Click here to enlarge imageDr. Nicholas Papapetros only needed to look to the building next door to find the perfect location to relocate his established practice.
by Dr. Joe Blaes, Editor, Photos by Creative Images Photography
For more on this topic, go to www.dentaleconomics.com and search using the following key words: Dentistry by Design, Nicholas Papapetros, offfice design, www.smileandover.com.
Dr. Blaes: Most new dental offices start somewhere in a dentist's mind. It might be just a vague thought like, "Wouldn't it be great to have a new office?" Once planted, the seed begins to grow and usually ends up being a quest. What started you on your quest?
Dr. Papapetros: My story begins 16 years ago. I was finishing a general practice residency program at the Lennox Hill Hospital in New York City. I was looking for jobs in the New York and Boston areas. I found a job in Andover, Mass., that I thought would last for a year or two until I could find a permanent job. Actually, it has lasted all these years.
I worked into a partnership and then purchased the practice from my partner upon his retirement. My old practice had been a dental office for more than 35 years and had undergone little change or improvement. So, through the years, I had the office painted and wallpapered, installed new carpets, furniture, and added some new equipment.
As dentistry changed, so did I. Through continuing education courses, such as those offered by the L.D. Pankey Institute, Las Vegas Institute, Dawson Center and others, I began changing my practice philosophy. I learned that I did not have to just "drill and fill," and instead I could diagnose and treat many oral problems and conditions.
Several years ago, I began searching for a new facility. I tried to buy land or homes to be converted. I even became involved in a bidding war with a bank (which I lost) for a closed Friendly's building. All viable options seemed exhausted until a building right next door was destroyed by fire. After the owner rebuilt it as a two-story brick facility, he asked me on several occasions if I was interested in renting. But I said no each time. I had explored remodeling, but I could not afford to close my old office for three months due to construction.
But then things started happening in my old office. The plumbing began to leak, the trim would not hold paint and chipped regularly, the air conditioner was weak, and the 1970s office design had lost much of its function for modern dental practice. The lack of space and the difficulty in adding technology led me to decide I had to find a new space.
So I contacted the owner of the building next door and visited the facility's second floor. I went there on a sunny day, and except for a steel post in the center, I saw an open space that was flooded with natural light from the surrounding windows. At that moment, I knew I would make this space into my new office.
Dentistry by Design
Nicholas T. Papapetros, DMD
19 Barnard Street • Andover, MA 01810
Phone: (978) 475-5333
Cosmetic and General Dentistry
e-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.smileandover.com Dr. Blaes: Once you decided on the new space, what impact did your practice philosophy have on the design of the dental office?
Dr. Papapetros: My philosophy is to provide excellent dentistry using the most advanced techniques, materials, and equipment in a caring and comfortable environment. My previous office did not afford me the capabilities I wanted and needed to do this. In designing my new space, I was able to incorporate the latest dental delivery systems and technology to create a comfortable and soothing atmosphere in order to provide my patients excellent care.
Dr. Blaes: We know the importance of people movement in a dental office. Describe your patient and staff flow patterns.
Dr. Papapetros: In designing the new office, we took advantage of being the sole tenant on the second floor. This afforded us the opportunity to use the elevator as the entrance. When a patient arrives, they step from the elevator directly into our office space. The reception room offers a comfortable, well-lit area that includes a soothing fountain. Although there is hardly ever a wait, the reception room is beautiful and makes a representative first impression.