Growing up, Dr Andrew Wang never imagined himself as a dentist. Finishing his pre uni course at Melbourne university with the highest grades, he was eligible to enter any course that the university provided. With a brother already studying medicine, Andrew decided to go for the next highest entry course which was dentistry.
After 5 years working in private practices, the time was ripe for Andrew to move to the next level and establish his own practice. The concept for AV Dental was born. “In the past, I had always worked for a boss who wasn't a dentist. As everything was run based on profit, it was tough to practise dentistry to its highest quality due to a lack of good equipment and facilities”.
“I wanted to bring back what I believe good dentistry is about - where quality materials and equipment are used, the staff are well taken care of, and the patient has an overwhelmingly positive experience." Dr Wang began the search in earnest for a company to help realise his vision.
“I saw Medifit’s ads in dental magazines and the fit outs always looked very professional and beautiful.”
Dr Wang contacted Medifit in April 2013 and the design process began. Through a series of meetings and phone calls, the Medifit design team were able to understand Andrew’s motivations and formulate a design solution to address his specific objectives for the new practice. Initial floorplans were produced and the council submission process was commenced.
“I wanted to dispel the idea that going to the dentist is something to be feared, both emotionally and financially. I want my patients to experience high quality dentistry at affordable rates in a friendly and caring environment.”
The practice consists of 2 surgeries, staff room, steri and lab and a generous waiting and reception area. There is also an IT room adjacent to reception for the practice server and additional storage. The brief called for a modern, contemporary dental practice with elements of futuristic edginess. Neutral, warm tones have been used throughout, counterbalanced with timber frames and earthy browns for contrast. The reception desk has been designed in a futuristic, faceted style with the panels angled for highlight detail. A darker bulkhead above reception defines the space and provides recessed lighting for the signage behind. White walls lend the practice an air of openness and help the space to project larger than its 99 sqm.
The layout throughout has been designed to showcase the available natural light, and this is evident in the surgeries, where highlight windows have been retained to provide a feeling of lightness. Custom cabinetry provides ample space for all equipment and plenty of storage options to ensure the surgeries are as efficient as they are elegant.
The practice is situated in Wanneroo, one of Perth’s busy northern suburbs. Young families with children make up a significant portion of the local demographic, and the population is forecast to grow significantly by 2021 making the area an excellent prospect for a dental practice.
The building is located on a busy corner of a main thoroughfare and has excellent exposure to passing vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Exterior lightbox signage and graphic panels seek to make the most of this exposure. From design approval, the fitout was completed in less than 6 weeks and Dr Wang was able to open the doors of his new practice on schedule. This efficient dental fitout coordination is testament to Medifit’s experience in the dental space.
Medifit’s Sam Koranis comments “Andrew came to us with a vision and a clear idea of how he wanted his new practice to operate. We were able to produce a solution that answered his brief today, and will grow with him in the future”.
Dr Wang adds
“Medifit took away the stress of setting up a practice by simplifying the process and taking care of the government red tape. They also provided the industry connections to make everything else easier as well. Medifit was able to deliver everything hassle free and on time.”
AV Dental was opened in september 2013 and patient feedback has been very positive so far. The new practice gives Dr Wang the freedom to practice dentistry the way he envisions it. In his own words, “I think that is the most exciting thing - to be liberated.”
