Time for a new look?

In the April issue of Dental Products Report, Patrick Crowley, author of Dental Office Design: 1001 Practical Tips for Creating your Ideal Dental Office, gave you advice to help you design the best space possible in your treatment rooms. Here, Emily Brooks, Product Manager - Lights, Cabinetry for Pelton & Crane, offers more tips for dentists who are planning to add new office furniture or cabinetry to their practice. 

DPR: What should clinicians consider when deciding on furniture and cabinetry for their practice?

Brooks: Efficiency, ergonomics and esthetics are all important factors in choosing operatory furniture. Making the most of your practice starts in each operatory– it’s important to ensure that each cabinet has the right storage layout for the way you practice dentistry. The more efficient your operatory is set up, the more efficient you can be. Ergonomics plays into this as well – the less movements you have to make in-procedure, the better. Lastly, it’s important to remember your office reflects your image. Operatory furniture should help create a relaxing, comfortable environment for your patients.

DPR: What are common mistakes clinicians make when choosing operatory furniture and cabinetry, and how can they be avoided?

Brooks: Sacrificing quality for price is a pitfall to avoid. Giving up efficiency, ergonomics or esthetics for a low price point can actually end up costing clinicians more in the long run. Quality is critical – it ensures longevity and that clinicians are projecting the desired image. Certified dental grade cabinet manufacturers have the true expertise needed to develop and build cabinetry that will be durable, functional and visually appealing.

DPR: How important is furniture and cabinetry to the personality of the practice?

Brooks: Furniture and cabinetry are a direct expression of the practice’s personality.  It’s important to consider the image you want to reflect when making these choices.  Choosing cabinetry that is functional and beautiful ensures clinicians are reaping the benefits of ergonomic storage, and projecting an image of professional excellence to patients.

DPR: What are the benefits of some of the offerings from Pelton & Crane? How do these products stand out from the competition?

Brooks: Pelton & Crane focuses on creating high-quality cabinets that provide both functionality and design appeal. The Renaissance Collection of dental cabinetry completely embodies the principles of efficiency and ergonomics in the operatory, and delivers an esthetic look unlike any other dental cabinet on the market.  Contours and smooth lines contribute to a modern, spa-like feel, while clever storage options ensure all operatory space is maximized.  Technology integration is another critical element in today’s world – the Renaissance Collection allows clinicians to ergonomically place monitors and access USB ports; enabling state-of-the-art, patient-side technology. The furniture you choose reflects the standard of clinical care you provide, and the Renaissance Collection reflects a standard of excellence.

DPR: What are some of the common questions you get from clinicians who are looking to make a change to operatory furniture or cabinetry?

Brooks: Questions around which configurations and operatory layouts work well are common. It is important to understand the operatory workflow of a practice before configuring new cabinetry. Each practice has different needs and priorities – as a manufacturer, it’s important to not just have options, but to have relevant options. It is critical to have the right storage and delivery features available so cabinets can be tailored to a specific practice’s workflow.

DPR: Is there anything else you’d like to mention that we haven’t hit on?

Brooks: This is Pelton & Crane’s 112th year in business – we continue to build our foundation of experience by staying innovative and in touch with what our customers need. Reflecting excellence in clinical care is key to our customers’ success, and Pelton & Crane is committed to supporting that goal. The Renaissance Collection of dental cabinetry is proof of that commitment.