THE WHY: Owner’s story
Newbury Dental is located in the southwest part of Edmonton, Alberta. The practice is a dream come true for Dr. Linda Lee and Dr. Marcus Ngai, who share roles as principal dentists, as well as being a happily married couple with two young children. Their journey to ownership began in 2011 when the couple first met in dental school at Boston University. After graduation they enjoyed working as associates for several years, which allowed them to grow as clinicians while gaining professional wisdom and experience as practising dentists. In the back of their minds, they always imagined opening their own practice. When they came across this beautiful space, they decided that now was the time to bring their unique values and philosophies into a practice of their own.
THE HOW: Planning & preparation
Edmonton is a city that is continually growing in population and expanding rapidly in size. Newbury Dental is located on the outskirts of the city, in the suburban community of Creekwood Chappelle, where many new-building developments are going up. Dr. Lee and Dr. Ngai found themselves bidding on a highly desirable space in a business complex that had multiple competing offers on the table. They decided to gain a competitive advantage by confidently anticipating their growth and bidding on a second unit, making their whole practice much larger and capable of ultimately equipping 10 operatories as they grow over time. After securing the space, they brought on a local designer, builder and equipment specialist. Due to a clear design concept, detailed technical drawings and construction excellence, the build-out went smoothly, allowing them to open as anticipated in August 2021.
THE RESULTS: Technical design features
When creating the concept and design plans for Newbury, the owners wanted to create a comfortable and appealing home-like atmosphere. This space tastefully blends its zen-like vibe into a modern-day clinical practice by using calm, neutral, soft white and beige tones with minimalist, yet eye-catching, furnishings and decorations. Splashes of lightly toned wood features can be found throughout. Upon entering the practice, patients will immediately notice interesting, well-placed ceiling features that diffuse ambient light beautifully throughout the front office area, as well as beautiful living-art-features with live-moss greenery framed into the walls to create a natural, serene experience.
THE IMPACT: Empowered practice outcomes
Dr. Lee and Dr. Ngai are passionate about delivering inspiring and memorable dental healthcare experiences to the families they serve. They enjoy taking special time with each patient to deliver top quality, highly personalized clinical care experiences. As a new practice, their sights are set on years of growing and evolving Newbury Dental to be a standout dental office within the community. They are excited to be serving patients out of a well-designed facility that matches their brand and represents their tastes and personal style.
Interior Designer: Jennifer Buchanan Interior Design LTD.
Construction: GH Construction
Equipment Supplier: Sinclair 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, 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 the founder of Practice Mastery Inc., a team development coaching company that serves the growth and 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 / practicemastery.com / 416-568-5456.
