THE WHY: Background Story
Calgary, Alberta, is home to the recently opened Chinook Dental Group, a practice that combines three dental specialties under one roof. They provide comprehensive dental care to patients needing endodontic, periodontic, and prosthodontic advanced dental and referral-based services. Dr. Javier Cabrales leads the practice and is an entrepreneurial enthusiast and skilled periodontist. He is originally from Columbia, where he developed a passion and appreciation for working with his hands and helping people from a young age. His journey led him through a temporary residence in New York to eventually settle in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. His uncle, who is also a practising dentist, inspired him to pursue a career in dentistry. In 2020, after completing his periodontal specialty studies at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Cabrales seized an opportunity (in October 2021) to secure a lease for a new space where he could build his dream practice. They excitedly opened their doors to the community in December 2022.
THE HOW: Planning & Preparation
The 3800 sq-foot 2nd-floor unit is in the heart of south-central Calgary, close to a main highway for easy access. It was a perfect location in a relatively new office building built less than ten years ago. This corner unit, complete with large windows, ample parking, and an elevator for accessibility, met all the criteria on its checklist. Construction kicked off after securing the space and permits at the end of 2021. Pandemic-related supply chain issues delayed the distribution of “glass materials,” which ultimately set back their intended grand opening date. They decided to integrate a large board room with a comfortable living room-style seating area where specialists can host study club events in a communal space reminiscent of their dental school days, where multidisciplinary students gathered in a collective location between classes to discuss all things dentistry.
THE RESULTS: Technical Design Features
The interior design of this space radiates sophistication, skillfully intertwining classic and contemporary elements to craft a visually stunning and highly functional environment. Upon entering the practice, patients are visually greeted by a meticulously laid herringbone-patterned floor, a masterfully crafted faux marble reception desk, and a wall adorned with traditional panel mouldings, seamlessly blending into classic architectural features. To add flare, they introduced contemporary furniture, accentuated with gold pieces that achieve a harmonious balance between the “timeless classic” and the “contemporary modern,” creating a “transitional” appeal. Their goal was to create a lasting design theme, with nothing that may be deemed “temporarily trendy,” while keeping a neutral colour palette for all the specialists and patients who enter to feel clinically calmed. Ten dual-entry operatories allow the clinical team to flow from room to room easily.
THE IMPACT: Empowered Practice Outcomes
Chinook Dental Group recognizes the importance of digital workflow and how it streamlines the exchange of patient information, including images and records, quickly and efficiently to enhance communication with referring dentists. They have incorporated the latest technologies, such as CBCT scans, microscopes, and various other digital modalities, to ensure accuracy and timeliness and foster a seamless collaboration between dental professionals, ultimately leading to improved patient care. This specialty practice is not just focused on providing exceptional dental care; they wish to positively impact their community by contributing to the well-being of patients and the clinical growth and success of referring doctors. Their mission beyond dentistry is to build healthier, happier smiles while fostering a vibrant, connected healthcare community for a brighter future in dentistry.
Equipment Supplier: Patterson Dental
Interior Design: Jennifer Buchanan
Construction: WD Construction
About the Authors:
Darcie is co-founder of Bella Vita Designs Inc, an interior design company specializing in creating beautiful, functional spaces for start-ups, remodelling, expanding, or relocating your dream practice. To discuss your office space needs or to have your proud story & unique design featured, she can be reached at darcie@bellavitadesigns.ca / IG @bellavitadesignsinc / 905-716-8528.
Peter is the Founder of Practice Mastery Inc., a Business Development Coaching company that serves the growth & development needs of your practice. His unique coaching empowers teams, principal dentists, associates & industry companies across North America to achieve extraordinary growth, higher income, and exceptional quality of life. FMI IG @peterbarrycoach, peter@practicemastery.com, www.practicemastery.com, 416.568.5456.
