Orem dental business brushing up visits into a new, spa-like experience
Savannah Davis has her teeth cleaned by Kayle Preston while watching TV on the ceiling, while using a stress ball and face mask at Double Take dental in Orem on Friday, July 14, 2017. The dentist’s office has a unique business model where you come to the dentist, but also you can also get a massage and other spa-like experiences. Sammy Jo Hester, Daily Herald
Services are listed on a sheet at Double Take dental in Orem on Friday, July 14, 2017. The dentist’s office has a unique business model where you come to the dentist, but also you can also get a massage and other spa-like experiences. Sammy Jo Hester, Daily Herald
Savannah Davis has her teeth cleaned by Kayle Preston while watching TV on the ceiling, while using a stress ball and face mask at Double Take dental in Orem on Friday, July 14, 2017. The dentist’s office has a unique business model where you come to the dentist, but also you can also get a massage and other spa-like experiences. Sammy Jo Hester, Daily Herald
The no cavities club is on a board for kids at Double Take dental in Orem on Friday, July 14, 2017. The dentist’s office has a unique business model where you come to the dentist, but also you can also get a massage and other spa-like experiences. Sammy Jo Hester, Daily Herald
Complimentary treats and drinks are on display at Double Take dental in Orem on Friday, July 14, 2017. The dentist’s office has a unique business model where you come to the dentist, but also you can also get a massage and other spa-like experiences. Sammy Jo Hester, Daily Herald
Heading off to a dental appointment usually is not cause for excitement, but Double Take Dental in Orem is trying to change that.
Double Take Dental opened in 2012, and is owned by dentist Michael Atwood. But since August 2016, the office has been offering a more spa-like dental experience.
Atwood recently moved to Seattle to set up a second Double Take Dental location, so the Orem location is now managed by Jordan Davis, his office manager. As Davis and his team were brainstorming ways to make the Orem office stand out, dental hygienist Paige Loveridge suggested they pattern the office after a spa, so patients actually wanted to come to the dentist.
The Double Take Dental crew implemented this idea, and added free amenities to every dental visit. Now, when patients come in for a cleaning or procedure, they first fill out an amenities card — choosing from various options including bottled water, aromatherapy, a pillow and blanket, a massage chair, a stress ball to hold and even a cooled eye mask. Many patients also love the steamed towel, especially after a more complicated dental procedure.
Davis said the team was excited to implement their ideas late last year, and they haven’t been disappointed by patients’ reactions.
“Every time someone new comes in, they look at the card, and say, ‘I’ve never seen this before.’ For many, we almost have to encourage them to pick amenities,” Davis said.
Once patients get used to the idea and pick their options, they quickly develop favorites.
Savannah Davis, 21, of Orem, is both a patient and Jordan Davis’ wife. She said her top three favorites are the Young Living Thieves aromatherapy, the massage chair and the steamed towels.
“I love the aromatherapy, it just has to be on. I love it,” Savannah Davis said.
Of course, she laughed while describing her favorites, because during her cleaning Friday she also had a pillow, blanket and eye mask, and was happily squeezing on a stress ball.
“Oh my goodness, there are so many things I love,” she said.
Her father was also there Friday. Larry Blocker flies out twice a year from southern California to have his dental work done. He has an oral condition, and he doesn’t like working with dentists in California. During his appointment Friday, he had multiple fillings done.
“I flew in last night, and I fly back out tomorrow. I came just to have this done,” Blocker said. “Flying here and flying back tells you how much I like it.”
Patty Cox, 66, has been going to Double Take Dental for two years. She too opts to make a long trip because it’s worth it — she recently moved to Clawson, Utah from Orem, but still makes the 120-mile drive.
“We’ll drive this far just for them ’til I die,” Cox said. “I feel like I’m home here. They are so friendly, and they explain every detail. They make you feel completely comfortable.”
Jordan Davis said the spa atmosphere has also helped the Double Take Team become more patient focused.
“When they walk in the door, we focus on what we can do for you. This makes us more service-oriented,” Davis said.
Dentist Cameron Black says the patient-first relaxed but professional atmosphere allows him to be a better dentist as well. He’s worked in other offices, and always felt rushed.
“Here I can take the time to explain things to my patients without the rush to get to the next patient. I can take time to focus on their needs and concerns. I want them to have knowledge about all options available, so they can make an educated decision, and feel good about their decision and its result,” Black said.