Build a practice that works as well as it looks
Designing or refurbishing a dental surgery is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your practice. A well-planned environment enhances efficiency, supports compliance, and creates a calm, professional experience for patients and staff alike.
However, even experienced practice owners can overlook critical details that affect long-term functionality. Poor design choices can lead to wasted space, workflow bottlenecks, and increased downtime.
At Anglian Dental, we’ve helped hundreds of practices across the UK avoid these common pitfalls. Here are the key surgery design mistakes to look out for, and how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring workflow and movement
A beautiful surgery means little if it doesn’t work efficiently. One of the most common mistakes in dental surgery design is focusing on aesthetics before functionality.
Every movement within the surgery should flow logically, from instrument storage to chairside access and decontamination. A well-structured layout reduces unnecessary steps, prevents cross-contamination, and saves valuable time on every procedure.
Our design team maps your workflow from patient entry to exit, ensuring your space supports how you work, not the other way around.
2. Overlooking ergonomics
Dentistry is physically demanding, and poor ergonomics can lead to long-term strain and reduced productivity. Incorrect chair positioning, cluttered cabinetry, or misplaced equipment can quickly create discomfort for both clinicians and assistants.
An ergonomic design considers posture, reach, and sightlines. By positioning equipment and cabinetry correctly, we create a comfortable and efficient workspace that reduces fatigue and supports long-term health, helping your team perform at their best.
3. Underestimating storage needs
Many practices underestimate how much storage they need until it’s too late. Without adequate cabinetry and organised supply areas, surgeries can quickly become cluttered, making cleaning and compliance more difficult.
Integrating smart storage into your design keeps essential materials close at hand while maintaining a clean, professional aesthetic. Our bespoke cabinetry solutions ensure every item has its place, helping you stay efficient and inspection-ready at all times.
4. Neglecting lighting design
Lighting plays a major role in both precision and perception. Too much glare can cause discomfort, while insufficient illumination can lead to visual fatigue and clinical errors.
We balance task lighting for clinical precision with ambient lighting that enhances comfort for both patients and staff. The right lighting levels and colour temperature can make your surgery feel calmer, brighter, and more professional, instantly improving first impressions.
5. Forgetting about future-proofing
Designing a surgery is an investment for the next 10–15 years, not just today. One of the biggest mistakes is failing to plan for future growth or technology upgrades.
Whether you’re expanding your team, adding new equipment, or updating digital systems, flexibility is key. We future-proof designs by incorporating adaptable layouts, service provisions, and modular elements that can evolve with your practice.
Planning ahead protects your investment and avoids expensive redesigns later on.
6. Overcomplicating compliance
HTM 01-05 compliance is essential, but overly complex or fragmented designs can make daily compliance harder to maintain. Decontamination workflows, handwashing stations, and waste management areas must all be designed with clarity and ease of use in mind.
We build compliance into the heart of every project, from clean and dirty zoning to correct ventilation and drainage. The result is a practice that meets regulations seamlessly, without compromising on design or usability.
7. Failing to consider patient experience
Your surgery is also your brand. Patients form an impression the moment they walk through the door, and a cluttered or dated environment can undermine confidence in your care.
Modern design isn’t just about style, it’s about reassurance, comfort, and professionalism. Warm finishes, calming colours, and thoughtful spatial planning all contribute to a more relaxed experience that builds trust and loyalty.
When your environment reflects the quality of your service, both patients and associates notice the difference.
Partner with Anglian Dental
Avoiding design mistakes starts with the right partnership. With over 30 years’ experience in surgery design, build, and equipment supply, Anglian Dental helps you create spaces that look exceptional and perform flawlessly.
From concept planning to installation and maintenance, we’ll guide you through every stage, ensuring your surgery supports your success for years to come.
Let’s design a surgery that works as hard as you do.
Start your project with Anglian Dental today