cover feature
Photo by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios
The Benefits of
Collaborative Specialty Care
THE DENTAL SPECIALISTS
Photo by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios
by Tina Cauller
During training, dentists learn using shared equipment in a
team environment with an abundance of support and helpful
collaboration. After graduation, the clinical experience is typically
much different.
Dr. Maheeb Jaouni, Dr. Robert McNeill, and Dr. Matthew Hill
found that they missed the camaraderie and collaboration that
they remembered from dental school. They agreed that finding
a way to replicate that kind of environment in a dental practice
would support excellent patient care and fuel a more fulfilling
professional life. Over the course of months, through many discussions
about their shared vision, a different roadmap for practicing
dentistry began to take shape.
Once the concept for The Dental Specialists was fully formed, it
was time to bring it to life with a full complement of specialists
and a uniquely designed facility. In 2010, they broke ground on
a building that would unite a specialist group in a shared space
to optimize patient care, create a collaborative environment,
and establish a one-stop shop for referring dentists. For the specialists
in the group ― an oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, orthodontist,
endodontist, and periodontist ― this collaborative
model is ideal, but it also has important benefits for patients.
For example, on examining a patient referred for a root canal,
an irreparable fracture might be identified. The surgeon can extract
the tooth and replace it with an implant ― all in one convenient
location ― before returning to the referring office for
restoration. A pediatric dental patient can receive orthodontic
treatment or oral surgery if needed, at the same familiar location.
The result is greater convenience, efficiency, and comfort,
an optimal clinical outcome, and a happy, loyal patient. For referring
dentists, the specialty group means simple, streamlined
referrals, greater consistency, more effective communication,
and easy access to experienced specialists whose partnership is
a refreshing asset to the general dental practice.
The facility itself is the product of thoughtful planning and design
that creates a comfortable, relaxing environment. The facility’s
floorplan literally eliminates the barriers between the
specialty practices, an especially important feature for complicated
cases that would benefit from a multidisciplinary approach.
The layout facilitates easy interaction between doctors
when desired and supports ideal patient flow. Offices are
arranged around a centrally located open concept lobby space
with a clean, bright play area and a sound-buffering ceilingmounted
art installation.
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NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com