12 Jun Design Behind the Scenes: Rodriguez Family Dentistry
When is the right time to take on a dental build-out project? Whether you are a new dentist right out of school or are well-seasoned in private practice, the answer may never be obvious. For Dr. Maricela Rodriguez in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this was the question after 20 years in her established practice. With a strong patient base and reliable team, why take the plunge? While the journey took longer than expected, the pieces finally came together in 2023, and Henry Schein was there to make it happen.
The main goal of this project was space. Dr. Rodriguez has a great team in a desirable location, but without adequate space, success is limited. Square footage quickly became an obstacle in her previous practice. She started with three treatment rooms but renovated to add a fourth. Even after the addition, she and the team felt the squeeze. She knew a bigger change was needed. Dr. Rodriguez worked closely with her Henry Schein Field Sales Consultant, Blaine Terrell, to find a space that would address growth needs and be something she and her team would be proud to call home.
The first big step came with the purchase of a new lot intended for ground-up construction. However, issues arose with local government on lot usage. She unfortunately had to walk away from this lot as the new location for her practice. With this setback came doubt. Had she waited too long to bite off a project like this? Dr. Rodriguez shared that being a mother, wife, dentist, and business owner was at times a difficult balance to strike; it never felt like the right time to make this big move. It wasn’t until three years later that she found a new home for herself and her team.
The new building was only a quarter of a mile down the road from her current practice and was the perfect candidate for renovation. Unlike her previous practice, Dr. Rodriguez purchased the space rather than renting. This allowed more freedom for her renovation plans and the opportunity to turn rent into equity. However, all projects come with their challenges. The building as purchased was segmented into four tenant suites that would need to be merged. It also lacked windows for natural light.
In addition to her partnership with Blaine, Dr. Rodriguez enlisted the support of Henry Schein Equipment Specialist Tony Griffin and Sr. Designer Renee Susami from Henry Schein’s Integrated Design Studio. She also wanted her staff to be involved as much as possible to make sure this office fits their needs and is a home away from home. Together with the Henry Schein team, Dr. Rodriguez set out her list of needs and wants for the new space. At its core, she was looking for four hygiene rooms with 6 fully outfitted treatment suites, with ample space for continued team growth. She was also looking to further embrace digital dentistry, so an increased lab space for her mill and future equipment needs was a must. Beyond clinical, Dr. Rodriguez was looking for a dynamic front office space with varied seating, a coffee bar, vanity mirrors for patients along the treatment hall, and a roomy business office. For the back of the office, she asked for a spacious staff lounge to accommodate breaks and training events, as well as a changing room, lockers, and a vanity for comfortable convenience.
Renee took this list and fit the pieces into the building like a puzzle. “The space itself was a great square footage to accommodate all the spaces that Dr. Rodriquez was hoping to incorporate.” She adjusted the building to accommodate the dental practice, plus one remaining tenant space for Dr. Rodriguez to lease later, increasing her earnings. She proposed additional windows into the treatment rooms and front office to increase natural light and create a brighter and welcoming space, like Dr. Rodriguez was looking for. At the front of the building, Renee incorporated the staggered jog to create different seating arrangements separated by a central beverage station.
When it came to the equipment, Dr. Rodriguez knew that she needed to invest in lasting equipment. A-dec was her number one choice. While financing was a big step, it was important to her to buy the best. In her previous renovation, she had purchased A-dec for the four treatment rooms. This equipment was still in great condition, so she moved these into her new hygiene bay, reupholstering treatment chairs and resurfacing cabinetry to match the new equipment and aesthetic. Blaine shares “[Dr. Rodriguez] felt it was an investment, as all the previous equipment, we were able to resurface and reupholster. These benefits made A-dec a viable choice. She bought the best, because they last.” She purchased all new A-dec chairs for her treatment suites, as well as an ICC Sterilization Center. In imaging, she updated to a new Sirona cone beam.
Dr. Rodriguez also utilized Integrated Design Studio’s Interior Design Consultation services. Renee Susami supported this, as well as Designer Grace Schneider. “Dr. Rodriguez has a keen eye for design as well as a fun and unique style,” says Renee Susami. “We drew inspiration from one of her favorite hotels in Nashville and her love for Dolly Parton.” The goal was to create a space that inspires and gives a high-end hospitality feel, but also is approachable for her vast range of patients. Grace Schneider states, “The space balances a cohesive palette that, rather than overwhelming, excites you to continue discovering the space”. The color palette is composed of neutrals, greens, and pinks. The materials utilized emphasized shape and dimensions from the varied, half-moon luxury vinyl plank to the linear tile at the front desk and botanical wallcovering. Decorative lighting and artwork enhanced the personal style with a whimsical touch. “I love the custom logo we designed in the staff lounge. It represents Dr. Rodriguez’s appreciation and love for her staff,” shares Renee.
When asked what advice to give to a doctor embarking on a dental build-out project, Dr. Rodriguez shared that finances are a big step. “You have to be conscious, but you can’t be tight. Also, do it sooner rather than later.” From the IDS team, Renee recommends, “It’s never too soon to start working with our team of interior designers. Dr. Rodriguez and I started discussing finishes while we were working through the interior architecture. This gave our team and Dr. Rodriguez the chance to work through all the high-level design details without being rushed.” Tony adds, “Never give up on your dream practice! With the right team by your side, anything is possible.”
Overall, the result was worth the years of searching. When reflecting, Dr Rodriguez acknowledged that it was the right time for her. “I was so impressed by the Henry Schein design team. They were great, always would answer the phone and talk through things. They were so flexible and understanding. Their team was totally on point…It was well worth the value using their team.” In the end, with her staff and the team at Henry Schein supporting, Dr. Rodriguez created an office to be proud of and loves everything within the space.
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