Dental practice refurbishment can be key to attracting and retaining patients and staff. An attractive exterior is inviting. A calming surgery room can put people at ease. Creating space for staff can boost morale.

When undertaking a dental practice refurbishment, there are many things to consider, from your designs and build through to funding and regulations. Careful planning is crucial to achieving the practice design you want.

This guide will explore the various ways in which you can give your practice a fresh makeover. It will explore the process of refurbishing your practice and some of the companies offering expert support.

Dental practice refurbishment: Where to begin?

As with all major decisions regarding your dental practice, it is best to start planning as early as possible. Your refurb might mean you lose the capacity to treat patients at your surgery while work takes place. It can also be a major investment, meaning you must plan your finances carefully.

Your first step should be to consider what you would like to change and anticipate the benefits of doing so.

Some questions to think about include:

Do you have access to the money you need for a new dental practice design?

You may need to talk to your investors, your bank and others about securing the funds to see your refurbishment to completion. The costs will involve more than just the materials and labour, as you will likely lose some income as the work is undertaken. It is important to consider all the financial implications before you embark on your plan.  

Do you need permission for a dental practice refurbishment?

If you own your surgery, you’ll be fine. Otherwise, you will need to ask permission from the property owner.

What parts of the dental practice could benefit from refurbishment and why?

Talk to your team. Are there any changes that would make their work easier? Take the advice of people who know your practice the best. Think in terms of both practical use and aesthetics.

How much would this impact your services?

The timing of your dental practice refurbishment is important. All refurbishments will cause some level of interruption to your services. Choosing quieter periods would minimise the impact on your patients.

Do you need expert help?

There are many things to consider when refurbishing your dental practice. Without experience, it may prove complicated. From sourcing materials to legal compliance, it could well be more cost-effective to collaborate with a project company that understands every aspect of dental practice refurbishment and the considerations required to refurbish your space.

They can help you get the best deals on materials and labour and provide expert advice on how to make your practice look and feel the way you want it.

Dental clinic design considerations:

Surveys and CAD

The first stage of realising your dental practice refurbishment vision is to survey the space you have. The next step is to create a model of your vision created using computer-aided design (CAD). This allows you to visualise your plans in detail and ensure you are utilising space effectively. CAD modelling allows you to plan ergonomically. It also ensures an area has enough space for all staff members who will be regularly working in it.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics are about more than just comfort. A poor design can mean lots of bending and stretching, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Around a third of dentists have sought medical help for MSD. These are prevalent in the neck, back, shoulder and wrists, largely as a result of posture.

So, for example, it is important that cabinetry around the dental chair is easily accessible.  

‘Physical pain and stress are closely intertwined; one will exacerbate the other, sometimes to a catastrophic effect. A dentist being in poor physical health, due to a painful musculoskeletal disorder, can lead to them needing time off, having to reduce their working hours, or even consider leaving the profession entirely through early retirement, for example.’

British Dental Nurses’ Journal

Materials

The materials you choose should be cost-effective, durable and in line with the laws and regulations mentioned above. Using high-quality materials means your refurbishment will last longer, saving time and expense. 

You may also want to consider sourcing building materials from sustainable sources. Climate-consciously redesigning your clinic may cost a little more, but there are long-term savings to be made. These include reducing energy and water costs, and attracting new patients, impressed with your eco credentials.

Colour schemes

People choose a dentist for more than just the skill and expertise of the practitioner. Using a soft colour scheme can help put anxious patients at ease, while smart, on-brand external visuals can draw new patients into your premises.

For example, the traditional all-white colour scheme used by many practices can provoke anxiety, not just for patients but for staff as well.

‘There’s no disputing the psychological impact of colour. Colours have historical and cultural significance. They elicit emotional responses and influence behaviour. Tranquil, relaxing combinations are known for producing cheerful calm. Bright, bold schemes will likely raise a patient’s anxiety level. Though bright and bold may be exactly what you need for the staff areas, as that palette range can also invigorate and motivate.’

American Dental Association

Building team

Find a building team that understands dentistry and what you are trying to achieve. Look at reviews and costs. Ask about when they will work – can they avoid your surgery’s peak times? Some will be able to work in the evenings and weekends, rather than your core hours.

