How
do your patients feel when they come to your dental practice? It’s
likely that a significant percentage experiences some anxiety before an
appointment. You and your staff can do a lot to alleviate their concerns
and improve patient retention, including creating a relaxing environment for patients.
At Titan Web Agency, we understand that the patient experience is a
crucial aspect of dental practice success. Here’s what you need to know
about dental office decor and its role in making your patients feel safe
and calm.
The Role of Good Decor in Easing Dental Anxiety
According to the Cleveland Clinic,
36% of people in the United States have fears related to dental
treatment, and 12% experience extreme fear. It’s your job as a dentist
to ensure that your patients feel as comfortable as possible when they
visit you, whether it’s for a routine cleaning or a dental emergency.
Dental office decor might not seem
especially important, but it is. A patient’s impression of you and your
practice forms the moment they walk through the door. For some patients,
things like the lighting and smells in your reception area can trigger
fear before they’ve even checked in with your staff.
Just as you want a welcoming atmosphere
in your home, you should want the same thing in your dental practice.
When patients walk in and find a soothing decor, they may have an easier
time controlling their anxiety than they would if they found a harshly
lit and clinical setting. The key is finding the right balance to create
a space that’s warm and welcoming while still being clean and
professional.
Factors to Consider When Decorating a Dental Office
There are several factors you’ll need to consider before you make a dental office decorating plan.
Patient Comfort and Relaxation
Your
top concern should be the comfort of your patients. You’ll need to
configure every element of your dental office design around your patients’ experience.
Everything from the colors you choose to the furniture you buy and the
lighting you install can impact how your patients feel when they come to
your practice.
Color Psychology
Color
psychology plays an essential role in interior design. In most cases,
you’ll want to select a calming color scheme. The one exception may be
if your practice specializes in pediatric dentistry, in which case
bright colors will likely be the most appealing to your young patients.
Many dentists choose soothing and cool office colors such as light blues
and greens.
Continue reading about dental office design and patient experience.