It's a Winner!

Florida dentist combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern decor with high technology to capture Dental Office Design of the Year honors from Matsco and Dental Economics.

When he was planning his new office in Wellington, Fla., Dr. Sam Sadati said he was hoping it would “turn out nice.” He was hoping it would reflect his Iranian roots. He was hoping it would provide a relaxing setting for high-quality dentistry to be practiced. Now, a little more than 19 months after The Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry first opened, Dr. Sadati has seen all of his hopes come true. He’s also seen something very unexpected - notoriety as the winner of the 2005 Dental Office Design Competition, sponsored by Matsco and Dental Economics®.

“The Sadatis’ aesthetic vision is evident throughout the design of the office. It reflects a strong sense of Dr. Sadati’s own heritage in an environment where professionalism and individuality successfully coexist.”
Geri True, ASID
Director of Interior Design
Unthank Design Group

After working for nine years in an older office in West Palm Beach, Dr. Sadati decided it was time to look for a new location. For two years, he kept his eyes open for the right spot and, after examining sites where he could build his own practice from the ground up, Dr. Sadati finally decided to call a strip shopping plaza his home.

“The area was growing so fast and the prices were so high that it made sense to locate here (a shopping center known as The Pointe at Wellington Green),” Dr. Sadati explained. “We were looking for a location with prestige. We found it.”

While there may be a stigma regarding dental offices in strip shopping centers, Dr. Sadati’s practice obliterates that myth. His 1,976-square-foot, four-operatory practice is often mistaken for a neighboring spa.

“Dr. Sadati’s office is an excellent example of efficiency and function blending with personal expression. Technology and unique ‘high touch’ architectural details and finishes are integrated seamlessly. The office has been planned to maximize effective workflow and patient privacy within a rich visual context.”
Michael Unthank, DDS
Registered Professional Architect
Unthank Design Group

“We wanted to create an office that was upscale and equal to the quality of dentistry I offer,” said Dr. Sadati, who changed from engineering to predentistry in his fourth year of college. “We wanted this office to be comfortable for patients, and we also wanted them to see a difference in this office when they stepped through the door.”

Part of that difference comes from the decor of the office, which is described by Dr. Sadati and his wife Olivia as a combination of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The feel extends from ironwork throughout the office to hot Persian teas available in the reception area to fountains adorned with lions (a symbol of ancient Persia) in the operatories.

“I’m not trying to hide who I am or where I’m from. I’m very proud of my heritage,” said Dr. Sadati, who came to the United States from Iran in 1984 and received his DDS from Creighton University. “I wanted to incorporate as much as I could of my heritage into my office.”

Dr. Sadati also wanted to incorporate as much technology as he could into his new office. Digital radiography, digital panoramic X-rays, and computers in every operatory give Dr. Sadati’s patients a high-tech feeling while being surrounded with such luxuries as warm neck pillows, aromatherapy, and more than 100 CD and DVD selections from which to choose. Also in the office is a full photography studio where photos of patients with their improved smiles are taken by Dr. Sadati, who is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

[Above]: The staff includes Melanie DiFrisco (chairside assistant), Noreen Neilson (patient coordinator), Catherine Cabanzon (periodontal therapist), and Dr. Sadati.

However, despite all of the emphasis on design and technology, Dr. Sadati is quick to point out that it is his high quality of dentistry, staff members, and practice philosophy that truly make his office a success.

“My staff members were hired specifically for their customer service experience,” he said. “My goals have changed to where I’m not interested in high-volume or emergency dentistry. I’ve found that I receive the most satisfaction from giving someone a great smile. If my work can give someone more confidence and a beautiful smile, which he or she may not have had before, and help him or her live a better life, I really can’t ask for much more.”

Equipment -
Brent Thomason, Benco Dental (www.benco.com)
(800) GOBENCO or [email protected]

Architecture/Design -
Michael Unthank, DDS (Project Architect)
Geri True, ASID (Project Interior Designer)
Unthank Design Group (www.unthank.com)
(402) 423-3300 or [email protected] or [email protected]

For more information on Dr. Sam Sadati and/or The Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry...
phone - (561) 753-8484
Web - www.floridassmiles.com
e-mail - [email protected]