THE WHY: The Owner’s Story
Henday Dental is a start-up located in Edmonton, Alberta. It is the brain child of two enthusiastic partners, Dr. Dwayne Olatonade and Dr. Aqib Shirazi. This beautiful practice opened its doors in August 2023. Dr. O began his entrepreneurial journey in 2017 as a sole owner of his first practice located across town. They first met in 2018 through their involvement with Shine Dentistry, a student-run local charity established by the University of Alberta that provides dental healthcare to low-income families. Recognizing their shared professional interests and aligned values, Dr. S joined Dr. O’s clinic as an associate. Their relationship has now blossomed into a peer mentorship and highly-collaborative, mutually-rewarding partnership. Dr. O’s start up experience combined with Dr. S’s passion for becoming an owner inspired them to locate, design, and build Henday Dental.
THE HOW: Planning & Preparation
Fueled by an abiding passion for real-estate and a vigilant eye on the rapidly transforming property market in Edmonton, the formidable pair has been on a quest to discover an ideal start-up location since their early days of meeting. They did briefly consider the option of an acquisition but, ultimately, decided that starting fresh would be more enjoyable than inheriting an existing practice. They were eager to take on the challenge of cultivating a fresh culture that aligns with their philosophies, tastes, and interests. In 2021, they excitedly secured a free-standing ground floor space in a bustling commercial plaza frequented by young families and surrounded by high-traffic brick-and-mortar anchor tenants. The pandemic introduced many challenges that caused building completion delays as well as subsequent supply chain delays to the internal construction followed by some HVAC rough-in complexities. These challenges were all eventually resolved, allowing the construction to be completed for their highly anticipated July 2023 grand opening.
THE RESULTS: Technical Design Features
The 7-operatory 3,400 sq/ft practice provides ample accessibility and smooth overall work flow. The square unit allowed for a layout that optimized the use of internal space, enabling the front and back office design to flow nicely into each other. Upon entering, patients are welcomed in a large front desk area with designated check-in/check-out points. The treatment coordinators office is a large consultation room that also doubles as a comfortable area to hold meetings. They chose fully-enclosed operatories, with dual entry doors to improve accessibility, infection control, and overall patient experience. Their in-house lab has also been strategically plumbed for future expansion in case they wish to add an 8th operatory. Beautiful lavender colour schemes are tastefully and subtly peppered throughout the office. They have incorporated rounded design features into the overall theme by placing gorgeous architectural arches along the hallway with circular mirrors and rounded corners on the potted plants.
THE IMPACT: Empowered Practice Outcomes
It comes as no surprise that the owners’ initial meeting occurred at a charity dental facility. Henday Dental is actively planning to expand its community outreach in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. In the years to come, they are dedicated to engaging with local schools, where they wish to donate sports guards to children’s hockey teams and participate in outreach initiatives like Shine Dentistry. Their commitment is to cultivate their practice into a welcome space that is accessible to people from all walks of life. This environment is designed to bring everyone together, reflecting their unwavering dedication to growing their patient base and creating a space where patients can receive exceptional dental healthcare.
Equipment Supplier: Henry Schein
Interior Design: Jennifer Buchanan
Contractor: GH 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.
