Make sure that your walkways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Patient treatment rooms can often become crowded with equipment, cabinetry, monitors, furniture, and people. Restrooms must also feature appropriate grab bars inside and a handicap accessible sign outside the door. According to federal law, restrooms must be at least 7’1″ x 6″ in size and have a door that opens out into a space with 5-feet of clearance. Patient restrooms are among the most common concerns for ADA compliance that dentists see. This can make the process simpler for patients who are hearing impaired. Consider incorporating technology, like tablets, into your check-in process. There are many patients with disabilities who also have additional sensory needs try to avoid overtly bright lights, loud speaker systems for overhead music, or fragrances that that might be a trigger for some patients. Your waiting room should have adequate space between furniture to allow for wheelchairs to pass and furniture should be carefully chosen to accommodate various mobility concerns. Can your front door open automatically for visitors who have difficulty opening doors manually, or does it feature a push-bar for exiting? Is your parking lot in disrepair and a hazard for individuals who have trouble with mobility? Do you have adequate, and appropriately marked, handicap parking available for your patients? The Waiting RoomĬonsider the fact that disabilities look different for each patient. Some of the most common accessibility concerns at dentist office include: The Front EntranceĪre your sidewalks and front entrance accessible for individuals in wheelchairs? You may need to incorporate ramps outside so that everyone can easily enter your office. Not every change is a required law, but many of them can be significant for those individuals with disabilities who also need quality dental care. A renovation is the perfect time to make all the necessary changes to get your office in compliance with any federal ADA laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act 1990įor three decades, dentists like you have been faced with the important task of adapting office spaces, equipment, and exteriors to allow for any patient to have equal access to dental care. “Each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall be designed and constructed in such a manner that the facility or part of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the construction has commenced after January 26, 1992.” It’s also a great time to make sure your office is up to code and accessible for all your patients. A total office redesign is your chance to transform your functional office space into the dental office you’ve always dreamed of. When it comes to redesigning your dental office space, the list of must-haves, wanted changes, and added conveniences is long. How to Design a Dental Office that is Handicap Accessible
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