By Mia Shea-Torres, Project Coordinator, Marketing, TEAM DDS ®
Phased construction lets a dental practice renovate or expand while staying open, so patients can still be seen, employees keep working and revenue keeps flowing. For many practices, it removes the biggest barrier to a long-overdue upgrade: the fear of closing the doors for weeks or months.
If you're a dentist or office manager considering a remodel, more operatories or an expansion into the suite next door, here's what you need to know.
What is phased construction?
Phased construction divides a renovation or expansion into stages so the practice can keep seeing patients throughout the project. The construction team builds one section while the rest of the office operates normally, then moves to the next. This approach works both for transforming a practice within its current footprint and for expanding into adjoining space. Most projects are completed in two to four phases, depending on size and scope.
How does phased construction work?
Successful phased construction starts long before the first wall comes down. The construction team and project managers carefully plan each phase around the essential functions of the office, ensuring the practice never loses what it needs to treat patients.
Planning the phases. The team maps out which areas will be built in which order, based on how the practice uses its space day to day. Each phase is designed so the remaining rooms can still support a full schedule or close to it.
Separating construction from patient care. Temporary walls divide the work zone from active patient spaces. These barriers help control dust and noise while allowing the dental team to keep working.
Relocating critical functions. Sterilization, imaging and other essential areas may need to move temporarily and then move again as construction progresses. Each transition is coordinated in advance, so the team and equipment are ready when the time comes.
Scheduling around patients. Heavy, noisy work is scheduled during off-hours whenever possible to minimize disruption to patients and staff.
Completing and moving forward. When one phase is finished, the team opens the new space and shifts construction to the next area until the project is complete.
What are the benefits of phased construction?
The main benefit is simple: your practice stays open. That one advantage leads to several others.
No downtime. Patients continue to be seen throughout the project, so there's no gap in care and no need to send patients elsewhere.
Protected revenue. Because the practice keeps operating, phased construction avoids the revenue losses that come with a full closure.
Patient retention. Patients who can keep their appointments are less likely to look for a new dentist while you're under construction.
Steady employment for your team. Staff keep working, which helps you avoid furloughs and the risk of losing valued team members during a shutdown.
Visible progress. Patients see the investment you're making in their care, and new spaces can be put to use as each phase is completed.
Is my practice a good fit for phased construction?
Phased construction works best for practices remodeling an existing space with room to expand or expanding into adjoining space. Common projects include adding operatories, major interior reconfigurations, sterilization and imaging relocations, and multi-phase practice upgrades and remodels.
Plan your project with TEAM DDS®
TEAM DDS® has mastered the art of phased construction for dental practices, with more than 200 phased expansion projects completed. Our construction team and project managers ensure the design reflects the unique needs of your practice, plan every phase, coordinate every transition and keep your practice running with the least amount of intrusion. To find out whether phased construction is right for your practice, visit teamdds.com/construction or contact our team to start the conversation. TEAM DDS® has the expertise, resources and experience to help you navigate the process with confidence.