Elements of a Welcoming Dentist Office

Coming to the dentist is a source of anxiety and nervousness for over 30 percent of Americans. Some of that stress may be a response to things outside of a dentist's control, such as bad experiences in the past, but there are some things practitioners can do to make their office as welcoming as possible. A comfortable environment can help take the edge off someone's anxiety and set them up to have a more positive experience.

Creating a welcoming dentist office doesn’t always entail a large amount of money, as some might assume. In fact, the more home-like that an office appears, the more comfortable it appears. Many individuals believe that implementing all the latest tech gear will help their office appear more trendy to clients, but dialing back on these “improvements” and embracing other techniques can actually have better results. Have a look at some of the elements of a welcoming dentist office below.

Comfortable Waiting Room

The waiting room is usually the first thing a patient sees when they walk into the office. It won't make a good impression if it's dull, poorly lit, and mostly empty. Try to ensure the waiting area has plenty of comfortable chairs and entertainment options for both children and adults. Books, magazines, or even a TV can distract anxious patients while they wait. Additionally, add some color to make it feel less sterile, either by painting the walls or adding colorful decor. Natural light from windows is a great way to brighten a space, but lighting with warm tones is ideal if that isn't an option.

Kind Receptionists

A patient's first interaction in the office is with the desk receptionist. If they are met with a cold, unwelcoming check-in experience, that can heighten anxiety and set a negative tone for the visit. One of the primary elements of a receptionist's job is patient interactions. They process appointment scheduling, check-ins, and payments, so they should be friendly and well prepared to handle even difficult situations with kindness and professionalism. Dentists should ensure they hire receptionists with positive attitudes and friendly demeanors. This is a cost-effective way to provide a more welcoming experience for your patients and ensure that their appointment begins on the right foot.

Private Exam Rooms

Dentist offices should focus on having clean, private exam rooms for patients. Taking good care of the equipment keeps it looking nice, making a big difference in a patient's first impression. Additionally, ensuring patients have privacy during their exams is essential. Ideally, exam rooms are quiet and have doors that can be shut so that patients don't feel like everyone walking by is looking in. Being able to hear conversations outside of the exam room can also be overwhelming for an anxious patient. If your office space is able to accommodate this floor plan, you should consider incorporating this into your design.

Personable Staff

Finally, hygienists and dentists should also prioritize being personable and empathetic. Taking time to hear a patient's concerns and prepare them for what to expect might take some more time, but it will help them have a more positive experience and be more likely to continue scheduling regular exams. Dentists' schedules are often busy. It can be challenging to give every patient the time and attention they might want, but prioritizing having positive interactions will make a difference, even if they are brief. With each experience you have with your patients, be sure to engage in a warm conversation and use a reassuring tone as you explain any other tasks that need to be completed during their appointment. Even a five-minute interaction can make all the difference in their experience.