Study of guidelines to design and improve usable areas for dental clinics in a commercial building

Abstract

This study aims to (1) to study the characteristics of the use of space in a dental clinic in a commercial building, (2) to study satisfaction level of the use of space in 3 dental clinics in 3 commercial buildings, (3) to study the ways to improve dental clinics in a commercial building, and (4) to design a plan of space usage within the dental clinic in a commercial building. This research was an integrated research model. For qualitative research, the 8 key informants were dentists, physician assistants, service providers, distributors and installers of dental units. Data was collected by in-depth interview and the survey carried out in 3 dental buildings and analyzed by interpreting and creating inductive conclusions. For quantitative research, the sample group was 108 people consisting of dentists, physician assistants, dental service distributors, installers of dental units, and dental service customers. The research tool was a questionnaire. The statistics used in data analysis were mean, and standard deviation. The results of the research were as follows: (1) the majority of the dental clinics were in the form of long-term building leases. They had beautiful modern designs due to the high business competition. Dental clinics in a commercial building had 2-4 floors for usable areas and were divided into 3 usage groups, (2) Service users had a high satisfaction level with the doctor’s room, machine room, bathroom of personnel and a very low satisfaction level in dispensing counters and finance area, bathroom, and entrance respectively, (3)Service users thought areas should improve dispensing counters, finance area,  bathroom area and entrance areas, should be modernized, should have an appropriate area size and clear signs, and (4) The design of the area usage plan should add the entrance, dispensing counters, finance and bathroom areas.