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25Special FeatureApril 26-May 2, 2010United Kingdom Edition Building, decorating and kit- ting out a new practice from scratch meant the team had the latitude to invest in exactly the kit they wanted. Much of the equipment was sourced from McKillop Dental Equipment Ltd. Elena explains “We’ve used McK- illop many times before and have always been happy that they understand our requirements and deliver on timescales. They also come very highly recom- mended locally”. New cabinetry, x-ray and sterilising equipment and chairs were all on the shopping list. Ele- na is clear about why they chose the Clesta II Flexible Treatment Centre and Voyager II Treatment Centre both from Takara Belmont. “We wanted chairs that would look good in a contemporary set- ting whilst being functional and reliable. Also, the Voyager Treat- ment Centre gives us the flexibil- ity of right or left handed use. Our existing practice uses Takara Bel- mont chairs and so we knew the quality of what we were buying. In the end the toughest decision for theteamwaschoiceofcolour!Both chairs look fabulous against the all-white decor of the surgeries.” The main building works were project managed by the building contractor but were closely over- seen by the partners and Elena. “We had regular meetings with the Project Manager on site so we could keep abreast of the progress being made, ensure that deci- sions were taken promptly so time wasn’t lost and to ensure the work stayed on track and to our require- ments.” She is forthright in her advice for anyone undertaking a similar project. “Take time to plan and then try hard to stick to it. In other circumstances working with four partners to agree on the lay- out, design and decor might have been tricky, but with plenty of discussion we were able to work through differences in priorities and tastes to come to an end re- sult with which everyone is happy. Fortunately the original partner in the practice, Dr Woodhouse had undertaken refurbishments in the past so his experience was invaluable throughout.” This close involvement of the practice team ensured the final product was exactly what they had envisaged. It also meant the project expe- rienced few difficulties and was completed to time and budget. The new practice now accom- modates two new surgeries, an office for the practice manager, sterilising facilities, a spacious re- ception and enough spare room for the creation of an additional four or five surgeries as and when the extra capacity is needed. Ele- na is clear that the design of the new building and particularly the new reception space facilitates an excellent patient experience. “All our administrative activities now take place behind the scenes which means the receptionists are dedicated to welcoming and booking in patients and don’t need to be distracted by phones ringing or the hum of photocopi- ers and printers.” Since opening at the end of November 2009 patient numbers have already increased by nearly 1,000. Across both practices, Ivory DentalCarenowtreatsnearly9,000 patients with scope for significant further expansion in the future. Elena has no regrets about the whole project but so far it has certainly been all work and no play. “Since the new building opened work has been non-stop so we still haven’t had an official opening celebration for the staff.” Surely something the Ivory Dental Care team will work hard to pri- oritise this year. DT Reception (Aerial view) REMIN PRO – RECUPERATION FOR THE TEETH Remin Pro VOCO_DTI-UK_1010_ReminPro_210x297.indd 1 09.04.2010 11:31:50 Uhr Please visit us at British Dental Conference & Exhibition Liverpool · 20.-24.05.2010 · Stand B71