The Impact of Interior Design on the Dental Patient Experience

This webinar dives deep into how dental office interior design shapes the patient journey, supports team satisfaction, and ultimately defines a dental brand. Led by Dr. Scott Leune, a leading voice in dental business strategy, the session makes a compelling case for treating interior design for dental offices as a vital part of startup and renovation planning—not an afterthought.

Meet the Experts

Host: Dr. Scott Leune

Dr. Scott Leune is one of the most influential voices in modern dental entrepreneurship. As the founder of The Dental CEO Podcast, he has trained and coached thousands of dentists on how to start, grow, and scale successful practices. His strategies have shaped the trajectory of over 1,000 dental startups across the U.S., helping doctors optimize everything from operations and staffing to marketing and real estate. Dr. Leune is widely known for his emphasis on systems-based practice models, patient experience, and smart financial decision-making. His teachings go beyond clinical care, focusing on the full spectrum of practice ownership—including how physical space and dental office interior design play a role in trust, treatment acceptance, and profitability.

Guest: Chris Raba

Chris Raba is the founder and principal of Lean Dental Design, a national design firm dedicated exclusively to dental practices. With a background in architecture and space planning, Chris has led the design of dental offices throughout the United States, as well as in Canada and Europe. What sets Lean Dental Design apart is its deep integration with the operational philosophies taught by Dr. Leune—making it the only firm in the industry that aligns clinical efficiency with interior design for dental offices. Chris and his team specialize in translating a dentist’s vision into spaces that are not only beautiful but functionally optimized for patient flow, staff performance, and brand identity. Their work is grounded in evidence-based design principles, with a focus on strategic layout, material selection, and creating environments that elevate the dental experience from the moment a patient walks through the door.

Together, Dr. Leune and Chris Raba bring a unique blend of business strategy and design execution—offering attendees a comprehensive view of how dental office interior design directly supports practice success.

Webinar Focus

The webinar centers on the strategic value of interior design in dental settings. Topics covered include:

• The psychology behind design decisions;
• Common missteps in dental construction;
• How aesthetics impact patient trust and staff loyalty;
• Practical dental practice design ideas for new builds and remodels;
• How and when to hire a dental office interior designer;

Key Insights from Dr. Scott Leune

• Perception Equals Trust: Dr. Leune shares a personal story about bringing his daughter to a top-rated surgeon. Despite the surgeon’s reputation, a poorly designed waiting room created doubt. “If they can’t make good aesthetic decisions in their lobby, can I trust their clinical decisions?” This moment illustrates how interior design for dental offices directly influences perceived credibility.
• Design Drives Hiring: Dr. Leune points out that design doesn’t just attract patients—it attracts staff. One of his coaching clients had such a visually impressive office that it was overwhelmed with resumes. As Scott puts it, “Great people want to work in great environments.”
• DIY = Costly Delays and Rework: Relying on contractors or personal taste often leads to mismatched materials, awkward layouts, and expensive mistakes. He recounts projects where repainting, material swapping, and delays cost tens of thousands. A qualified dental office interior designer helps avoid these issues from the start.
• Design Must Start Early: Leune strongly advises bringing an interior designer in as soon as the floor plan is ready. Starting early ensures that finish choices align with patient experience goals and budget expectations.
• It’s Not Just About Looks: According to Leune, dental office interior design isn’t about trendy decor. It’s about function, trust, and emotion. Design choices—from flooring and lighting to wall color and reception layout—should reinforce the brand promise of precision, comfort, and care.
• Design Impacts Revenue: Beautiful spaces increase case acceptance and improve online reviews. Patients are more likely to trust treatment plans in a well-designed environment and more inclined to refer others when their surroundings feel professional and modern.
• Interior Design Pays for Itself: Dr. Leune outlines how a $12,000–$15,000 investment in a professional dental office interior designer can easily be recouped through value engineering, vendor discounts, and avoided mistakes. Delays caused by indecision or redesigns can cost months in rent and startup revenue.

Practical Dental Practice Design Ideas Discussed

• Using Pinterest boards to collect inspiration early;
• Combining luxury vinyl flooring with polished concrete for aesthetic and cost balance;
• Utilizing manmade stone for waterfall countertops;
• Creating intentional lighting and sightlines for ambiance;
• Blending open ceilings with industrial design elements to reduce costs;
• Incorporating framed glass paneling to achieve a modern look at lower cost;
• Applying region-specific aesthetics—e.g., a lake-view practice in Florida versus a rustic theme in rural Louisiana;

Role of the Interior Designer

The webinar emphasizes the difference between an interior decorator and a licensed dental office interior designer. True designers:

• Hold degrees and professional certifications (e.g., NCIDQ);
• Understand space planning and material science;
• Work directly with architects and contractors;
• Provide construction documentation for detailed execution;
• Guide budget-conscious choices without sacrificing style;

Check out all of Scott Leune’s webinars

Final Thoughts

Dr. Leune closes with a clear call to action: your dental practice is a representation of your values, your skill, and your vision. Every patient who walks in will judge your practice—consciously or not—based on its design. The right interior design for your dental office can earn trust, win referrals, and support team culture. The wrong design can quietly push people away.

For dentists looking to build or renovate, investing in expert-led dental office interior design isn’t optional—it’s foundational.