Four Years in the MakingFour Years in the MakingFour Years in the Making
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“We wanted to be able to move between operatories in a way so that parents understood we were responsible for infection control,” Dr. Creighton said, citing the visibility of the sinks. “The way we set up each operatory works extremely well. It’s nice to easily move from operatory to operatory and have a centrally located area in which to hand wash between patients.”
The A-dec Preference ICC Sterilization Center became the focal point in each practice, with the doctors eagerly showing off to patients and their parents UPD’s sterilization standards. The doctors aren’t the only ones who are excited about the center; staff love the new setup as well. “The sterilization center brought consistency and a standard set of policies and procedures to the entire practice,” Cambria said.
Treatment standards also were raised when the doctors acquired Schick digital sensors, and a PLANMECA ProMax digital pan and a PLANMECA Intra intraoral X-ray. “With the Schick sensors, the way we provide care for our patients has been enhanced,” Dr. Creighton said. “And the PLANMECA digital pan is one of the nicest pieces we own. We can pick up things we couldn’t see before, the results are integrated into the medical record and the equipment is easily cleaned and easily maintained.”
Good Growth
The doctors were conscientious about more than just the equipment and technology for their new practices; the layout and décor had to reflect the new direction that UPD was taking regarding treatment standards. With help from the Patterson team and an interior designer, the doctors chose warm colors and kid-friendly amenities for both the Maple Road and Main Street facilities. “The front office is very welcoming to adults and children,” Cambria said. “For the kids, there is a mini-theater gaming area and a toy and book area.”

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Knibloe pointed out that the interior design elements flow perfectly throughout each practice, from the stonework to the blue and green color palette. “There is an overall consistent look and feel, from the front door all the way through the practice,” she said.
While UPD serves a large population that might not have a wide selection of providers to choose from, the doctors realized the importance of investing in a cohesive, professional look that would be welcoming to patients and attract emerging dentists. They also planned for future growth by plumbing and wiring for more operatories than are currently outfitted, and installed brackets in operatory ceilings so that televisions might easily be added at a later point.
“We’re sending a message that we’re growing with the community as it grows,” Dr. Creighton said. “We wanted to provide a dental home to all these kids in need, and the community appreciates how we extended ourselves to do this.” The benefits of the remodels also extend beyond the patients. “With a new building came a new attitude from the staff,” Cambria said. “They are geared to meet the challenges of the day along with anything unusual that might come along.”
Practicing Compassion

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