GAP Australasian-Dentist Issue 80 Jul-Aug 19

Category 136 AustrÀlÀsiÀn Dentist À he self-confessed pedantic dentist is clearly unapologetic for setting the bar high, readily acknowledging that he fits the textbook profile of a demanding client. Àt took 11 solid months of meeting just about every reputable builder in Australia before Dr Matti eventually decided on Perfect Practice. He discovered traits in the fit out team that he thought might have been elusive in the building business: “Àntegrity, honesty and professionalism”. “(Perfect Practice) was already an established name in the healthcare fit out industry but as a cautious person embarking on his first renovation project, À still had my reservations before the meeting. “However À must say that the team that À met, led by Project Manager Aaron Jenkins, had instilled such confidence through their detailed presentation and thoughtful answers to my follow- up questions that, somehow, managed to erase all the doubts.” Àhat fateful initial meeting in 2013 not only paved the way for Perfect Practice to renovate Àmiles Ànlimited in Fairfield, Dr Matti reunited with the fit out company this year to build another surgery in Gregory Hills, albeit with a new team. For someone who hasn’t stopped receiving compliments on a renovation completed six years ago, Dr Matti is elated that the new team – which included project manager Craig Cullen, senior architect Àiyaz and Àite Manager Àodney Kerr – managed to follow up a tough act with yet another stellar performance. “À wanted to build a practice where patients walk in and do not feel like they are walking into a dental clinic but a five-star hotel. Most patients are at least a little anxious about going to see the dentist, so we wanted to provide a soothing environment that removes any feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia.” “Perfect Practice totally realised that vision with a free-flowing layout, tasteful aesthetics and quality finishes.” Ào create a luxurious hotel-like experience, the fastidious dentist insisted on using the best quality materials and furnishings, right down to the specific type of large format tiles he wanted to fill the feature wall behind the reception counter – which he later learned are the exact same tiles used in the premium Qantas lounge at the airport. Àncidentally, the same creature comforts you would expect from a premium lounge are all replicated in the waiting area – Dr Matti prefers to call it the patient lounge, and for good reason. Àoft plush chairs, giant high-def screen, barista quality coffee machine, filtered water, phone charging stations ... all add to the overall impression that this is not your average clinic, but one that elevates the patient experience in tangible ways. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the patient lounge is the generous space it occupies. Considering the exorbitant rent – not to mention the waiting area is perhaps the least known “income- generating” room – the dentist’s adamance in wanting to leave more breathing space for claustrophobic and nervous patients, is palpable. Asked what he thought was the biggest challenge facing the fit out firm working on his practice design and build, Dr Nabil Matti’s response was both quick and incisive: “Me!” By Danny Chan ÀentaÀ toÀtÀ & ÀonÀtr tÀon “Whole Hog” design & build