Architecture — inviting lines enmeshed with creature comforts — can help alleviate anxiety.
The talented staff at Yellowstone Family Dental knows this and has applied the concept to their new, state-of-the-art dental facility at 1045 N. 27th St.
Understanding that patients can sometimes feel apprehensive about a visit to the dentist — whether it’s a routine check-up or root canal — the owners of Yellowstone Family Dental wanted to absolve that stress with an inviting, appealing office that places client comfort and quality care in the forefront.
What’s more, the company motto evidences the business’s commitment to its patients, to have dental needs met in an environment “where you feel like family.”
Suite of services
Dr. Matthew Larsen, DMD and Dr. Chase Pearson, DMD offer comprehensive dental care for the entire family, including routine checkups and hygiene appointments, crowns, implants, dental bonding and dentures.
Serving the community since 2003, the facility was originally located at 1690 Rimrock Rd.
“The former office was not efficient in that it was designed with two offices connected by a long hallway,” said Sarah Bishoft, patient care coordinator for Yellowstone Family Dental. “We had initially looked at options to renovate, but this location opened up and plans moved forward to design from scratch.”
In just seven months, the pre-existing building was demolished and the state-of-the-art practice took form.
Jones Construction served as the general contractor on the build, and Bryce Terpstra was the project manager.
“We were actually only closed for one day between the transition,” Bishoft said. “Lots of hands were involved in the process, but it went very smoothly.”
Cozy welcome
Conveniently located along the east side of 27th Street adjacent to the medical corridor, guests to Yellowstone Family Dental will immediately note upon entry that the practice doesn’t “feel” like a dentist’s office.
“And that was the point,” Bishoft said, “to counter the notion that the dentist’s office has to be a cold, sterile-feeling environment.”
Instead, an inviting palette of caramel, charcoal grey, cream and terra cotta paints the entry. To the right, a well-appointed beverage nook with complimentary coffee and water invites guests. Plush, leather furniture, designed in living-room style alcoves, welcomes.
The raised ceilings with contemporary pendant lighting evokes an almost art gallery-like sentiment, with a cozy fireplace and tranquil fountain rounding out the ambiance.
Tiled in alternating hues of dove gray and slate, the reception area is further accented with a floating gray “cloud” that adds dimension and interest to the space.
Have little ones in tow? No problem.
A smartly-appointed children’s nook is furnished with cozy bean bag chairs, books, toys and flat screen TV with Disney programming.
Tech talk
Integrated technology was a unifying theme in constructing the new building.
“The doctors are committed to offering the most up-to-date and sophisticated technology available,” Bishoft said. Ultimately, this translates into an enhanced experience for the patient.
Staff is equipped with earpieces that allows them to communicate patient needs and appointments instantaneously.
“Essentially, the headsets are an enhanced walkie-talkie system,” Bishoft said.
Flat screen TVs are also peppered throughout the practice — each operatory outfitted with two: one for the viewing/interpreting of X-rays and diagnostic testing and the other for the patient’s enjoyment.
Positioned directly overhead, the patient can choose to watch TV, listen to music or watch a favorite movie on Netflix. Awash in natural light, the operatories also feature comfortable, ergonomically-designed seating.
An on-site lab offers convenience for both patients and staff. Able to craft same-day crowns, patients won’t have to wait for moldings to be sent off.
Four additional hygiene operatories line the north side of the building, each accented with cheerful photos of staff and their families.
Separate conference rooms and a client discussion room are separate from the exam rooms, providing a more private environment to discuss complicated procedures or financing.
Unfinished business
The second floor of the facility was purposefully left unfinished, able to shift and grow to the needs of its patients and staff.
There is also a vacant dental operatory available downstairs in the main corridor should the need arise for an additional dentist.
“The success in this project was contingent upon optimal planning,” Terpstra said. “There were a lot of moving parts and a lot of coordination.”
An added layer of construction complexity is also factored into any medical build, but Terpstra said the owners and staff were incredibly efficient and easy to work with.
“From the get-go, they wanted the space to exude that ‘at home’ feeling,” Terpstra said. “The end result definitely reflects that.”
This article was initially published on BillingsGazette.com: Construction Zone: Yellowstone Family Dental finds a home in the medical corridor