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Professional News Articles : : ON PRACTICE MANAGEMENT by Janyce Hamilton : What’s a dental spa like?

What’s a dental spa like?

July 3, 2008

When I think of a spa, I picture myself in a white terry clothe robe with matching slippers and one too many lemongrass candles. When I think dental, “spa” never enters my brain. Dental retreat is another oxymoron. Seriously, I enjoy getting my teeth cleaned, but I don’t cherish the time as my “special treat” for the month. Yet, we’ve all heard the term “dental spa” before. Am I the only one in dentistry with an “L” tattooed on my forehead who has not stepped foot in a dental spa?

This month I interviewed the owner of one such dental practice. She is Margaret Mitchell, DDS, a graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and the owner of Mitchell Dental Spa.

Janyce Hamilton (JH): When and where did you get the idea of creating a "dental spa?"

Margaret Mitchell: When people usually walk into a dental office, they aren’t excited about being there. I thought to myself, “What could make it better?” Most people in dentistry have long said that there was nothing you can do—the fear in patients was the nature of the game. So my staff and I started to ask patients what could make their dental experience more enjoyable. Patients said: “cappuccino in the morning, refreshments, snacks, spa services like massage or facial.” Mitchell Dental Spa incorporated those ideas and turned the dental practice into the ultra–high amenity office so the experience could be enjoyable.

JH: Tell me about how you located people (designers, equipment suppliers, concepts) to build out your office and what kinds of resources were involved.

Dr. Mitchell: The way that I came up with the concept is that it didn’t exist before so we had to start from scratch on how it would look. Bottom line, I designed it by touring different spas and dental offices for flow and architectural ideas/amenities.

JH: When did you open your first office and where, and when did you move to the WTP location and why?

Dr. Mitchell: Mitchell Dental Spa has been in Water Tower Place for about a year now. Although Mitchell Dental Spa has only been in business for that amount of time, I’ve been engaged in dentistry downtown for about 20 years.

JH: “Spa” brings to mind white terry cloth towels, sauna/whirlpool, and the like. Is that not accurate for Mitchell Dental Spa?

Dr. Mitchell: You can think of spa robes and champagne, as every VIP patient gets a robe – one qualifies as a VIP when they engage in referring at least three patients.

JH: Rumor is that I can get a Starbucks espresso or peach juice at Mitchell Dental Spa. True or false?

Dr. Mitchell: Starbucks Frappacinos are available for guests, as well as protein drinks, water, tea, eight kinds of spa sodas and a champagne bar that is open every afternoon.

JH: This sounds too good to be true. Can I drink champagne out of a glass flute or is it one of those plastic champagne glasses you have to assemble? Is it the good stuff and can I get refills?

Dr. Mitchell: Yes, you can, and yes refills are available.

JH: What if I need nitrous oxide. . . how does that mix with champagne?

Dr. Mitchell: That is evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the dentist and patient. Our champagne bar is open to anyone who isn’t using medications that would interfere.

JH: Spas either have incense or some other form of aromatherapy. What is your setup, which scent, and how does it work to permeate throughout the entire office?

Dr. Mitchell: We have several different aromatherapy units (nebulizers) for aroma flow. We also use lavender- and lemon-scented hot towels at the end of every appointment (hot towel service on a platter). Candles scents include vanilla, as well.

JH: Do you ever turn off the patient's massaging operatory chair if you are performing a delicate procedure and can't risk any head movement?

Dr. Mitchell: We have a $12,000 massage chair made for dental cleanings. The massage chair is not used for more serious dental treatments. In those cases, a normal dental seat is used.

JH: When does the complementary 10-minute massage occur? Before, during or after treatment and is this typically a chair massage?

Dr. Mitchell: A patient can get any type of massage before, during and/or after the dental treatment - whatever is better and/or more convenient for the patient. A 10-15 minute comp spa services is offered to anyone who makes an appointment. The spa treatment is typically offered after the dental visit. There are six different types of treatments a patient can choose from that are done by spa specialists in the office, such as:

• Three-step lip hydration treatment which utilizes citrus enzymes to exfoliate and a rich shea butter to plump and soften the lips.
• Back, neck, shoulder or hand-and-arm massage, which also includes a customized aromatherapy scent to invigorate the senses.
• Warm and/or cold stone massage in which stones are applied to specific pressure points on the face and essential oils are applied to relieve tension.
• Scalp massage, which includes a back detoxification and self-heating mud mask. Trace minerals in the mask stimulate microcirculation.
• Seaweed facial mask, which refreshes the skin and contains extracts that soothe and replenish the skin while vital nutrients provide a lifting effect.
• Signature mini-facial, which is customized for individual skin types using only the finest ingredients available to exfoliate, hydrate and replenish the skin for a nice natural glow.

JH: This is the first time I have ever heard of facials in a dental office. How many types of facials do you offer? That's not a dentist procedure, right?

Dr. Mitchell: We offer about 15 different kinds of facials, depending on a patient’s skin. No, the facials are not dental procedures, but rather an extra amenity for coming in for a check-up, filling or other dental service.

JH: If I am in your dental chair, is my view of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier out my window?

Dr. Mitchell: From the windows of Mitchell Dental Spa office, patients can see beautiful views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and the city.

JH: I am a cautious listener of viewpoints that are wildly anti-fluoride and anti-amalgam, especially when dramatic statements are made such as "people are maimed by their use." Ye, I respect the right of patients and dentists to have their own opinions on these matters as if it were politics or religion. How do you straddle the controversial dental issues?

Dr. Mitchell: We let them know the advantages and disadvantages of the fluoride and amalgam use, and if they choose not to use it, we do not force it. If they are saying that too much fluoride is bad, they’re absolutely right. Fluoride in high concentrations can cause disfiguring stains, but fluoride in ultra low concentrations helps lower cavities in children and adults. It’s the job of the dental office to inform patients of all information regarding products.

JH: What is next for Mitchell Dental Spa?

Dr. Mitchell: Our immediate direction is to continue to work to increasing the amenity level. What Mitchell Dental Spa has branched into is complementary screening for sleep apnea, acid reflux and more. Mitchell Dental Spa just wants to go far beyond basic dentistry. We are now evaluating patients’ dental needs for cold laser therapy.

Conclusion

Operating a dental spa isn’t for everyone with a DDS or a DMD degree. Yet, establishments such as Mitchell Dental Spa have found their niche. Clientele exist with the resources to enjoy “sanctuary-type” dental practices. When it comes to their teeth, it’s nothing but treatment of the rich and famous.

Now, where did I put that lottery ticket?

Questions? Visit www.mitchelldentalspa.com or phone 312.642.1014.

Janyce Hamilton is an award-winning Chicagoland freelance dental writer and editor. Send suggestions for topics to be covered, or any comments on this column, to review@cds.org.

© 2008, Chicago Dental Society