places great importance on ease and integration. In the new office, he implemented each upgrade with a solid reason and patient benefit in mind. The costs aren’t quite the same as when he set up his first practice in 1986, but Dr. Eliopoulos said investing in technology leads to better patient satisfaction. With a smile, he explained: “I think I made a really smart investment. I believe in putting funds back into the practice.”
While investing in new space and new technology, Dr. Eliopoulos found a way to retain some of his favorite parts of the old office and save money in the long run. The A-dec chairs were reupholstered to bring in the modern colors of the new office. Dr. Eliopoulos even chose to have some of his favorite older chairs retrofitted with front delivery from A-dec. An ergonomically sound office means that Dr. Eliopoulos is facing his work head-on, not constantly leaning left. The results, he said, are that he is more efficient with patients and more comfortable in the new environment.
With the lack of space, one problem of the old office was that staff frequently bumped each other in the process of their daily tasks. To solve the problem, the new office features not only a dedicated business office for billing and organization, but a staff break room that makes each team member feel appreciated. One of the dentist’s pet peeves was also left behind. “Everything has a place. I used PLANMECA cabinetry specifically because it’s ergonomic and offers stations for cameras, computers and lasers; you can easily hide each piece away without showing the wires,” Dr. Eliopoulos said. “The bonus is that everything is easily accessible.”
When asked about his favorite part of the new office, Dr. Eliopoulos was quick to respond that his staff has truly made the biggest impression on his practice – though Eaglesoft has helped him evolve professionally. “The Eaglesoft software system has been with the practice for over 20 years as we slowly integrated into a paperless office,” Dr. Eliopoulos noted. “I knew the advantages of dental software 26 years ago and the hub of my entire practice is the Eaglesoft system. We cannot function without it. It’s a lifesaver.”
