Office Space: Finer Dentistry

by Darcie Galbraith, BA, Interior Design Coach; Peter Barry, C.M.C. Practice Success Coach

THE WHY: The Owner’s Story

The journey to opening Finer Dentistry began in 1996 when Dr. Yoav Finer, his wife, and their young twin daughters moved to Canada from Israel. Despite the initial uncertainties of not knowing anyone here, they embraced the adventure with heart and determination. Upon arrival, the welcoming society enabled them to settle quickly into Midtown Toronto, where they still reside. Inspired by his passion for science and research, Dr. Finer specialized in Prosthodontics and then earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical and Biomaterials from the University of Toronto. Since 2003, he has been teaching at the UofT, where he enjoys educating future dental professionals. In 2023, after almost two decades at the university, they opened Finer Dentistry with his wife, Carmit, who now manages the office and overall daily operations. This allows Dr. Finer to balance his time between the new practice and his ongoing research and teaching responsibilities at the university.

THE HOW: Planning & Preparation

During a community stroll near their home, Carmit came across a 2400 sq/ft ground floor (plus basement) space available for lease. It was an ideal find in a historic shopping district with bustling foot traffic. The location looked promising as it is on a busy street flanked by two-story commercial retailers with a separate residential unit on the second floor. The couple relished the prospect of walking to work and serving dental healthcare within the local community they had grown to love. It took them approximately a year to plan, design, and construct the new practice. They collaborated closely with their equipment supplier, designer, and contractor during that time. After navigating various interior design layouts, they settled on a configuration that would optimize operational flow and aim to deliver a comfortable and caring patient experience. After some challenges with city permits, they eventually secured the additional parking spaces necessary for their commercial business.

THE RESULTS: Technical Design Features

The bright reception area boasts expansive floor-to ceiling windows, creating an inviting and welcoming ambiance. The main floor houses all treatment rooms and the sterilization area with a private office/consultation room at the rear. Convenient front and back stairway access leads to the lower level, featuring a beautifully finished in-house lab, lunchroom, and additional office. Elegant gold pendant lights and a custom-designed ceiling plan add glamour throughout. Rich, dark wood panelling graces the walls, evoking timeless elegance with its deep mahogany hue. This woodwork contrasts the golden accents, creating a harmonious balance between classic and modern design. The eye is drawn to the majestic marble desk in the reception area, commanding
attention. Charcoal grey walls serve as a neutral backdrop, allowing the gold accents and dark wood panelling to shine. Together, these elements create a visually stunning dental practice that exudes professionalism and a refined taste.

THE IMPACT: Empowered Practice Outcomes

As a prosthodontic specialty practice, Finer Dentistry is excited to provide its patients with an unforgettable and transformative level of care. Whether it’s a single tooth replacement or a full mouth reconstruction, their goal is to empower the lives of those they serve. Operating from their new state-of-the-art facility, they provide the utmost care, technology, and services for all dental needs and smile restorations. They are excited to collaborate with and support local general practitioners in planning and delivering comprehensive and multidisciplinary care to their patients.

Equipment Supplier: Sinclair Dental
Interior Design: De Style Design
Contractor: Bellsam Contracting


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.

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