ORTHODONTIC OFFICE LAY-OUT AND DESIGN
by Jacek and Susanne Slizynski

This is a short article on the subject of Orthodontics office design. The issues are more complex and encompass several fields & disciplines of design than we can cover here, however should you desire more information please refer to our Web Pages

http://www.indesco.com/~plan

Serving orthodontists for the last 17 years and having worked for well known practitioners (Dr. T.Dischinger, Dr. T. McDonald, Dr.R. Wooley, Dr. M. Heinemann and others) we have discovered three basic Practice Profiles which determine the office lay-out:

• NEW PRACTICE: The doctor is a recent graduate. Budget, function and minimum space requirements are of most conern. Office space is most often leased in an office building.
• 3 TO 5 YEAR OLD PRACTICE: Expanded functions, spatial dynamics (circulation), esthetics, owning a building are in the forefront.
• 10 YEARS OR OLDER: Characterized by some expansion, reorganization, remodeling (up-dating functionally as well as esthetically). The issues of a partner/associate or son/daughter joining the practice dominate the space lay-out.

Some essential adjacency principles hold true for all types of practices and patient volume may determine office circulation and size.

More enhanced features may include:

• Private (Adult) Treatment Area
• Adjustments Center
• Instruction Area in Treatment Room
• Dry Lab
• Wet lab
• Patient Education Room
• Patient Self-Check-In Area
• Mini Consult
• Staff Lounge/Seminar Room
• Video Arcade
• Planter Atrium
• Deck/Balcony

Overall spatial geometry may include architecturally pleasing axial rotations, juxtapositions and other revetments however these features add to space size requirements.

Following are some recommendations (listed by category) we have found to work well for our clients:

• CIRCULAR TRAFFIC FLOW: Use circular traffic flow pattern around central cluster with front desk facing entry door and patient flow around on three sides.
• BUSINESS OFFICE: Should be located directly behind the front desk.
• ON DECK: Should not be visible from reception area.
• PRIVATE SHOWERS: Do NOT install private showers unless you or your staff absolutely insist on it.
• VIDEO ARCADES: May prolong patient/relatives presence in the office.
• REAL ESTATE: Before purchasing real estate property for your own building, check if the site is large enough for the building, parking requirements and set backs. These may adversely effect your space plan.
• PRACTICE PROFILE ANALYSIS (PPA): Use a PPA to determine your square footage requirements.
• CABINERY DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION: Do not use back splash in wet areas, we recommend plastic laminate on wall surface up to upper cabinet.
• PLASTER BINS: Pivoting bins hinged at the bottom should be avoided since substantial inertial forces demand expensive construction to prevent the bin from falling apart at closing.
• PLASTIC LAMINATES: Use chemically resistant plastic laminates in laboratories and sterilization areas to prevent discoloration and damage.
• EXHAUST FANS: Use powerful exhaust fan mounted at remote location (for quiet operation) with intake in wall behind sterilizer units as opposed to ceiling mounted noisey and weak standard bathroom fans.
• DECOR: Do not be afraid of controlled chromatic activity and tasteful accouterments that make your space individual and different.
• COLOR SCHEMES: Use androgynous color schemes.
• ESTHETICS: We use semiologically diachronic approach to the overall aesthetic consideration, meaning that reception, front desk, consult/exam get priority treatment and clinical areas are kept more subdued and professional, resulting in budget savings.
• FLOORING: Use hard surface flooring materials (ceramic tiles, slate, etc.) for an area between main entry and front desk.
• LIGHTING: Use phototropism to set a visual heirarchy and draw attention to selected areas. Use energy efficient luminaires throughout with occupancy sensors in some rooms.
• LIGHTING LAYERS: We ususally design with four: General illumination, Task lighting, Accent lighting, and Special effects (i.e. fiber optic).

We would like to stress the importance of professionally prepared construction documents(drawings & specifications), which can more than offset design fees during the process. We have seen construction savings of as much as $75,000.00 for a 3500 s.f. office.

There are other aspects too numerous to mention, all subject to individual paradigms and situations.

Jacek & Susanne Slizynski
Indesco, Inc.
NCIDQ certified #008607

Photo of hallway. Illustrates lighting effects. (~80K)

Waiting area. (~78K)

Reception. (~47K)