Legal compliance

Your designs and equipment must comply with laws and regulations, including those of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC requires that your surgery adheres to certain standards. In terms of design, you are obligated to provide a safe environment for both staff and visitors. Your treatment areas must also allow for the effective care of patients and promote good quality of life.

‘Any alterations to the premises or the equipment that is used to deliver care and treatment must be made in line with current legislation and guidance. Where the guidance cannot be met, the provider should have appropriate contingency plans and arrangements to mitigate the risks to people using the service.’

Care Quality Commission

The best dental practice refurbishment companies

Hague Dental Supplies

Dental practice refurbishment involves the comprehensive updating and redesign of dental clinics to enhance their functionality, aesthetics and compliance with modern standards.

This process can range from minor cosmetic upgrades to extensive structural renovation. And it plays a critical role in the operational efficiency, patient experience and regulatory compliance of a dental practice.

Thinking about a dental practice refurbishment? Think Hague! It provides all the following services in-house and is expert in:

• Practice design and interiors
• Project management and build
• Dental equipment and engineering.

Hague’s multi-award-winning team have been supporting dentists and clinicians in developing their practices for more than 25 years. They are customer-focused and offer end-to-end bespoke solutions for all your practice refurbishment requirements, from small or large projects.

Coverage

Due to its continued growth and expansion, Hague’s service coverage now includes Manchester and Leeds. This allows it to offer comprehensive and highly localised services and solutions. Hague’s commitment to excellence is further reinforced by its team of highly skilled dental engineers, ensuring that clients receive top-tier service.

Small to large projects

Hague is eager to collaborate on even the smallest refurbishment projects. These could range from a single-surgery refurb or new floor to an entirely new practice considering the interior and exterior of the building. Whether it’s a simple update or a more elaborate renovation, Hague brings the same level of dedication, expertise and attention to detail to ensure that your vision is brought to life.

Collaboration

Hague is committed to delivering fast turnaround times to keep the project progressing smoothly, with seamless communication and 100% transparency. Its comprehensive in-house support team will actively support your project, consisting of:

• Knowledgeable technical sales team
• Interior designers
• 2/3D technical CAD designers
• Project managers
• Construction team
• Engineering team
• Digital engineering team
• Decontamination engineering team.

Practice design and interiors

Practice and surgery refurbishment projects can feel a little overwhelming for customers. Hague’s turnkey ‘design solutions’ will relieve some of that pressure.

Site survey

Hague begins every project with a comprehensive survey of the room or rooms to be refurbished. It uses laser-precise measurements to ensure absolute accuracy. This meticulous approach allows Hague to capture every detail of the space. It lays a solid foundation for the planning and design phases that follow.

Spatial planning

Working with 2D and 3D software, Hague helps you visualise the space and the detail within that space. It generates concepts and layouts, developing rooms that look stunning but work ergonomically with appropriate patient workflow. Hague looks to understand the way you and your team work, your style and your brand. It then incorporates these into its designs.

Showroom and design centre

Visit Hague’s 4,000-square-foot Showroom and Design Centre near Gatwick to explore equipment from world-leading manufacturers. These are carefully selected by independent engineers for quality, longevity, reliability and lower maintenance costs.

Design consultation and concepts

Hague’s showroom features a dedicated interior design area. Here, you can collaborate with the team to choose finishing touches like paint colours, lighting and upholstery. If you opt for the interior design service, Hague’s team will begin by developing your conceptual design and presenting detailed 3D renders. This allows you to visualise the design realistically, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision before moving forward, resulting in a stunning, tailored space.

Budgeting for your project

Regardless of your budget or the scope of your project, Hague is committed to delivering the same level of dedication, expertise and attention to detail to bring your vision to life. Read more on valuable insights on accurately calculating your budget for a new practice build or refurbishment. By following these guidelines, you can avoid common financial pitfalls and ensure a successful project.

Financing

Hague’s team understands the financial demands on any practice and the extensive funds required for a surgery or practice refurbishment. It works alongside leading finance brokers that support the dental industry to ensure it can quickly and easily help you with finance options. Speak to Hague about this in more detail.

