The why: Background story
Dr. Arleen Schmidt always felt a natural connection with children. Born and raised in Calgary, her education took her to Denver, Colorado, where she completed her residency in pediatric dentistry in 2023. It was there that she truly discovered her calling for helping children feel calm, confident, and even excited about their dental visits. When she set her sights on opening her own pediatric dental practice, she envisioned a space filled with warmth, creativity, and joy. That mission stayed with her as she moved to her husband’s town of Windsor, Ontario. Together, they saw Windsor as a place to build their careers while growing roots in a diverse welcoming community. Inspired by the city’s vibrant spirit, she set out to create a practice where young patients and their families could experience dental care in an environment built on compassion, comfort, and connection.
The how: Strategic project planning
By early 2024, Dr. Schmidt was ready to grow her vision. Finding the right space wasn’t easy. Downtown Windsor came with challenges like lack of free parking and limited commercial real estate. Just when things felt uncertain, a unique opportunity became available: a former 24,000 sq/ft Shoppers Drug Mart was being subdivided into new commercial units. She jumped on it, securing a prime corner unit with large welcoming windows. From there, her team designed a beautiful space that would allow room for expansion and growth within the unit. The 3,600 sq/ft layout was thoughtfully planned out with every room plumbed for future surgical use in preparation for welcoming additional specialists down the road. Of course, no construction project goes perfectly. After weeks of permitting delays, they found themselves in a last-minute scramble to hurriedly turn a window into an exit door to satisfy the building inspector’s requirements for opening.
The results: Technical design features
Designed with function and heart, the clinic includes eight versatile treatment areas consisting of four enclosed rooms and four pediatric benches/beds within an open-bay space. She chose benches/beds over traditional dental chairs to help kids feel more at ease, mimicking the familiar comfort of a pediatric physician’s office. Every detail was planned with purpose. The clinic is fully equipped and prepped to function like a boutique hospital where a wide range of procedures can serve the diverse needs of the community, comfortably and in-house. The reception lounge is spacious enough to host families with multiple children, offering a place where parents and children can easily relax. Soothing pastel arches, curved custom seating, and gentle lighting create a playful yet calming atmosphere. Built-in shelves hold a colorful collection of books and interactive games, inviting kids to explore while they wait. Every corner of the facility is designed to feel safe, joyful, and welcoming for every young smile that enters.
The outcome: Practice success & community impact
When Sprout Kids Dentistry officially opened its doors in March 2025, they celebrated with a vibrant welcome event for local referring dentists and their teams. The large turnout exceeded Dr. Schmidt’s expectations and affirmed that she had created something truly special: a space for her young patients as well as for the broader dental community. As a newcomer to Windsor, Dr. Schmidt is excited to grow meaningful relationships with local families and fellow professionals. Looking back, she admits the worthwhile construction process had its complexities and wishes she had slowed down just a little to savor the overall journey a little more. She is so proud of their new practice. With its inviting design, adaptable layout, and focus on creating a stress-free experience for children and parents alike, Sprout Kids Dentistry is quickly becoming a trusted healthcare hub in Windsor. They have created a joyful, modern space where comfort, care, and little smiles can flourish together.
- Equipment Supplier: Sinclair Dental
- Interior Design: Prop Architecture
- Construction: RTP Construction
About the author
Darcie is co-founder of Bella Vita Designs Inc, an interior design company specializing in creating beautiful, functional spaces for start-ups, remodelling, expanding, or relocating your dream practice. To discuss your office space needs or to have your proud story & unique design featured, she can be reached at darcie@bellavitadesigns.ca / IG @bellavitadesignsinc / 905-716-8528.
Peter is the Founder of Practice Mastery Inc., a Business Development Coaching company that serves the growth & development needs of your practice. His unique coaching empowers teams, principal dentists, associates & industry companies across North America to achieve extraordinary growth, higher income, and exceptional quality of life. FMI IG @peterbarrycoach, peter@practicemastery.com, www.practicemastery.com, 416.568.5456.