THE WHY: The Owner’s Story
Lloydminster is a vibrant, fast-growing community of 32,000, straddling the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan. It is home to Wayside Dental Centre, a large and well-established 19-op general dentistry practice that serves the local families and devoted residents of surrounding rural communities. It was a well-established 12-op practice back in 2010 when Dr. Nekky Jamal and Dr. Raegan Eliasson first purchased it. Since then, they have proudly added a 3rd partner: Dr. Erik Johnson. Inspired by Dr. Jamal’s clinical interests, the practice recently expanded into the adjacent unit, unveiling a beautifully-designed 3-op boutique surgical sedation center with a “separate reception and entrance” (featured here). This brings the total office space to 22 operatories at just under 7500 sq/ft. Stimulated by a passion for teaching “surgical 3rd molar extraction techniques,” Dr. Jamal has ventured into podcasting and now enjoys serving as a respected Key Opinion Leader, bringing awareness to the technological advancements of industry companies he believes in. He has become an inspiring hype-man and influencer for all things related to the growth and success of your clinical practice.
THE HOW: Planning & Preparation
After years of growth within a bustling strip mall just off the TransCanada Highway, they began to feel the need for expansion. An opportunity arose when an adjacent tenant facing pandemic-related challenges considered downsizing or leaving their unit. The dental practice proposed a win-win scenario: they would take over 1000sq/ft, covering both their own and the tenant’s renovation costs, empowering them to downsize and remain open. Two design options were considered: a 4-operatory setup or 3 larger operatories with a separate entry and reception area. Opting for the latter allowed the space to be uniquely designed as a boutique, physically-separated extension of the existing practice. Construction began in 2021 and was completed in April 2022. They handled the build-out themselves by hiring local trades, many of whom were patients at Wayside. This added a personal community touch to the project.
THE RESULTS: Technical Design Features
Stepping into the new expansion, visitors will find a seamless blend of artistic ambiance inspired by the music icon Drake; mixed with design elements reminiscent of the downtown Toronto cultural arts scene. The sleek reception desk, modern furnishings, darker shades, and mood lighting immediately transports patients into a spa-like setting that radiates contemporary elegance. The walls are adorned with 90’s rap quotes and inspirational basketball artwork that exude a nostalgic character while softly playing hip background music, creating a harmonious immersive overall atmosphere. The treatment rooms feature state-of-the-art technology, providing patients with the latest advancements in dental care while continuing the artistic esthetics. This thoughtfully curated space celebrates a vibe where musical artistry, entertainment history, and modern high-tech dentistry blend to deliver a unique overall patient care experience.
THE IMPACT: Empowered Practice Outcomes
The partners at Wayside Dental Center have been actively involved in philanthropy, supporting both local and global causes for many years. They believe in a shared humanity that connects us all into an expanding global village. Locally, they’ve contributed to charitable initiatives such as “Bike for Breakfast,” providing morning meals to school children, as well as creating artisanal gift baskets with goods purchased from local vendors; all proceeds donated to homeless shelters. Their global impact ranges from volunteering for dental missions to drilling water wells for residence in Nicaragua and Guatemala. At its core, the “Wayside Way” embodies community, compassion, and caring, by delivering high-quality, heart centered dental care to those they serve daily.
Construction Project Mgmt. : Dr. Nekky Jamal
Equipment Supplier: Sinclair Dental
Interior Design: Bold Design
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.
