Lights, Camera, Action!
A Cypress, Texas, couple are inspired by their love of movies when building a new practice.
What if going to the dentist were like a trip to the movies? At Universal Smiles in Cypress, Texas, it is. Hallways lined with LED lighting make the walk from the waiting room to the operatory feel like entering a movie theater. Movie reels, photos and popular movie quotes line the walls of the office and each operatory has a TV streaming Netflix, with hundreds of movie options available for viewing.
Brad Griffin, DDS, runs the practice himself but credits his wife, Erin, who is also a dentist, with helping to get the practice up and running. The couple’s own love story began at the University of Tennessee, where they attended dental school. After graduating in 2009, they married and worked as associates at separate practices. When Brad decided he wanted to open his own practice, Erin’s experience and assistance were vital in the process.
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“One thing we have in common is our taste in design,” said Brad. “We’re very similar.” Erin played a large role in helping with the design and decorating of the office. She kept the end in mind, with the goal of making every patient feel comfortable. Brad is more interested in the technology. For him, it was vital that equipment and technology be the most advanced to make his job easier and to make the office more ergonomic.
The name Universal Smiles is a play on Universal Studios, and was easy to come up with given the couple’s love of film. Plus, the theme provides a good excuse to send patients home with movie theater tickets given as prizes for contests and giveaways. “I want patients to enjoy themselves while they’re here and the movie theme puts a fun spin on things,” said Brad.
An all-star cast
Brad and Erin credit Territory Representative Monetta Reyes with getting the ball rolling by connecting them with a real estate broker, an equipment specialist and a business manager to help with the project. “Monetta is really easy to work with,” said Brad. “She has a personal investment in this project and wants to see it succeed. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and it shows.”
