The contractor gave Hood two options when the project started: to close the practice and finish the construction process more quickly, or to take a little longer and stay open as many days as possible. Hood chose the latter. Throughout the construction process, which added on 2,400 square feet, he estimates the practice was closed for less than two weeks.

“All we needed was more room. I liked the floor plan I had, so basically, we extended the hallway with our operatories and added on five more,” Hood said. “We also added more business office space, a private office and overhauled the breakroom.”

When it comes to an expansion like the one at Hood Dental Care, there are many moving parts. From working with municipal governments to contractors and subcontractors, a new surprise lurks behind every corner. Hood found comfort in having a Patterson Dental team he could rely on.

“I don't know how you would do it without a representative here whenever you need it,” he said. “Every time the plumber comes in, every time the electrician comes in, they have questions. I can't answer those questions. [Equipment Specialist] John Tessitore would come in and he would check the floor plans and make sure the equipment was in the right place. That was invaluable. Contractors know how to do a lot of stuff, but they don't know dental equipment.”

With the help of his Patterson team, Hood said problems that could've cost days in the construction process were quickly solved. Oftentimes, the contractor would go directly to Tessitore with questions, which Tessitore encouraged.

“I told Dr. Hood, ‘All you have to do is tell me where you want to go,'” Tessitore said. “My job is to get you there. Put your trust in me, put your value in me and I'll do it. And it was a smooth transition the whole way through.”

Along with his Patterson team, Hood went on an A-dec Educational Experience to the company's headquarters in Newberg, Ore. There, he saw firsthand the meticulous care and quality with which A-dec manufactures its products.