THE WHY: Owner’s story
Dr. Luc Ducharme’s professional journey began at an early age. He vividly recalls being interested in becoming a dentist at the tender age of 7. On his path to professional excellence, he is proud to have had the exceptional guidance and experienced mentorship of Dr. Walker – a wonderful dentist, successful practice owner and close family friend. His dream was to graduate from dental school and grow as an associate under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Walker. Having the support of such an amazing dentist and business professional allowed him to accelerate his experience, eventually purchasing the practice and growing it into the wonderful state-of-the-art facility his team enjoys serving patients out of today. Over the years, the practice has relocated three times within their local community, enabling them to grow from the original three-operatory facility to the current 10-operatory location featured here today.
THE HOW: Planning & preparation
After 15 years of working out of the most recent six-operatory 2,500-square-foot facility, Dr. Luc wanted to find a much larger and more beautifully designed space that would allow them room to expand and serve their growing patient base. It was also important for them to keep the practice local and on the same street. So, Dr. Ducharme began a friendly community door-to-door search for a new location. He got to know local businesses, thereby finding out if they planned on moving any time soon. Visiting local merchants eventually paid off. He was informed by a gym located just one block away that they were closing due to pandemic related market changes. The 5,000-square-foot corner unit on the ground floor of a nine-storey condo building was perfect. He began by researching different design concepts online to strategize over how he wanted the expanded new layout to look. After a few months of exploring his tastes and options, he brought on the experts in practice design, equipment and construction to help turn his dream into reality.
THE RESULTS: Technical design features
The spacious practice with great street exposure allowed them to create 10 beautifully sized operatories in an artistically designed, visually appealing setting. By blending art with architecture, they transformed the high-tech clinical facility into a healthcare centre that has an art gallery ambiance for patrons to enjoy. Beautiful art pieces have a wonderful way of translating human emotions and stimulating the senses. The juxtaposed black and white feature walls and concrete accent pillars are contrasted with clean white walls and well spaced pops of colourful artwork and sculptures, creating a clean minimalistic, yet highly stimulating, visual appeal. The spacious contemporary atmosphere is accentuated by tall, exposed loft-type ceilings, stylish hanging lighting and large floor-to-ceiling windows with a few transparent internal glass walls.
THE IMPACT: Empowered practice outcomes
Dr. Luc Ducharme and his team are so proud and excited to have created a healthcare space that has the dynamic vibe of an art gallery. Now their stunning office and talented team can be seen as a special gathering place in the community. They see themselves as a meeting place that fulfils their community’s healthcare wants and needs. The new space has inspired a heightened excitement and passion for healthcare into hearts and minds of the team, which has greatly influenced the overall healthcare experience their patients can enjoy in the new office.
Equipment Supplier: Sinclair Dental
Interior Design: ASDG Design Group
Construction: Westrade 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, remodeling, expanding, or relocating your dream practice. To have your proud story and unique office design featured she can be reached at darcie@bellavitadesigns.ca / IG @bellavitadesignsinc / 905-716-8528.
Peter is Founder of Practice Mastery Inc, a Team Development Coaching company that serves the growth & development needs of your practice. He provides customized group and one on-one “Success Training” to dental professionals & industry companies across N. America. IG @peterbarrycoach / peter@practicemastery.com / www.practicemastery.com / 416-568-5456.