Technical design and specifications

The next step involves transferring the initial drawings into a detailed 2D CAD plan. This process converts the design concepts into a precise .dwg format, which serves as a technical blueprint of the structure and partitions. This CAD plan is essential for the project team and various trades. It provides an accurate and standardised reference that guides all aspects of the construction and refurbishment process.

Ergonomics and integration

Good ergonomic design ensures everything needed for a procedure is within easy reach. Hague meticulously plans the surgery layout for optimal workflow and strategic placement. Essential for functionality and comfort, it pays attention to dental lights. These play a critical role by providing bright, consistent illumination, reducing retinal fatigue during intricate procedures.

Future-proofing

When helping you plan your new refurbishment, Hague can assess your priorities for the project and what you require immediately but also what might come later. In doing this, it ensures underfloor services are positioned ready for this change. Hague ensures rooms are designed and developed with this in mind.

Legislation

Hague ensures every aspect of your refurbishment complies with all legislative requirements. It strictly follows HTM 01-05 guidelines for surgery and decontamination design to maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety and efficiency.

Its reception designs meet key regulations, including:

• DDA compliance for accessibility
• DSE compliance for ergonomic staff workspaces
• GDPR standards for patient privacy and confidentiality.

Shopfront design

An impactful shopfront will get you noticed and serves as a vital piece of visual marketing. Hague works with you to create a shopfront that will express your brand and attract patients. It even takes care of the planning application to your local council.

Service specifications and mechanical and electrical drawings

Hague develops comprehensive service specifications covering plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical systems and waste management. Its mechanical and electrical (M&E) design includes HVAC, medical gas systems and water supply. This ensures a safe, comfortable environment with precise control over temperature, humidity and air quality. All are crucial in clinical settings.

Project management and build

Coordinating designers, the build team, trade subcontractors and your dental equipment company’s installation can consume valuable time. This can impact your daily surgical routine, ultimately leading to increased costs.

A skilled project manager acts as a central coordinator, streamlining the process from start to finish. They oversee health and safety compliance under construction, design and management (CDM) regulations. They also manage client relations and handle all details, reducing stress, ensuring clear communication and proactively resolving issues.

Hague’s team of highly professional project managers and construction managers are dedicated to handling every aspect of your refurbishment. They take accountability for the whole project, allowing you to focus on what you do best – dentistry.

Skilled tradespeople

Hague works closely with highly competent tradespeople in their respective fields, including carpentry, electrics, plumbing and decoration.

Hague’s hugely experienced floorers lay medical-grade floors to your surgeries, decontamination rooms, reception and communal areas. Its cabinetry and furniture makers manufacture products based on its exacting designs. All units are developed to withstand the demands of a busy practice.

Hague’s build team or yours

Hague is happy to work alongside your chosen building team or offer a Hague Dental specialist construction team. Its build teams are flexible to work evenings, weekends and outside regular hours to ensure timely project completion.

If you choose your own builder, Hague can still provide project management to oversee the overall success. While you’ll manage your contractors, quality and timelines directly, Hague’s project management expertise offers valuable oversight and guidance. This keeps everything on track and aligned with your goals.

Building legislation

Hague ensures your project complies with the latest regulations, safeguarding both structure and occupants. Comprehensive risk assessments and method statements identify hazards and outline mitigation, ensuring safe, efficient work.

Meticulous planning and coordination with building control ensure a smooth, compliant process. Hague’s project managers also ensure HVAC systems meet local codes and regulations for air quality, temperature control and energy efficiency.

Qualifications and accreditations

Hague’s designers, project managers and construction teams are highly qualified. They hold industry-recognised certifications including BA (Hons) Interior Design, PRINCE2 Project Management, Risk Assessment Method Statement, Asbestos Safety and Fire Risk Assessment.

These qualifications ensure that your project is managed with the utmost professionalism and expertise. Hague Dental is also accredited by leading industry body Safecontractor. This underscores its commitment to maintaining high standards and staying current with the latest best practices and regulatory requirements.

Snagging

Controlling snagging is crucial for the quality and timely completion of your project. Hague will conduct regular inspections to catch and resolve any issues early. Before handing over the project, it will ensure all snagging is completed.

You’ll be involved in the final inspection to review the work together, confirming everything meets your satisfaction before Hague closes out the project.

