THE WHY: Clinicians’ story
T-Dot Dental opened their doors in mid-February 2020. What followed was an almost complete global shutdown to most sectors of society including their newly opened practice. The pandemic was a true test to everyone on how important robust community relationships and a strong strategic business alliance can be in times of significant change and opportunity. Upon reopening, they quickly embraced new safety measures by implementing new standard operating procedures in clinical practice and patient flow. The principal dentists, Dr. Karim Habib and Dr. Sunman Singh, along with their warm-hearted, highly skilled team take great pride in providing a boutique quality-of-life oriented family-friendly dental experience to the people they serve in downtown Toronto.
THE HOW: Planning & preparation
Dr. Habib and Dr. Singh used their knowledge of the downtown core to find the perfect strategic location suited to their tastes and desires for being effective and successful in their new practice. Their agent passed on a listing that was recently back on the market. They decided on the reconstruction of an older building that would have new condo units situated above. The space wasn’t as big as they had originally hoped for, but it ticked the rest of the boxes for location, visibility, easy patient access and functionality.
THE RESULTS: Technical design features
Strategic thought and planning have gone into the design branding and overall theme of the practice. The office is equipped for three operatories, which have custom, built-in cabinetry, with entertainment as a focus for patients by way of television screens on the ceilings and walls. They also strategically placed an operatory at the front of the practice, allowing pedestrians walking by to acclimate with the environment – a similar concept to those fancy restaurants that have open kitchens. Looking deeper into the space you get a feeling of energy from the vibrant orange-coloured branding chosen to match the exterior of the building. A vibrant eye-catching colour tends to draw attention to a space. In design, utilizing well-chosen colour choices that stand out exudes an air of confidence that makes you uniquely visible and distinctly memorable.
THE IMPACT: Empowered practice outcomes
Toronto is one of Canada’s largest cities and a world leader in such areas as business, finance, technology, entertainment and culture. Its large population of people from all over the globe has made Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world. The practice has effectively set itself up to attract the core downtown community of young professionals and young families in the area. The doctors and team are excited to deliver all levels of dental healthcare out of their beautiful facility. They provide a broad spectrum of dental services to all those they have the pleasure to serve.
Interior Designer: Valerie Marshall Interior Design
Equipment Supplier: Patterson Dental
Construction: Canadian Dental Construction (Dan Burns)
Photos taken prior to COVID-19.
About the Author
Darcie is an interior design coach and project coordinator specializing in the field of dentistry. She is co-founder of Bella Vita Designs Inc. with @peterbarrycoach. Bella Vita is an interior design company specializing in creating beautiful functional spaces in your existing practice as well as creative technical design support for building your new dream practice. Bella Vita Designs also provides dental professionals with a large selection of quality office furniture solutions. To have your proud story and unique office design featured she can be reached at darcie@bellavitadesigns.ca / IG @bellavitadesignsinc / 905-716-8528.
