Taking the stress out of surgery design

Surgery design can be a time-consuming and often stressful process. Whether you’re setting up from scratch or just simply upgrading an existing facility, there are just so many different decisions to be made it can be an almost insurmountable task for one person to undertake on their own. As well as arranging financial matters to cover the cost of the project you will need to deal with many various contractors and suppliers to prepare and then fit out your surgery and undertake any outstanding building work that may need to be carried out. You may also need to deal with local authorities to arrange for ‘change of use’ permission, as well as national regulators such as the HSE and CQC. And all this before you even think about how you’d like your new surgery to look.

Of course the key to any successful project such as this is the planning, and then selecting the right contractors and suppliers to work with to help you achieve your goals. When embarking on any project it is absolutely vital that nothing is overlooked in the initial planning stages as otherwise costs can very easily spiral out of control. For this reason it pays to work with companies with direct experience working in dentistry, who can foresee potential problems before they emerge. Many of the best companies can work with you right from the planning stage of your project through to completion and beyond. These companies will even be able to assist you with managing your project on a day-to-day basis so that you avoid getting caught up in the minor details. This can be particularly useful if you aim to continue working while your project is underway, and can save you the time, and the stress of managing multiple sub-contractors and equipment suppliers all on your own.

Aside from the challenge of selecting, arranging and then managing sub-contractors for your project, one of the most trying aspects of any surgery design of upgrade project is dealing with both local and national regulation. As well as the often-quoted HTM 01-05, and the safety and suitability requirements set out by the CQC, there are other non-dental-specific requirements as well. These include the intricacies of design compliance and associated building regulations, which encompasses suitable design and layout, as well as adequate security and maintenance, fire safety, and disabled access.

Once all of these factors have been taken into account, there is then the challenge of balancing regulatory requirements against the need to create an aesthetically pleasing design. Thankfully, help can be found in the form of advanced computer aided design (CAD) software that many of the best companies will use to create accurate plans of the surgery. These plans can then be optimised to make the best use of the space available, while powerful design tools mean you are also able to take a ‘virtual tour’ in 3D. This can help you visualise how the finished project will look before any work is done and you can make as many changes as you like until you are completely happy with the final design.

Naturally, a dental surgery is not complete without equipment. If you already have equipment in situ in an existing surgery then moving your pre-existing dental unit and imaging equipment should not be a problem. Again, a good surgery design company will be able to assist you in every way possible and will make sure your surgery has all the necessary fixtures and fittings in place to see a smooth transition.

If however you are seeking to upgrade, or invest in new technology, a good company will also be able to supply the most up-to-date equipment whilst also being able to come up with a solution that meets your requirements and takes into account factors such as ergonomics and space. The very best companies will even be able to provide ongoing after sales service and support, and can also help by providing appropriate equipment usage training for members of staff.

Whatever the size or scale of your project it pays to work with a company that offers CAD design – a company you know can trust. By employing the services of an established company with a proven track record of success you can rest assured that your project will be in the best hands possible. Experience counts for a lot, and if problems do crop up, the best companies will be able to meet these challenges and keep your project both on time and within budget, leaving you free to focus on the things that matter the most.

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit  www.clarkdental.co.uk