The concept of a dental office as a spa is not new, but up until this point, has really been focused on creating a comforting and nurturing environment whereby patients feel positive things about their time at the dentist, want to return, and want to tell their friends about their experience; the essence of a strong interior branding message. But, what about actually partnering with another personal service provider, such as a massage therapist, nail tech, or hair stylist? When one thinks about it, "Having someone's fingers in my mouth is more personal than having them rub my toes," according to my friend Robert.
This approach opens a whole new range of possibilities for co-marketing, design, and branding.
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The idea of co-marketing services is not a new one. Hair stylists have done it for years with nail techs and even with each other under the concept of booth rental. In recent years many chiropractors have begun partnering with massage therapists to enhance the range of services that they offer to their patients. So, why shouldn't a dentist partner with other personal service providers to build and co-market a spa; especially, if your market niche is cosmetic dentistry? As I sit here writing this I can just imagine a warm and comforting spa where I regularly go to have a massage, get a manicure or pedicure, and have my teeth whitened or teeth cleaned. If I'm a regular visitor to the spa for massages on a monthly basis, having my teeth cleaned every six months becomes just a part of the standard routine when I'm in for my massage or facial one month.
Of course, the regulations that govern dental care and those that govern hair salons and day spas differ, but these only pose new opportunities to create innovative spaces that set the co-marketed spa apart from those that only perform dentistry or only perform day spa services. The enhanced menu of services creates multiple revenue streams for off-setting the overhead costs of building and infrastructure, and the enriched client base provides even more sources for referrals for new clients for each aspect of the business.
Perhaps an even more logical pairing would be to create a med spa.
A cosmetic dentist partnering with a cosmetic surgeon in a med spa would be able to offer patients an even greater array of personal services for enhancing their appearance. Just think, a patient can come in and have permanent make-up added to her eyes and have her smile brightened at the same time.
The marketing and branding of the spa, regardless of whether it is day spa or med spa, would build upon the comforts and enhanced physical well-being of the patient. Thus, the traditional tensions and anxieties of a dental visit would melt away. Dental offices are changing in the 21st century and the dental spa is an exciting trend that is emerging.
The Dental Spa - The Next Evolution in Dental Office Design
James is a regular lecturer and writer on dental office design, green design, and interior branding and also serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the interior design department at The Art Institute of Indianapolis. With offices in Dallas, Indianapolis, New York, and Wisconsin, James is on the road regularly meeting with clients and speaking with dentists about their design needs. His work has been featured in Building Excellence in Design and Construction, Indianapolis Woman, Metropolis, Metropolitan Home, Home Décor Buyer, Elle Décor, Indianapolis Monthly, Indianapolis Home, Shelter, and The Columbian.
For more information go to: http://www.KusterDental.com
INDIANAPOLIS
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