A trip to the A-dec facility in nearby Newberg, Oregon, provided O’Leary and a few of his team members with an opportunity to experience equipment options firsthand. Before the trip they each had an idea of what additions they wanted to see in the new practice. The opportunity to see the showroom, view different configurations and interact with the equipment and furniture made the decision-making process easier. “It gave us confidence that we were on the right track because we could see operatory layouts, sit in chairs and translate the experience to what it would be like when our office was completed,” said O’Leary.

Because updated technology including digital X-ray, CEREC and a Sirona Orthophos XG 3D X-ray unit had already been added to the original Oak Park Dental office, equipment additions included chairs, cabinetry, lights and new monitors. The result is an operatory layout that is more comfortable for staff members and for patients. “The positioning of the chairs, the fact that everything we need is in arm’s length, and that we have enough room to move around makes all the difference in the world,” said O’Leary.

Months of preparation set the team up for a successful construction process that began at the end of May 2014 and was complete by January. An interior designer helped create a comfortable and modern atmosphere reminiscent of a northwest lodge. “We brought the outdoors in,” O’Leary described. The natural light, wood features, earthy paint tones, and a saltwater aquarium in the waiting room make for a truly calming experience.

Most importantly, the open space with high ceilings makes for a more comfortable experience for their growing patient base and larger operatories that are all uniform in design make it easier for the doctors to perform procedures efficiently. “I was pleasantly surprised at how it turned out,” said Small. “The results are outstanding and I’m so pleased that the practice has been as successful as it’s been.”