For Sledge, that relationship with Patterson gave her the ability to focus on her new career and building the new practice. “Being able to jump in and continue that working relationship has been really great,” she said.

Bridges met frequently with the doctors to better understand their goals for the practice space. Together, they designed a 3,800–square–foot floor plan with six operatories and the option of an additional 700 square feet when needed. Patients enter through one door and exit through another, and most walk past the sterilization center and CEREC milling unit at the heart of the practice. When they’re finished, patients can check out at one of two semi–private counters at the reception desk. While they are waiting for their appointment or their parents, children can play in the kids’ cubby in the reception area, which features games, books and a television.

Bridges designed the private staff areas to be separated from the rest of the practice by a short hallway. Tucked in the back of the practice are two private offices, two restrooms and a staff lounge.

“Our vision for the practice was that we wanted to marry two things that can seem to be mutually exclusive,” Sledge said. “Having an upscale, aesthetically pleasing office that caters to patients who are interested in cosmetic work — we love full mouth restorations where people see such a huge and immediate difference in their smile — to make sure they felt pampered and relaxed here. But we love seeing whole families, too. That’s the heart of what we do.”

Thanks to his nearly 20 years of experience in dentistry, Bridges was able to assess the particular requirements of Carter and Sledge’s office space and recommend equipment that would provide exactly what the doctors wanted. For instance, he recommended A–dec central cabinets for operatory dividers, which enables them to add a future, seventh operatory, if needed. (The extra space currently functions as the consultation room.)

“The flow has been great,” Sledge said. “The way we set it up allowed for some flexibility. And the office is set up so that [my dad and I] see each other a lot. It’s easy for us to do a consult with each other on a patient.”

“What makes me feel like a king is when she comes up and asks my opinions about how to do something,” Carter said. “We collaborate and bounce things off each other, and it’s just awesome.”

Bridges and Webb also took Carter and Sledge to the A–dec facility in Newberg, Ore., in order to see firsthand the equipment they were interested in purchasing. “Going to A–dec was very instrumental in helping us make our selections,” said Sledge. “Just by going out there and seeing how the equipment is made, learning the history of the company, gave us confidence in the company and the quality of the materials. And the attention paid to us was so personalized! We were able to try everything out.”