The dynamics of family and profession became deeply entwined as two brothers and fellow dentists, Dr. Gary Buzbee and Dr. Roger Buzbee, grew to include the practices of Gary's two sons. To handle the growth of four dentists as well as the ever growing patient load, the doctors began operating from two locations. This led to business operations issues including managing and practicing from two locations with each doctor rotating between offices throughout the week. The opportunity came when one office, located next to a local hospital, was approached to sell and build on a new location provided by the hospital. The doctors approached this occasion as the chance to realize their dream of a spacious, state-of-the-art dental office.

The main design intentions included creating the desired atmosphere, separating the business part of the practice from the treatment part, giving patients more privacy and creating as close to a maintenance free building as possible. Simply put, they wanted a one-of-a-kind dental facility that would represent their practice as well as their admiration for fine art and architecture.

The new site is located in a growing area the hospital is developing remote from their main campus. The development is a mix of retail, commercial, offices and financial facilities. The site is one of the first buildings with several open areas surrounding it allowing for almost a 360 degree visibility to passersby.

Approaching the clinic from any direction provides a variety of experiences with shapes and materials. From the west, the tapered structure clad in white composite wall panels sweeps upward toward the glass canopy entrance with deeply recessed shaded glass walls. The southern main entry provides an overall view of the three main building components of the waiting room, business office and patient clinical area with the main focus being the oval glass waiting area. Arriving from the east accents the patient care area which is very linear using colored pre-cast wall panels and a soaring roof line of composite metal wall panels and clerestory windows. The building itself draws much attention to this practice as planned.

The style and design of the building evolved as the two generations of doctors decided they wanted a state-of-the-art showplace like no other dental office. A piece of art or sculpture that would accentuate the quality of services they provide. Materials highlighted by crisp, clean lines; light and space elements were utilized thus easing the patient as they enter the building and during procedures. To accomplish these goals, a combination of white composite metal wall panels, vertical channel glass and colored pre-cast concrete panels were used. The different shaped pieces of the building reflect the different functions inside: the glass oval lobby with elevated ceiling height and exposed structure; the linear vaulted space using metal wall panels and pre-cast to create a rhythm within the patient care area; and the lower area to the rear using recessed channel glass in the employee area and punched pre-cast openings in the private business offices.

Upon entering the building beneath the glass canopy, the patient is greeted in a large oval room surrounded in vertical channel glass. The space is very artistic; more like an art gallery than a dental office. The patient check-in and business side provides a non-traditional approach by utilizing a concierge approach. No "reception desk." The patient is greeted by the concierge, offered refreshments and asked to have a seat in the oval glass waiting area complete with lounge style furnishings, a water feature and a plasma TV wall. A hygienist then personally comes out to escort each patient back to the treatment areas.

Between the waiting room and the patient care areas are the patient consultation rooms, the open scheduling and payment desks, the business office with break room and offices for each of the four doctors. These areas provide a buffer needed between the public side and the clinical area.

The doctors, along with their staff, enjoy a total of 16 chairs for dental procedures and hygienist services, including two private surgery suites. The patient care area includes sterilization and lab facilities including pano and x-ray. All patient services are located along both sides of a central corridor with chairs on each side. One side features lower ceilings and viewing windows, for a more intimate secure feeling, while the other sides boast a high vaulted ceiling that opens to the clerestory windows above allowing an abundance of natural light and a less closed in feeling. This entire area is located over a lower level to provide additional storage and mechanical systems and to provide easy installation and maintenance of the dental equipment supply lines.

While many dental offices are constructed in the $175-$190 / square foot range, this facility was constructed at $164 / square foot; confirming our belief that better design does not have to cost more. Total space is 13,232 square foot with a total project cost of $2,180,000.

The Buzbee Dental Clinic is not your typical trip to the dentist. The warm inviting atmosphere is more reminiscent of a day spa or boutique hotel. The true test is that the design exceeded their expectations and, their growing list of clients has created quite the "buzz" about town.

Abstract
We were able to collaborate with Buzbee Dental on a state-of-the-art facility which is more reminiscent of a day spa, than a dental clinic.

With two generations of Buzbees working together, it was apparent that they had outgrown their existing facilities, and they were tired of the commute between offices. Another reason for this need to move was due to a nearby hospital expansion.

The new facility was built in an up-and-coming area of town and allows patients easy access. The major design features work together to create a harmonious, artistic structure. Patients are at ease when they enter the spacious, glass-enclosed lobby and are greeted not by a receptionist, but by a concierge. Vaulted ceilings, a glass canopy, a combination of stained concrete and white composite wall panels create crisp, clean lines all making use of light and space elements—creating a dental experience unlike any other.