Let the 2006 competition begin!

Dental Economics® and Matsco unveil the 2006 Dental Office Design Competition

Are you proud of your new office? Do you think you’ve built the best-looking office in your neighborhood, city, or state? How about in the country?

For the seventh consecutive year, Dental Economics® and Matsco will honor dental offices that have gone “above and beyond” in terms of design and function. The 2006 Dental Office Design Competition is now accepting entries.

“We are very excited about this year’s Competition,” said Allison Farey, Matsco’s senior vice president. “Prior to the 2005 Competition, we thoroughly evaluated and updated the program to make it more relevant and inclusive. We wanted to deliver greater value to all participants of this important industry event. We listened and asked our judging team to emphasize the best in interior space planning and functional design. We think the changes made before last year’s Competition enhanced it greatly.”

Again this year, a Dental Office Design of the Year winner will be chosen from each of 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). In addition, three Outstanding Achivement awards will be selected from the remaning offices, regardless of size:

•Design Efficiency - Space planning and use of square footage to meet practice needs and objectives.

•Systems/High-Tech Integration - 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.

•New Dentist Practice - Construction, expansion, or remodel of the first practice owned by a doctor or group of doctors in practice up to 10 years.

“There are several benefits to this category structure we implemented last year,” 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 esthetics, it levels the playing field between ‘normal’ and ‘Taj Mahal’ offices.”

Entries must be postmarked by June 30, 2006. Based on feedback from Competition judges and previous participants, the entry period has once again 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 2006 American Dental Association annual session in Las Vegas. The Small Practice Dental Office Design of the Year winner will be featured on the cover of the October 2006 edition of Dental Economics with the Group Practice winner displayed in a 2007 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 the practice’s commitment to excellence in dental office design.