THE WHY: The Owner’s Story
Dr. Ramzi Haddad’s journey began in 1982 in the United Kingdom, where he completed a fellowship in Oral Surgery. After 14 years of practice in various GP and Oral Surgery settings, his wife Sima inspired them to move to Canada, where they have since raised two lovely children and grown two successful general dentistry practices. Uxbridge Dental Suites is his latest initiative just north of Toronto in the historical town of Uxbridge, Ontario, where they now reside. Dr. Haddad is a passionate GP that has taken his commitment to dentistry to new heights by opening a “referral-based surgical practice” that also provides “clinical mentorship” and “treatment planning support” services to other GPs. It was designed and built as a space where he could share his 40 years of clinical experience with the next generation of dental professionals.
THE HOW: Planning & Preparation
Dr. Haddad initially explored the option of acquiring an existing practice. After some market research and strategic planning, he decided that the best way to obtain a practice that represented his tastes, talents, personality, and core values was to build it from scratch. The realtor found two adjacent units in a single-story plaza on the main street of a busy intersection in town. After negotiating the lease, the equipment supplier and interior designer created 2D floor plans outlining his preliminary desires and opportunities. The technical drawings/floor plans provided an accurate and precise measurement of the space to ensure all elements of the overall interior design would fit seamlessly together. The interior design company also created 3D renderings to provide a life-like representation of the completed space after construction. This realistic visualization helped him experience how the facility would look, feel, and function, and how the various design elements would come together to impact daily workflow and patient experience. The entire process took about a year. They proudly opened their doors in June 2023.
THE RESULTS: Technical Design Features
The office’s overall design emits a contemporary, sophisticated vibe with white colours interspersed throughout the office to create a fresh, clean ambiance in a warm, spacious environment. Patients are cared for in one of the four large, fully closed treatment rooms. The reception area is thoughtfully designed to be comfortable and inviting, with plush dark leatherette upholstery seating to ensure “cleanability.” A bespoke wooden wall art feature was creatively designed to turn the entire wall into a visually appealing backdrop. During demolition, a skylight was discovered above the closed ceiling. This inspired a change to the overall floor plans. It was a perfect opportunity to rearrange the location of the board room/educational meeting room. Professional guests seated at the conference table can now enjoy learning and collaborating on cases in a room with plenty of natural sunlight. A large monitor has been centrally placed for all to view, depending on the AV needs of the group.
THE IMPACT: Empowered Practice Outcomes
Uxbridge Dental Suites is excited to build its reputation among professional peers and patients. Dr. Haddad sees dentistry as a calling and opportunity to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of others. Throughout his career, he has seen the transformative power of peer mentorship and higher education in shaping a dentist’s growth and success. This state-of-the-art facility contains some of the latest dental technologies in an immersive learning environment dedicated to delivering optimal high-quality patient care. The practice reflects his passion and commitment to the future of dentistry. They are excited to serve patients and empower dental professionals in their welcoming state-of-the-art 1700 sq/ft facility.
Interior Design: Bella Vita Designs (Darcie Galbraith)
Construction: Interface Construction
Equipment Supplier: Henry Schein
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.
