Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2018-02-22, 10:04:34 | version 1.38.0
32 PRACTICE Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa Edition | 4/2017 “Good design will pay off” An interview with Drs Mona Patel and Marcus Riedl By DTI Just as in dentistry in general, where aesthetic aspects are becoming ever more important, dentists today are pursuing intentional design of their dental practices. With the launch of four new design lines, Dentsply Sirona Treatment Centers presents dentists with the opportunity to enhance workflows and treatment efficacy through clever and cutting- edge solutions while conveying their individual style. Dental Tribune spoke with German dentist Dr Mar- cus Riedl and Dr Mona Patel from is increasingly significant. I think it is just as important as the type of equipment that one purchases or the insurance one carries, because image is everything. In my opinion, the design of the practice is a direct reflection of how one provides care as a dentist. This correlation was not present in previous generations, but it is now. Dr Marcus Riedl: I can speak for Germany and I think design aspects were mostly neglected in the past. Now, the influence of design in our practices is increasing. One has to our patients’ anxiety when they walk through the door. Secondly, in my practice, I wanted the design to be evidently smart, because that reflects my meticulous personal- ity. I equipped the whole office with Dentsply Sirona products—in fact, it was the first all-Dentsply Sironac of- fice in the US. I wanted to showcase the high-tech equipment and design a nice, simple office around that— not to compete with the equipment, but to enhance it. Riedl: For many of our patients, the design aspect is just an outer shell, Drs Mona Patel and Marcus Riedl in talks with Dental Tribune Impressions from Dr Patel’s practice in Milwaukee in the US the US, both of whom have ensured careful design of their practice envi- ronment based on their needs and preferences with a Dentsply Sirona line, about the role of aesthetics in daily dental practice. Dental Tribune: Design can convey emotions and distin- guish a dental practice from others. In your opinion, what relevance does design have in this regard? Dr Mona Patel: In the US mar- ket, it has not played an important role for a long time. Now, with the newer generation of dentists, design consider that we spend almost half of our lives in our practice, so we should feel comfortable. For exam- ple, I love the mountains, skiing and the atmosphere of the Alps. Incor- porating this love for nature into the design of my practice gives me a holiday feel at work. When deciding on a particu- lar design or the overall look of your practice, what did you put special emphasis on? Patel: Dental anxiety is a huge com- ponent of what we have to manage, so we need to create an environ- ment that first and foremost has a calming, spa-like feel and reduces since they come to us for the con- tent. We designed our practice for patients to feel at home. When they come into the office, they do not see any units at first. As for dental pho- bia, in my opinion, reducing anxiety mainly is the responsibility of the staff. However, a calming atmos- phere is a great support, of course. Patel: In health care, whole-body awareness and preventative health are becoming ever more important. A practice today is not just about treating tooth pain, but about es- tablishing a dental home, creating a place where patients can establish a relationship with their dentist and their hygiene team. Dentsply Sirona has developed four different design worlds: Embellished Elegance, Cheer- ful Patterns, Honest Materials and Pure Shapes. Which one did you decide on and why? Patel: We chose Honest Materials because our practice has all this en- hanced digital technology, which can be intimidating. I wanted to balance this digital aspect of our practice with natural and organic materials. We have a lot of birch and wood—clean, sleek, simple and balanced materials that hopefully move the focus from the equipment. My design in general is very monochromatic, nothing too messy or cluttered. Riedl: We too choose Honest Mate- Susanne Schmidinger, Director Product Management Treatment Centers, Dr Marcus Riedl and Dr Mona Patel ÿPage 33 Dr Riedl’s practice in the rural town of Stein in Germany