Few people are excited about their experience at the dentist. Time spent in a waiting room can increase the anxiety of an already nervous situation, especially if the atmosphere is dull, old-fashioned, or cold.
It is wise to invest time and finances to develop the optimal layout. Try to design or remodel a modern dental office waiting room that is, instead, comfortable and calming for your patients.
Here are some ways you can upgrade a dental office waiting room. To make the hang around more pleasant, please read more for ideas…
1. Be stylish
An antiquated waiting area might give the impression that the office does not provide current services, techniques, and equipment.
Because this is where patients spend unknown periods waiting with possible fear and apprehension, it is important to create a welcoming and soothing impression.
Change faded wallpaper and outdated decoration, and set the mood with modern décor. Purchase new furnishings and cushy seatings that give the space a relaxing and positive energy. Putting in a small sofa or a coffee table will give your waiting area an extra at-home feeling.
Adorn the room with fresh flowers, colorful artwork of intriguing geometric patterns, or Zen elements to encourage serenity. Try a fish tank or a small fountain.
Consider a flatscreen television to entertain tense patients. Select neat, durable upholstery and rugs that match the design of the room.
2. Organize and Maximize
Your patients should expect to spend some time anticipating their appointment. There should be enough space in the room so no one feels claustrophobic or cramped.
Make sure everyone can move around freely with minimal impediments. Consider the plot available when mapping a small dental clinic waiting room design.
Keep the reception desk clear, organized, and tidy. It should be high enough that papers, cabinets, and apparatuses all remain modestly hidden from sight.
Seek out state-of-the-art technology like the newest, computers, printers, telephones, and fax machines.
De-clutter your space. Throw away any old post notes and unnecessary baubles. Remove any outdated or dusty books and magazines. Update your library with a new collection for reading.
3. Lighting
Lighting has a significant effect on mood and is a major consideration when contemplating dental office waiting room design.
Natural sunlight is best to boost one’s temperament. If you don’t have windows, clean and bright lights from bulbs, lamps, and chandeliers are excellent.
Glaring fluorescent lighting, however, mimics a sterile and hospital-like environment, which is unwelcoming.
You can utilize shutters to control how much light you allow to shine while maintaining privacy.
Low lighting is cozier, while brighter lights can generate a more animated environment. Never leave the waiting room poorly lit, looking dark and dingy.
4. Pick inviting Colors
Color has a huge psychological impact and can alter human emotions. It can change the perception of the waiting experience, so the schemes you pick for the waiting room are vital.
While you don’t want your waiting room to look chaotic and unprofessional, bursts of color do wonders for the contemporary dental office waiting room.
Choose those which encourage calm and tranquility when picking the best color for the dental office waiting room.
Pastels are typically a good option to gently warm up a room. Avoid overpowering and extremely loud or bold shades painted in large sections.
Light blue, associated with cleanliness, is a pacifying color, great for most waiting rooms. Dark blues give a sense of sincerity but consider this mostly for an accent color or a feature wall.
Add several warmer-toned accessories or splashes, to avoid creating a cold environment when using blue as your main color scheme.
Pastel greens convey serenity, while darker greens induce a liberating feeling of being outdoors and free.
It sometimes can appear clinical, but if you want to stick with the standard professional white walls, you can add color by choosing brightly colored furniture and art to embellish the flair.
For waiting rooms in pediatric dental offices for children, opt for a very vibrant and lively setting filled with a wash of prime colors.
5. Add Great Amenities
Indulge your patients with features and conveniences to ease their waiting stretch and make your practice a place they are excited to visit.
Free Wi-Fi should be a standard, but go the extra mile by extending free usage of tablets and other technological devices. Charging points for cell phones and laptops are also pragmatic.
Organize a fun play area or kids’ corner filled with a variety of toys and games. Provide a library and a relaxed reading area.
Buy a large flat screen TV to display enjoyable programming or educational dental videos.
Offer coffee and/or snacks to guests and patients. A refrigerator with complimentary beverages is generous. Of course prepare toothbrushes, mouthwash, and floss in the restrooms to freshen up, afterward.
If you have superfluous space and budget, install an electric massage chair for patients to take turns pampering themselves.
6. Play Palliative Music
Playing music in your waiting room is a nice idea to help produce a pleasant and memorable stay. The type of music chosen will contribute to the experience.
It is recommended to produce a peaceful predetermined playlist of instrumental or classical music to help alleviate patients’ nerves and relieve any stress before their appointments.
Utilize the latest audio technology and apps to keep calming tunes and compositions lightly filling the area.
7. Put Yourself in Your Patients’ Shoes
To understand the significance of having a well-orchestrated waiting space, put yourself in the position of your visitors.
Would you feel comfortable visiting and waiting in a similar room as you have provided?
Does the area convey a personality?
How does it make you feel?
Apprehensive or agreeable?
Your waiting area should keep your patrons comfortable. Most people have had that waiting room experience.
Even you. When you put yourself in their shoes, it is possible to imagine what you would need, want, and expect to feel welcome and secure.
Your goal is to put them at the most ease, possible before they jump into the dentist’s chair.
About The Author:
Gilbert D. Curtis, DDS, is an associate professor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He teaches both the undergraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine curriculum and the Advanced Education General Dentistry Residency.