Why you should get creative with the design of your waiting room

When we think of the patient experience, we tend to focus on what happens during the procedure itself. But the time spent waiting significantly shapes how patients feel about their care, making it an essential part of the experience to invest in. Here are three compelling reasons to get creative with your waiting room design, along with actionable steps to get started.

1. Waiting is the hardest part, so make it comfortable

The uncertainty of not knowing what will happen can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, especially if the patient fears that there might be pain, discomfort or judgment to come. A thoughtfully designed waiting room is a way to highlight the competency of the dental practice and thus reassure the patient that they are in good hands. Chief among the designing principles is comfort: it sounds simple, but making the space pleasant to sit in and easy to navigate can go a long way in creating a sense of calm, and reinforcing trust before the appointment even begins.