Equipment

Hague Dental is a multi-award-winning dental equipment supplier for practices based in the UK. Its dedicated team has developed an extensive range of knowledge and experience with industry-wide dental equipment solutions. This way, we know exactly what it takes to meet your practice requirements.

Whether you know what it is you want or not, Hague’s team can help recommend the perfect option for you and the way you work. Being independent, it ensures that its portfolio of products offers a balance of innovation and reliability.

Hague partners with world-leading manufacturers including A-dec, Acteon, Belmont, Cattani, Durr, EMS, Melag, MK-Dent, NSK, Planmeca, Vatech and W&H. Its engineers undertake regular manufacturer training to stay updated with the latest technological advancements, industry standards and best practice.

Peace of mind

Hague Dental is Pressure Safe accredited, adhering to strict safety protocols in the installation and maintenance of pressure-related equipment. All products include a manufacturer warranty, ensuring quality and durability. Its bespoke annual service contracts provide regular maintenance, inspections and preventive measures. This minimises unexpected breakdowns and downtime.

Testimonials

Conclusion

With nearly three decades of experience in practice and surgery refurbishments, Hague Dental has cultivated a deep well of knowledge and expertise that you can trust.

Read about its customers’ experience, all in their own words. Its team has successfully completed countless projects. Hague has honed its skills and understanding of the unique demands and challenges involved in dental environments.

This extensive experience means that Hague Dental is familiar with the latest industry standards and trends. But it is also adept at anticipating potential issues and delivering solutions that meet your specific needs.

Anglian Dental

Anglian Dental uses the seven-stage ‘Oyster’ process during its design and fit-out process

• Stage one: consultation (three to five days)
• Stage two: concept design (seven to 10 days)
• Stage three: planning (seven days)
• Stage four: detailed designs (seven days)
• Stage five: initiation (10 days)
• Stage six: installation (timescale depends on project)
• Stage seven: training and handover.

Define

Anglian Dental’s workplace planning service aims to fully understand the way you work. This is the foundation upon which the design team can help bring your vision into reality.

During this planning stage, everything from your practice’s location to its function will be taken into consideration. Anglian Dental experts will analyse how you currently use your surgery and what could be improved. Areas they will consider include ergonomics, lighting, storage and electrics.

Design

Anglian Dental will then use its analysis of your setup to influence its proposed design changes. These will be unique to how you work and will also draw on your personality. The designs will aim to highlight your individuality and put patients at ease.

The team will work to create an atmosphere that suits you and your patients.

Deliver

Anglian Dental aims to keep disruption to a minimum as work is carried out, meaning less downtime.

Apollo

Apollo’s dental practice refurbishment services include:

Site surveys and space planning

Designers will create space plans based on site surveys. These feature furniture and equipment to ensure efficiency and an ergonomic working environment.

Planning/advisory and building control approvals

Apollo takes care of all building control issues. It will appoint a building control company, if needed, and liaise with local authority building control officers. Apollo will facilitate planned site inspections, plan checks and building control sign-off and certification.

Concept and interior design

Apollo’s team of designers will prepare everything from initial conceptual designs to construction drawing packages. Revisions are created as required, and ‘as built’ drawings will also be provided.

Radiation shielding

Apollo will advise on any lead lining required for CT scanner rooms, panoramic radiography and intraoral X-rays. Drawings and recommendations will then be sent to your radiation protection advisor. Apollo also supplies and installs bespoke doors, frames and architraves with lead lining.

CQC and HTM01-05 regulations

Apollo will ensure that all room designs and equipment installations meet CQC and HTM01-05 regulations.

Project management

Apollo’s project managers will work with clients throughout the refurbishment. They will ensure the project meets its timeframe, cost and quality targets.

Construction and implementation

Apollo has dedicated site teams, made up of builders, decorators, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. They can also provide full certification on completed works.

It also offers solutions to technical issues relating to plant and equipment services. And it can draw on its knowledge of specialist companies to add further value to your refurbishment.

DB Dental

Equipment that suits your needs

The team will help you make informed decisions about what equipment is right for you. This includes bespoke cabinetry, featuring easy-clean touch doors, which minimise the risk of cross infection. The team can also help you choose equipment with a small footprint, maximising space in your surgery.

