Manrina Rhode shares how she enhanced her practice’s aesthetics to improve patient satisfaction.
Equipment is everything when it comes to delivering exceptional standards of dental care and wellbeing for patients. At DRMR, we strive to be a world-class clinic offering the highest level of services and clinical procedures. As a professional team, we are always developing our knowledge and optimising our skills – but we still need state-of-the-art technologies to perform at our best and provide efficient patient journeys.
This is even more important in cosmetic dentistry. People are not coming in for a routine check-up; they have made a conscious, life-changing decision to improve the way they look. They’re willing to invest in themselves, and they want an entire experience. The better you can provide this, the happier your patients will be.
When I started building my squat practice, I had a very strong vision for what I wanted to create – a spacious surgery with large windows and a calm but luxurious feel. The goal was to balance classic elegance with cutting-edge innovation – more like a boutique five-star hotel than a traditional dental practice. I was also keen to find a chair that could rotate, but there were few on the market. After researching available solutions, the Stern Weber seemed best for me.
The entire surgery space is designed to feel comfortable and lavish, right down to the smallest details. For instance, the cabinets feature rounded edges and are wall-mounted to give a very clean aesthetic. The chair is very much a focal point in the surgery – it’s the first thing patients see when they enter the room and it looks very impressive. The water bowl moves out so patients don’t have to lean over to reach it. The automated functionality of the chair also means that I can quickly swap between seated and laying down positions during an appointment. Plus, I am proud to have the only Stern Weber chair in the world to be custom wrapped in our brand’s gold colour, which really sets the tone for patients seeking a premium service during their cosmetic dental journey.
The aesthetic of the practice elevates the quality of dentistry provided. The stunning space is home to state-of-the-art dental imaging equipment and all the latest mod-cons. For example, nearly everything is voice-activated – inspired by the ‘privacy mode’ featured in marvel films! – from the blinds to the lights and music speakers in the ceiling. My chair was further customised to facilitate videoing from the light which I use when live streaming or recording as part of the veneer training course I present. This programme is designed to help colleagues provide predictable porcelain veneers using evidence-based techniques and technologies, so it’s essential that I have the facilities to deliver thorough and accessible teaching.
Of course, the process has not been easy, and there have been challenges along the way. The decision-making when building a squat practice puts a lot of pressure on your shoulders. Should you finish one surgery at a time so you can stage the investment? Is it viable to purchase top-of-the-range equipment before you have established your income? Is that extra £5,000 worth it to get exactly what you want, or should you wait to upgrade your technologies?
I worked with some excellent people and organisations throughout this project, who provided valuable advice and ensured I knew all my options, which was very helpful. In the end, I chose to go for it and start as I meant to go on – I wanted to deliver an exceptional patient experience with the latest technologies, so I needed to have this equipment from the beginning. I also decided to invest in all the extras that I desired and trusted that the services I could provide would distinguish the business in the way that I hoped. The result was that I didn’t compromise on anything, and I am so glad I didn’t.
The project was the start of a prosperous working relationship with RPA Dental. As soon as I met the managing director, Pete Higson, I knew he would understand what I wanted to achieve. He and his team did everything they said they would, and so much more, they really went beyond the call of duty – their customer service was, without a doubt, exceptional. They have the same ethos as we do at DRMR – nothing is too much, and they’re always available to help. Pete remained accessible and personal throughout; even if I called at 9 pm with questions, he was willing and able to help. In fact, Pete still checks in on me now with phone calls and sends engineers to service the equipment without me asking to ensure everything continues to run efficiently.
For colleagues looking to build their own squat practice, it is essential to find your tribe – if you work with the right people who share your vision, you will succeed. You need to collaborate with organisations that can meet your expectations and your budget. When you find the right kind of people, the process of building and growing your business is made that much easier!
For more information visit www.dental-equipment.co.uk