The return on investment of an inviting medical office

Investing in vivid wall murals, interactive games and cozy seating areas pays off, not only in the emotional well-being of patients, but also in driving word-of-mouth referrals and repeat visits.
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One of the most frequently overlooked investments in many medical and dental practices isn’t the latest technology or a top-tier marketing plan — it’s the space itself. It’s the visual and sensory experience that greets every person who walks through your doors that makes a lasting impression. As the founder of Dreamhouse Dental and a practicing dentist, I’ve seen how a bright, engaging and inviting atmosphere can completely shift the way children and their parents view a trip to the dentist. While clinical excellence remains essential, fostering a welcoming environment that alleviates anxiety and promotes positive feelings has proven to be one of the most effective strategies for cultivating trust and loyalty.

Interestingly, this principle extends far beyond dentistry. Family doctors and other practices also encounter anxious patients who could benefit from a more welcoming and fun setting. I’m often asked why we invest in vivid wall murals, interactive games and cozy seating areas. The short answer is that it pays off, not only in the emotional well-being of our patients and their families but also in driving word-of-mouth referrals and repeat visits. In fact, our patients travel from all over California, motivated by social media photos and personal recommendations that highlight our unique clinic and approach to patient care.

Kemia Zeinali, DMD, MBA
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Regardless of your specialty, investing in the overall look and feel of your office can go a long way in building trust, elevating patient satisfaction and ultimately expanding your practice.

Here’s how we’ve been able to successfully do it for the past two years.

Design a space for caretakers, parents and visitors

When we consider design, it’s easy to focus solely on the patient who will sit in the dental chair or exam room. However, caretakers, parents and visitors also have a significant bearing on a practice’s overall atmosphere. If space is cramped, drab or uncomfortable, the people accompanying your patients may feel uneasy, distracted or irritated, which can influence how they perceive your care.

In a pediatric setting, parents often spend a considerable amount of time in the waiting area. At Dreamhouse Dental, we make sure our waiting room is not just a place where people sit and stare at the wall. We keep it lively with bright colors, cheerful music and interactive games for the children (and children at heart). We provide comfortable, thoughtfully arranged seating so parents can easily supervise their little ones, work on a laptop or simply relax.

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This strategy isn’t exclusive to pediatric dental offices. Adults appreciate a comfortable lounge, calming music and distractions — whether that’s an array of reading materials, free Wi-Fi or TVs to stream their favorite shows. A thoughtful environment signals to every visitor that you’ve considered their needs, making them feel valued and respected. After all, when a space feels like it was designed with them in mind, it’s a powerful reflection of how the practice views patient care overall.

Be thoughtful of the design for elevated patient experience

Dental and medical procedures can trigger anxiety for patients of all ages. One of the most practical ways to mitigate this fear is to cultivate a setting that conveys a sense of calm and reassurance. Everything — from the color of the walls to the artwork on display — can influence how a patient feels before, during and after a procedure.

We personally lean into fun, uplifting colors and decorate with contemporary themes, like Spongebob and Smurfs, to make the office feel more like a creative play space than a clinical facility. Soft lighting, plush chairs and fun design elements reduce the sterile feel that many children associate with doctors’ offices. We also give each treatment room a distinctive theme, which can spark curiosity rather than apprehension.

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Thoughtful design doesn’t merely occupy the senses. Colors, shapes and choice of fixtures give character to how patients mentally process their visit to your clinic. When an office is aesthetically appealing and intentionally comforting, it can build positive associations with dental or medical care. This translates to higher patient satisfaction, better reviews and more consistent return visits.

Make your space welcoming and efficient

An inviting office should still be a practical space — especially when you consider staff workflow and operational efficiency. Striking the right balance ensures you don’t sacrifice patient comfort for the sake of function, or vice versa. Here are a few recommendations that I’ve found helpful:

1. Consider a patient’s experience from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave. Is it easy to find the reception desk? Is the waiting room placed where newcomers can get oriented quickly? Do you have clear signage directing patients to restrooms or treatment areas?
2. In health care, cleanliness is paramount. Choose finishes and furniture that can withstand frequent disinfecting while still looking fresh and colorful. In a pediatric office, you want surfaces that can handle spills, little footprints and lots of daily foot traffic without losing their vibrancy.
3. If you have the square footage, consider dividing your waiting area into smaller sections: for instance, a designated children’s area with interactive toys or digital screens, a quiet area for adults who might be working, and a comfortable couch seating area for family members to relax.

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Are the additional “fun” costs worth it?

Yes. An appealing, carefully planned decor isn’t just about making a good first impression. Your goal should be sustaining positive relationships with patients and their families. In a competitive health care landscape, small details matter. We’ll be celebrating our second year in April, and there’s already a lot that I’ve come to realize when it comes to investing in our office environment — it’s just one of the smartest decisions we’ve made.

To this day, I am humbled and energized by families who drive hours just so their children can experience Dreamhouse Dental. It reminds me that the investment in decor and patient-centric design gives over 100% return on investment when you see your clients feel safe, valued and even a little bit enchanted every time they walk in. That’s a vision I believe any practice in any medical field can adopt to bring warmth and vibrancy to their patient experience.

Kemia Zeinali, DMD, MBA, discovered her passion for dentistry while volunteering at free clinics in college, where she saw firsthand the profound impact quality care can have on underserved communities. She founded Dreamhouse Dental in 2023 to create a nurturing, child-centric environment that values each patient’s well-being and fosters a positive health care experience.