THE WHY: The Owner’s Story
Tasios Orthodontics has two locations that Dr. Bruce Tasios has opened. Both places were constructed in less than 1 year and simultaneously opened their doors in 2022. His professional journey began before university when Bruce felt inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps as a practising dentist. He was excited by the opportunity to build a career where he could touch people’s lives in meaningful ways through orthodontics. He completed his post-graduate training at Rutgers University in New Jersey. After practising orthodontics in his father’s general dentistry practice for a short period of time, one weekend in 2012, they were randomly inspired to search for a possible orthodontic start-up location. They did not expect to find something suitable right away, but as luck would have it, they came across an ideal 1,800-square-foot space in a single-story plaza in the heart of Woodbridge, Ontario, with great anchor tenants. The lease was expeditiously signed within a few short months.
THE HOW: Planning & Preparation
After almost ten years of practise in that original location, Dr. Tasios felt it was time for a strategic expansion into a larger facility that would support their growth while broadening their ability to serve more people in a uniquely designed office that enhances the patient’s overall experience. This required careful planning, financial analysis, and strategic considerations to ensure a successful expansion. In June of 2021, pandemic-related issues caused the tenant next door to vacate their 5,000-sqaure-foot unit. Dr. Tasios seized the opportunity to relocate his practice into the larger space while at the same time keeping his existing unit operational and separated by the demising wall. They spent two months designing the details of this 15-chair orthodontic practice. They considered patient and team comforts, workflow, visual branding, technology integration, and compliance with regulations. The plan had to be seamless because they were concurrently building another location in Toronto. As a result, the overall construction process went relatively smoothly, except for some minor covid-related distribution delays.
THE RESULTS: Technical Design Features
The larger office space provided an opportunity to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for patients and team members. The overall vibe is inspired by a boutique downtown Toronto hotel that blends aspects of residential interiors into a commercial space. The result is a comfortable, relaxed, and creative environment that is enjoyable to all guests/patients while conveying the feeling of being hosted in someone’s home. Upon entry, patients are greeted by a visual experience stimulating the senses. Vibrant patterns are splashed across the walls with eye-catching, custom-designed wall covering representing some of Dr. Tasios tastes and interests, such as influential music artists, basketball, and Nike shoes. With more adults seeking orthodontic care today, they decided to create an entertaining games area for children with a separate, more quiet and comfortable seating area for adults to enjoy a moment of relaxation in a peaceful waterfall setting before their treatment.
THE IMPACT: Empowered Practice Outcomes
Their latest adventure will be expanding the practice into the courtyard back patio of their building, where they are building an outdoor mini golf putting lounge. It will be a place for patients and team members to gather and connect during the summer months. Their commitment to aesthetics, function, and comfort extends beyond the patient’s smile and has been woven into their facility’s personal touches and overall design. They are proud to serve orthodontic dental care to their community in an environment that makes people feel unique, valued, and appreciated.
Equipment Supplier: Patterson Dental
Interior Design: Joe Architect
Construction: 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.
