The goal of a well-planned dental office is to create a reception area that makes patients feel at home, relaxes them, and prepares them for treatment (Fig. 32-2). This area should not be referred to or thought of as the “waiting area,” but as an area in which you receive and greet patients. With proper scheduling, patients can be seen on time for their appointments.

Cleanliness should be of utmost concern on a daily basis. You want to provide adequate seating for patients and their families. Keep a selection of up-to-date magazines. Know the preferences of your patients, and have on hand what interests them. For example, if your office is in the business district, have business and financial magazines. Have a place to hang coats and umbrellas to help reduce clutter.

Remember to maintain a section of the reception area for children (Fig. 32-3). Items that could be kept in this area include books, toys, and comfortable seating for younger children.

The administrative area of the office runs the management or business side of the practice (Fig. 32-4). This area includes a desk, a secured area for patient records and business materials, phone systems, computers, a photocopier, calculators, and fax machines. Additional security measures should be taken in this area because of privacy issues and the need to facilitate discussion and exchange of financial information with patients.

All dental treatment provided to patients takes place in the dental treatment area, also referred to as the dental operatory (Fig. 32-5). This part of the dental office is the area of concentration, where all clinical procedures take place in the dental practice.

Most practices will have a minimum of two operatories for the dentist and clinical assistants to practice in, along with an additional operatory for each dental hygienist. To promote efficiency, the dentist will move from one operatory to the other to deliver care. The rooms are designed and furnished in a similar style for easier access to items that are kept in each room.

The design and arrangement of the operatory will vary according to the space available and the dentist’s preferences regarding style. The goal in designing the dental treatment area is to achieve the following:

The sterilization and supply center is the hub where instruments are maintained, cleaned, sterilized, and stored in preparation for reuse. The sterilization center, which must be kept organized and clean at all times, is divided into two areas: the contaminated area and the clean area (see Chapter 21 for further description).

During work in the laboratory, infection control and safety are always major concerns. In addition, the entire laboratory must be kept organized and clean at all times. See Chapter 47 for a description of the major equipment found in the dental laboratory.