It's a "family affair" at Hoekwater Family Dentistry.
Dr. James C. Hoekwater and sons, James and
Andrew, who joined the practice in 2003 and 2005,
respectively, are all attending to the business at hand at their
well-designed new dental facility in Wyoming, Michigan.
"The first step was to determine the number of operatories and
square footage required," notes Bill Smith, Henry Schein
Dental Equipment Sales Specialist. "With three doctors, five
hygienists, and five assistants, it was calculated that the doctors
would need from 9 to 10 operatories and from 4,000 to 5,000
sq. feet to accommodate their needs."
Space limitations were one of several critical factors at the old
facility. The addition of two dentists within a two-year time
span influenced the decision to seek a space that would
make future expansion possible and more easily handle
the burgeoning patient count that is anticipated in a
three-doctor facility.
The ideal property was located in a brand new medical
complex with a hospital in an attractive and growing area.
It was a perfect fit, offering the footage and visibility to
support the practice's activities-and it was only five miles
"In planning our new location and building, our goal was to make sure we achieved a comfortable atmosphere for staff and patients."
from the previous office-making it convenient for existing
patients. "In planning our new location and building, our goal
was to make sure we achieved a comfortable atmosphere for
staff and patients," comments Dr. Andrew J. Hoekwater.
Left to right: Dan Madsen, Equipment Service Technician; Kathy Christensen, Field Sales Consultant;Dr. James P. Hoekwater, Dr. James C. Hoekwater, Dr. Andrew J. Hoekwater, Bill Smith, Equipment Sales Specialist;Rob Hulick, Regional Manager.
"Through the combination of homework and preparation by
our staff and the experience of the specialists from Henry
Schein Dental, we were able to realize that goal."
Also prominent in the considerations for the office was its
ability to stand up to the regulatory requests of the U.S. Green
Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED).
LEED is the nationally recognized standard for green buildings
and, to become certified, projects must earn "points" within
each of LEED's five categories: sustainable site development,
water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor
environmental quality. "It was exciting and challenging to
meet the requirements presented to secure certification," adds
Dr. James C. Hoekwater. "The final outcome worked and feels
pretty good."
Equipment was chosen to reflect the projected demands of the
office. "Function, ergonomics, and integration were first
and foremost with the Doctors," points out Bill Smith.
"Reliability and low maintenance were also important factors."
"We have a history with Henry Schein; a long-standing
relationship and trust that was built over time," notes Dr.
James C. Hoekwater. [The] consistent quality of [their] service
could be depended upon and communication regarding details
large and small helped to make the project manageable and
even enjoyable. They were eager to demonstrate ‘what's new
out there.' We have worked with Bill Smith and we were
comfortable with him. Field Sales Consultant Kathy
Christensen and Installation Team Leader Dan Madsen kept us
up to date on changes in available equipment and materials.
Henry Schein was involved in the project from conception to
"The patients love the office-
from the operatories with massaging
chairs to the easy parking
accommodations-it's a hit
over and over again!"
completion. Bill and Kathy walked us through options for
treatment room organization, office layouts for patient flow,
and assisted during discussions with the architects."
If you love relaxed and comfortable with a touch of craftsmanstyle
ambience, you'll be right at home at Hoekwater Family
Dentistry. Warm and welcoming, the waiting area offers widescreen
TV viewing in front of the beautiful, ceiling-to-floor
stone-faced fireplace; the XBOX 360 for amusement; and your
choice of beverages while awaiting treatment. Wide hallways,
high ceilings, and large operatories and staff areas make the
office's traffic flow more easily. Soft neutral tones on floors,
walls, and upholstery and mellow wood accents on furniture,
woodwork, and at the reception desk reinforce the calming
mood projected by the facility.
What is the impact of the new environment? The Doctors
agree it makes coming to work fun and easy. The staff agrees
it is exciting to be part of a new and growing healthcare
environment without the old space constraints. The patients
love the office-from the operatories with massaging chairs to
the easy parking accommodations-it's a hit over and
over again!
"Find people you can trust to work with-and take your time
planning," advises Dr. James C. Hoekwater. "Visit other
offices of varying sizes and see what appeals to you and what
works for them. Have the office decor match the personalities
of the doctors! It feels good to have a comfortable, workfriendly
home for the next ‘30' years."
"Because of our continuous relationship with Henry Schein
Dental, we will be able to provide professional excellence and
state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable environment
for our patients now and in the future," adds
Dr. James P. Hoekwater.
