Association members are encouraged to submit entries for the remodel, large new build and small new build categories. “I always support a dentist who is willing to share their remodeling experiences with others,” said Dr. Rudolph T. Liddell, ADA Council on Dental Practice chair. “By giving others insight to the process, they may be motivated to remodel their own office or do a new build. Dentists put a lot of work into the remodel/new build process, and they should be proud of what they have built.”
Judging criteria for the contest include esthetic appeal, such as use of color, light/windows and theme; utilization of technology; function and efficiency; innovation; and how well the design has accomplished the entrant’s objective.
“Redoing your office, whether remodeling or building new, takes a team to turn the dentist’s vision into reality,” Dr. Liddell said. “The first step may be to hire a designer that can put your ideas to paper. Then an architect and dental supply folks take that vision and determine how to make it a physical reality.”
In the past, Dr. Liddell said he has seen new designs that embrace or take advantage of a physical location or setting, such as surrounding bodies of water or mountains. However, he said, dental practices should also accommodate the needs of the patient and those of the dental team within the same beautiful space.
“When I’m looking at a practice design, I try to envision myself working in the space,” Dr. Liddell said. “Is everything logically laid out and does work flow make sense? I think what ultimately makes a dentist successful is having a work space that has great work flow in an office that the dentist and the team loves.”
Judges from the ADA Council on Dental Practice will select three finalists from each category. Dentists will then cast their votes online to determine the winners, who will be announced no later than Nov. 15. Winners will receive $1,000 each and be featured in ADA publications.
Last year’s inaugural winners were Dr. Robin Henderson Transforming Smiles in Clarkston, Washington, in the remodel category; and Toothbar in Austin, Texas, for the new build category. The contest, this year, had split the latter category to cover large and small practices over and under 1,000 square feet. Both new builds and remodels have to have been completed within the past three years.
To enter and to view the complete contest rules, visit ADA.org/DIA.