THE WHY: Background Story
Nestled in Calgary, Alberta, Juniper Dental thrives under the leadership of Dr. Chris Cantlon and his wife, Amanda. Chris, the principal dentist, and Amanda, a skilled hygienist, balance their professional roles with raising three young children under 7 years old. Their journey began during school at Western Ontario followed by an eventual move to sunny Arizona for Chris’s dental education. In 2017, after dental school, despite the allure of Arizona’s warmer climate, family ties drew them to settle in Calgary, Alberta. After 3 years of practising as an associate and searching tirelessly to find a suitable start up location that ticked all their boxes, they eventually decided plan their return to Arizona. However, just prior to departing, fate intervened leading them to unexpectedly discover the perfect location for opening Juniper Dental in Calgary. They are now proud local entrepreneurs who love providing dental healthcare, enjoying family time, and feeding their passion for fitness and wellness by participating in the occasional Ironman competition together.
THE HOW: Planning & Preparation
One week prior to departing for Arizona, with their visas ready and their bags packed, they received a call from their excited real estate agent suggesting that he may have found the perfect location for them in South Calgary. He urged them to come on site for a quick no-expectations look. After touring the ground floor future plaza location, which was merely an unbuilt pile of dirt at that time, the couple saw huge promise in the location, being surrounded by burgeoning new subdivisions that have today swelled to approximately 20,000 new homes. So, with cautious excitement they decided to remain in Calgary and build their dream start-up. Chris’s great research and planning skills enabled them to draw on the insights of colleagues, friends, and local experts as they meticulously outlined their needs and desires. Once the building was erected, internal construction began in August 2022 with their doors opening in December of that year.
THE RESULTS: Technical Design Features
Their newly developed practice was built with a commitment to their primary core value that the practice wouldn’t resemble or feel like a typical dental office. They wanted a boutique hotel-like, comfortable atmosphere that creates a welcoming overall guest experience. In the reception lounge, patients enjoy sitting by a custom-made bespoke fireplace that is flanked by large bookshelves. The large leatherette sofa, stylish lounge chairs, and unique snake plants situated beside large floor to ceiling windows create a feels-like-home atmosphere. A key feature is the dramatic visual transition from reception to clinical areas achieved by incorporating dark floor to ceiling floral wallpaper that draws you into a contrasting brightly lit operatory corridor.
THE IMPACT: Empowered Practice Outcomes
Their mission to create a dental experience akin to “Disney’s Magic” is celebrated and cheered on each day at their morning huddle. Every member of the team aspires to continuously deliver an experience where patients of all ages can deeply enjoy their time in the practice while erasing traditional old-school dental stigmas. On special occasions like Halloween, everyone engages in the spirit of community by donning their costumes and inviting residents to drop in for a festive karaoke sing and dance celebration. Upon arrival for treatment, each patient is pampered with a comfort menu offering an array of amenities from cozy blankets to convenient phone charging, refreshing hot towels, video entertainment, tasty beverage options, comfort slippers, neck pillows, noise cancelling headphones and more. Juniper Dental is proud to be a growing part of the local Calgary community. Everyone is excited to serve patients high-quality, high-tech dental healthcare out of their beautiful newly-built 9-operatory 3000 sq/ft facility.
Builders: Base Construction
Interior Design: Hatch Interior Design
Equipment Supplier: Patterson Dental
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.
