Is your office a sight to behold? Do you think you've built the best-looking office in your neighborhood, city, or state? How about in the country?
For the sixth consecutive year, Dental Economics and Matsco will honor dental offices that have gone "above and beyond" in terms of design and function. On November 1, the 2005 Dental Office Design Competition began accepting entries.
"We are very excited about this year's Competition," said Allison Farey, Matsco's senior vice president. "Over the past year, we thoroughly evaluated and updated the program to make it more relevant and inclusive, and deliver greater value to all participants of this important industry event. We have listened and are asking our judging team to emphasize the best in interior space planning and functional design."
With the debut of the Competition's sixth year come some changes in the judging of the contest. Again this year, winners will be chosen in two categories — Small Practice (one or two practitioners regularly working simultaneously in practice) and Group Practice (three or more practitioners regularly working simultaneously in practice). However, unlike previous years, each category will contain four subcategories in which winners will be chosen:
1) Dental Office Design of the Year
2) Design Efficiency — Space planning and use of square footage to meet practice needs and objectives.
3) Systems/High-Tech Integra-tion — Selection, integration, and use of technology appropriate for practice needs and objectives. Note: If technology is planned for but not implemented, documented evidence of future implementation is acceptable.
4) First Practice — Construction, expansion, or remodel of the first practice owned by a doctor or group of doctors.
"There are several benefits to this new category structure," Farey said. "By sharpening focus on design efficiency and functionality, it recognizes achievement in key areas of successful dental office design. Most importantly, by judging entries more on function and less on aesthetics, it levels the playing field between 'normal' and 'Taj Mahal' offices."
Entries will be accepted between November 1, 2004, and June 30, 2005. Based on feedback from Competition judges and previous participants, the entry period has shifted away from year-end — and extended to six months — to allow doctors ample time to complete and submit their entries. Judging will occur in early August with the winner announced at the 2005 American Dental Association annual session in Philadelphia. The Small Practice Dental Office Design of the Year winner will be featured on the cover of the October 2005 edition of Dental Economics with the Group Practice winner displayed in a 2006 article.
Entry forms and additional information about the Dental Office Design Competition can be obtained from Matsco by calling (800) 810-3778 or visiting www.matsco.com. Articles on previous winners can be found online at www.dentaleconomics.com by searching for "Matsco."
In addition to coverage in Dental Economics, "Dental Office Design of the Year" winners will also receive:• A $2,500 bonus marketing fund.
• A showcase on Matsco's web site.
• An office plaque, recognizing the office as "Dental Office Design of the Year."
Other winners will receive:
• A feature on Matsco's web site.
• An office plaque, recognizing achievement in their particular category.
Additionally, each qualifying practice that submits an entry will receive a Certificate of Achievement, recognizing their commitment to excellence in dental office design.
