Need a Massage and a Filling? This Dentist's Got You Covered
Walk into the reception area of one Fort Lauderdale dental office and you'll be greeted by the "Director of Client Happiness" concierge who will offer a complimentary glass of champagne or wine and hand you an iPad so you can fill out your patient information.
At Dr. Patty's Dental Boutique on U.S. 1 in Fort Lauderdale, you can get facial rejuvenation botox treatments and digital smile makeovers alongside regular dental care such as oral cancer screenings, cavity fillings, teeth cleanings and implants. Independent contractors in the office provide the massages, facials, peels, waxing and eyelash and permanent makeup treatments.
Front-office staff tends to client needs from limo transportation to making lunch or dinner reservations, in addition to scheduling and insurance issues.
The uncommon paring at Patterson's dental office creates a unique niche for her and her business partners. Clients can mix and match services or choose only dental or only spa services.
The distinctive dental practice launched in March, by South Florida cosmetic and restorative dentist, April Patterson, 30, is an example of piggy-backing emerging upscale customer services with traditional professional services.
Operating out of a 2,000-square-foot former spa, the facility is equipped with a shower and built-in aesthetics: waterfall walls, comfort lighting, upscale cabinetry, sinks and faucets.
"If a client is already here and is confident about the service they're getting, then they're likely to seek other services from that same source," said Patterson.
Christina Chen, 30, and a downtown Fort Lauderdale banker, is one of Patterson's patients who has become a spa client. Chen got a facial cleansing and eyelash extensions. "It's a one-stop shop, a central location and everyone is very professional," said Chen.
"This took a lot of research," said Patterson. Certifications, licenses, zoning all had to be in place before opening. She created a business plan and worked closely with her banker for credit, loans and financial operations.
Patterson's office is a paperless "iDental office," a term she made up to emphasize the accessibility of information patients have at their fingertips from educational clips about procedures to viewing a relaxing movie.
The Dr. Patty APP lets clients make an appointment, view Web page content and refer the practice to others. "You want to make it easy for the client to navigate your practice," said Patterson.
Through Leadership Broward's EmergeBroward networking arm; and as vice president of the Fort Lauderdale chapter of Femfessionals, Patterson makes essential business connections, she said.
She used local design, architect and marketing vendors to get her practice up and running. She displays locally produced artwork for sale. "Its job creation," said Patterson.