If this is your first dental office construction, you likely have a million questions. In a separate blog, we’ve covered some helpful information on the cost and timeline to create a dental clinic

This blog is all about taking the stress out of the design and construction process. Our hope is that you will take these tips to streamline your construction project and ensure the process is as smooth as possible. 

TOP 5 TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE DENTAL OFFICE CONSTRUCTION 

When you arrange for dental office construction, the last thing you need is stress. There are multiple variables at hand when putting together a dental clinic. These can quickly add to your plate, leaving you a little overwhelmed. 

Fortunately, our design professionals understand all the ins and outs of constructing a dental office. We’ll provide clear guidance on how to approach every step, starting with these five tips: 

TIP #1: DEFINE YOUR GOALS

Not having a clear direction is what leads to “surprises” for most construction projects. Getting clear on your goals from the beginning helps you stay on budget and identify your wants and needs for your new dental office. 

Before getting started, consider the size of the dental office you need. This may depend on the total number of dentists and dental hygienists on staff. If you anticipate the size beforehand, it’ll be easier to design, as you’ll know what kind of space will be conducive to your goals. 

Also, don’t just define your goals. Share them upfront so that you and your dental office contractor are on the same page. For instance, if you hope to open within 12 months, let your contractor know. 

Most dental clinic constructions take nine to 12 months on average. This time can vary depending on the scope of work involved. Before alerting your patients about when you’ll be taking appointments, talk to your contractor about a realistic timeframe to keep everyone happy.

TIP #2: KNOW YOUR SPACE

Do you want to build out an existing dental practice, or would you like to set up shop at a new building? It makes a difference–not only in your budget but in your design plans in general. 

An important consideration is meeting the ADA’s guidelines by leaving plenty of parking space, ramps, and so forth as needed to ensure all your patients have a comfortable experience at your dental practice.

Another component of your space is knowing where to put all your equipment. We suggest creating a detailed list of any equipment you’ll need so that you can figure out where to place everything. 

That will prevent you from scrambling later by trying to figure out what you’re missing. Instead, you can put your mind toward opening your dental practice and doing a soft or hard launch to bring more patients in the door. 

TIP #3: STAY IN COMMUNICATION

Responsiveness can make or break any construction project. Stay in touch with your contractors, and ask plenty of questions as they come up to ensure every step of the dental office construction process meets your expectations.

There’s no need to be on-site every day. However, we recommend keeping an open line of communication with your construction team so that everything runs smoothly and questions are answered in a timely manner. 

Good dental office construction companies should reciprocate by getting back to you by the end of the next business day or soon after with any updates. 

TIP #4: SET THE DESIGN AROUND YOUR BUDGET

It’s all too easy to go off budget if you don’t create a design around it. That’s why we created our DesignLab​​™, an innovative tool that allows you to browse design ideas and set your design parameters within a given budget. 

We realize every budget is different, as are goals, which is why we don’t provide the same rate for every dental practice. Instead, you decide what your budget is, and we’ll tell you what you can do with it. Then, we’ll work backward from there to build the dental practice of your dreams. 

TIP #5: CHOOSE THE RIGHT DENTAL OFFICE CONTRACTORS

When it comes to the best dental office construction, you don’t want just any contractor. You need a quality contractor who has the expertise in this specific field and knows what to do to make your project successful. 

When you work with Norwest Contractors, you can have peace of mind that we will meet all medical guidelines and have key insight into what you can do to improve your dental office design. 

DESIGN YOUR DREAM DENTAL OFFICE TODAY WITH NORWEST CONTRACTORS | PORTLAND, OR

You deserve a quality dental office, and we can make it happen. With your vision, our construction knowledge, and our interior designer’s expertise, we can take your plans and put them into action. Why wait to start your project? The best time to start is now. 

In search of some inspiration for your dental office construction? See our Portfolio

And if you’re looking for some extra tips to help you out in the design process, check out these blogs: 

Get your dental clinic construction underway today by clicking HERE