Going to the dentist isn’t a chore many people like to do. Whether you’re going for a checkup or a dreaded root canal, most people feel pretty nervous going. So when it comes to the waiting room of a dental practice, it’s important to make your clients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The problem is, most dental practices miss the mark and end up with clinical, cold waiting rooms that make clients even more nervous than they need to be.
If you’re thinking of designing your dental practice reception area and waiting room, here are some important tips to keep in mind.
Comfortable Furniture
There is nothing worse than sitting in a waiting room that has hard, uncomfortable seats. This is especially true if you have toothache or a cavity that’s already making you feel uncomfortable.
Comfortable chairs or sofas will make people feel relaxed and more at home while they wait. If you can’t fit sofas in your waiting room, comfortable banquette seating or deep chairs are a good option.
Homely Furnishings
Most dental waiting rooms feel sterile and cold, like a hospital room. But patients will be much more relaxed if they feel much less stressed about making an appointment.
Think about artwork, rich wood furniture, and plants. All of these not only make the space feel less sterile but will also make the waiting room look expensive.
Layout
People tend to sit as far away from others as possible in waiting rooms, so if your waiting area is stuffed with chairs that makes it difficult to get some space from others, it’s not going to be a comfortable area.
Arrange your waiting room in zones, space permitting. Put toys and a play area for children at the opposite end of your waiting room to a quiet area for adults without kids.
Also think about the high-traffic walkways and keep these as clear as possible to avoid the room feeling cluttered and claustrophobic.
Technology
If you have TVs on the wall, use these as a marketing opportunity. Instead of playing the news or a random channel on mute, create a professional-looking slideshow about your practice and services.
This will give your patients something interesting to focus on while they wait and will highlight some of your services they might not know you offer.
Little additions like a few charging ports throughout are also nice touches that clients love and give the space a modern feel.
Lighting
Skip the stark strip lighting when designing your waiting area. It’s cold and puts clients on edge. Instead, bright but warm lighting keeps the space bright and open but welcoming and cosy at the same time.
If you have the luxury of natural lighting through windows, maximise this as much as possible by avoiding heavy blinds on the windows. If you want privacy, opaque screens allow light in without passers-by staring in.
Branding
Nothing says high-end better than a customised 3D sign on a wall with the name of your practice. This gives the impression that your practice is professional, modern, and confident. Invest in a well-made branding sign to avoid it looking cheap or an afterthought.
Need a Professional’s Input?
If you’re thinking about redesigning your dental practice or have a brand new office you don’t know what to do with, we can help. We are a professional designer, manufacturer, and installer of commercial spaces and can help you maximise your waiting and reception area.
