Let’s face it, while ensuring your dental hygiene is up to scratch by attending regular appointments is crucial, no one really likes going to the dentist. In fact, some people downright fear it. Anxiety or fear around going to the dentist is extremely common, and can affect both children and adults alike. While the friendly attitude of the receptionists, hygienists and dentist can go a long way in easing anxiety, there are steps you can take to help put patients at ease as soon as they walk in the door.
The design of your dental practice can make a big impact on your patients. After all, this is the first impression they have not only of your space, but of you as a professional. Here are some things to consider in order to help alleviate fear and anxiety.
Take care of the essential first
For any dental practice, there are essentials that have to be incorporated into the design. These things include waste disposal, chemical and biohazard precautions, water and high electricity demands. Besides these must-haves, the design and layout can be almost anything you like. Be sure to carefully consider the floor plan to ensure your space not only looks great but is the most efficient and functional solution too. A functional space means you can work efficiently, which, in turn, helps your patients rest easy knowing you know what you are doing and can complete the check up quickly.
Consider your colour choice and branding
While white can portray cleanliness, it can also feel cold. Consider incorporating colour into your design to create a welcoming feel. Blue is a calming colour that is often used in the medical sector, you can also add pops of colour, such as greens, purples or natural tones like browns, to achieve a warm feel that will instantly help put your visitors at ease.
Allocate for your patients
Does your practice only cater for adults looking for a particular service, or do you cater for whole families including little kids? The answer to this question is strongly going to impact the chosen design of your space. The main aim you want to achieve is making your patients comfortable. For adults, this is going to entail clean, modern details. For kids, think about incorporating some colour and texture that is going to appeal to them.
