The Making Of Smile & Co. #2 — Episode 5: Operatories, Chairs, and Everything In Between

In this episode Ashley and Collin get into the equipment decisions behind Smile & Co. #2. From how many ops are plumbed versus equipped to why Ashley switched from Sirona to A-dec, this one is packed with real world advice for any startup doc trying to figure out where to spend and where to save.

What You'll Hear In This Episode:

The Operatory Layout
Smile & Co. #2 is plumbed for nine operatories and currently equipped with five. Ashley walks through the layout including her open bay hygiene section with floor to ceiling windows, the restorative rooms, the cosmetic suite, and her plans for the remaining ops including a dedicated sedation room and a potential Botox suite tucked away in the back.

The Sterilization Setup
Ashley and Collin break down the sterilization area from dirty to clean, the gorgeous marble black countertops that patients actually compliment, the slat wall system from Uline that replaced traditional tip-out bins, and the tech cubby that keeps all the scanners and equipment tucked away and out of the patient flow. Sterilization has somehow also become the unofficial team hangout. No complaints.

The Chairs
Ashley went with A-dec for Smile & Co. #2 after her experience with the Sirona Intego chairs in Folsom. She breaks down the difference between the 500 Series in the cosmetic suite and the 400 in the restorative rooms, why she chose continental delivery, and why patient comfort should be the number one deciding factor when choosing a chair.

The Assistant Package
Two high speed suctions on the assistant side. A dedicated workstation. A round table. And garage style drawer doors for the tubs that slide out instead of swing open. Ashley is very extra about her millwork and zero apologies are being made.

Electric Handpieces
Once you go electric you never go back. Ashley makes the case for investing in electric handpieces from day one and shares the full mouth sedation case that reminded her exactly why she would never work without them again.

The Equipment Philosophy
If it improves the patient experience or makes your job more enjoyable, more efficient, and more profitable, it is worth the cost. That is Ashley's filter for every single equipment decision and it is the advice every startup doc needs to hear before they start spending.

Coming Next Episode
Technology, the Cerec, 3D printing, the music in the rooms, and all the little things that make Smile & Co. #2 what it is.

Thank You to Our Partners

• Net32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.
• Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vsl
• Kasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.

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