That Forest Hill Children’s Dentistry is committed to providing high quality dental care to children in a caring and cheerful environment, is evident immediately upon entry. Located on the ground floor of a pre-war four-plex in Toronto, the practice was recently expanded into the adjacent unit, and the entire space renovated to create an inviting, relaxed atmosphere for both parents and children.
“My staff and I, who really are all kids at heart, recognize there are many things today competing for a child’s attention, so we wanted a design that would make a child say, “Wow… this place is different and exciting,” says Dr. Brett Saltzman.
Because music is universal — crossing barriers of age and background — and is also a personal passion of Dr. Saltzman (he is often heard singing to his patients during procedures), music seemed an ideal concept for the new office.
“Children are being introduced to music in new ways today — through cartoons, TV’s “Idol” shows, movies, video games — I wanted to harness that energy,” he adds.
A concert stage mural was incorporated in the waiting room, complete with miniature theatrical lighting, generating an air of excitement and fun. The doctor’s collection of music memorabilia and the happy, bright colours of the finishing scheme results in a warm and up-beat atmosphere.
Spacious and clean, the office flows well. Operatories are bright and inviting, with no instrumentation in the patient’s site line, and, though plumbed with nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation, all tanks and tubing are hidden. There is also an onsite surgical suite and private recovery room for patients requiring general anaesthesia.
“I really think the design has exceeded my expectations. The office is a fun place to be, but more importantly, it’s a place that children look forward to coming back to,” concludes Dr. Saltzman, thanking the team that helped achieve his vision: Jean Akerman Interior Design, David Jagger and Scott Lyall of Sinclair Dental, and Edges Contracting.