These plans can also be tailored to your clientele. If you treat many nervous patients, DB Dental will look for ways to put them at ease. For example, knee-break chairs allow patients to sit up more. Ensuring there is plenty of space can also help to relax patients.

It will also factor in issues relating to accessibility. This includes creating space for patients in wheelchairs and installing dental chairs that adapt for wheelchair users.

Meeting patient expectations

DB Dental can help you to build a practice to suit your target demographics.

High-end practices might wish to create a more luxurious atmosphere. This might involve specific upholstery and lighting, or carts to keep handpieces away from view until treatment begins.

You may also wish to include design elements such as spa-like flooring and frosted glass.

If you train other dentists, you will want your surgery to reflect that. DB Dental can help you design a set-up that allows video streaming to an in-practice lecture theatre or a remote audience.

The design team will also consider issues such as ergonomics and workflow, adapted to your needs.

DB Dental will work with you to decide on a design suited to yourself and your patients.

Decadent

Decadent is based in Bristol and serves Wales and south-west England. It specialises in designing, refurbishing and building single surgeries and squat dental practices. Decadent also focuses on supplying, installing and servicing dental equipment.

Its core staff have experience working for major dental manufacturers and corporate supply companies. This gives them a broad and in-depth understanding of the dental supply market.

Design team

Decadent provides a full dental surgery design service at no extra cost. This covers every stage of the design process.

The design team will show you what your surgery layout and design will be like before work begins.

The free dental surgery design service includes a no-obligation consultation at your practice. It includes full 2D and 3D designs to give you a full idea of what the changes will look like. 

This gives clients hands-on involvement throughout the design process.

Background

Decadent was launched in 2010 by Mike Tucker, who had worked for 15 years with various major dental manufacturers. His aim was to provide top quality dental equipment and services throughout the south-west of England and in Wales.

Since then, Decadent has grown into a major player. Its success is largely due to recommendations from satisfied customers.

It is well known for its supplies of high-quality equipment from selected brands.

Global Dental 

Global Dental’s team has design expertise across residential, commercial, education and healthcare settings. It brings and adapts this breadth of experience to dental practices.

Led by managing director Ryan Devenish since 2015, Global Dental offers more than 20 years of fitout, equipment and supplies expertise.

Global Dental aims to design spaces for clinical precision and aesthetic inspiration. Its starting point is the functional needs of a practice. This is then enhanced to offer the best experience to all people using the space.

The team will take inspiration from places where patients would feel the most relaxed, like prestige hotels. It then incorporates these ideas into its designs, based on the client’s needs and vision.

And sustainability is central to Global Dental’s designs. It will help you explore materials, sources, processes, lifecycle and more to ensure your refurbishment is eco-friendly.

Bespoke dental clinic design, project management and fitout

Global Dental provides a complete service for dentists looking to refurbish their practice. It provides consulting, design, fitout and equipment supply services.

The company is independent, which allows it to select, use and maintain equipment that is right for your unique needs.

It acknowledges the importance of limiting downtime. As such, it aims to complete site work out of hours, minimising disruption.

Consultation and design

Global Dental offers its specialist advice all the way from the initial ideas stage through to your surgery reopening. It will show you how different fabrics, light, colour and more can be used to bring out the best in your practice.

It aims to create innovative practice designs by harmonising every element of your refurbishment project.

Global Dental ensures its clients get the support they need through a specialist, dedicated practice support consultant team.

Conclusion

Dental practice refurbishments are your opportunity to take a fresh look at your premises and improve their appearance, functionality and more. However, there is more to it than the already major task of choosing new materials and getting the builders in.

Everything from regulations to consistent branding needs to be taken into consideration when giving your practice a fresh new look. And that means plenty of careful planning and a lot of hard work. That is no mean feat for the time-poor dentist.

This guide has outlined some of the many things you should consider when embarking on a refurbishment. To help you along the way, it has also suggested some of the best companies in the country to truly bring your vision to life. This can offer peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your patients.

Making sure that your refurbishment is durable and of high quality means less disruption later down the line. This can ultimately save you money and attract more patients in the long term. It also means you can focus on what’s really important: giving your patients the experience they expect and deserve.