Flint Hills Dental Group

Professionally Designed Dental Office Maintains Competitive Edge

Dr. Aaron Huslig, a dentist with 30 years of practice in Andover, Kansas, sought to expand Flint Hills Dental Group to accommodate his growing team and enhance patient services. Dr. Huslig was drawn to Heritage Square, a commercial streetscape that is part of a 100-acre master-planned community under development. He selected a prime location — the tenant space in the northwest corner of the tallest building in Andover and a future landmark along the heavily trafficked US 54.

To bring his vision to life, Dr. Huslig partnered with WDM Architects to design an upscale dental clinic within the building’s shell. The space was thoughtfully planned to embody a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, reinforcing the clinic’s reputation for excellence in dental care.

Addressing Challenges with Thoughtful Architectural Solutions

WDM Architects approached the design of Flint Hills Dental Group’s new clinic with a commitment to solving key challenges through creative and practical solutions.

One primary concern was minimizing operational noise from essential dental equipment. Luke Scott, AIA, researched the issue of noise in dental operatories and found that dentists and hygienists are at risk of long-term hearing loss due to the high-frequency sounds produced by dental tools and equipment. To address this, WDM designed a sound-isolated equipment room to effectively contain the noise generated by the compressor and vacuum pump. In addition, the team specified ceiling tiles with a high NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating to absorb ambient sound within treatment areas. These acoustic design strategies ensure a quieter, more comfortable space—allowing patients to relax in a calm, stress-free environment while supporting the long-term health and focus of the dental staff.

Visual privacy for patients was another important consideration, particularly for operatories positioned along glass walls. WDM introduced screening elements that maintained privacy without sacrificing the natural light flowing through the space. The result was a bright, open environment that still offered patients the dignity and discretion they deserved.

Collaboration was also key to the project’s success. WDM worked closely with the practice’s dental equipment supplier to navigate complex dental regulations and building codes. This teamwork ensured that all requirements were met while maintaining the design intent and functionality of the space.

Through these strategic architectural and design solutions, WDM delivered a modern, efficient, and inviting clinic that supports both the practice’s operational needs and its commitment to patient care.

Photo-Realistic Renderings

“Creating the architectural renderings allowed me to visually communicate the design’s vision and get clients excited about their new space—it was rewarding to see everything come to life and see everyone’s excitement at the groundbreaking event.” — Nikki Wilken, WDM architectural staff

Under Construction

In November, WDM Architects and Flint Hills Dental Group (FHDG) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction. The event drew representatives from the Andover Chamber of Commerce, long-time patients, staff, and community members who came to show their support and wish FHDG success. To enhance the celebration, WDM created five realistic renderings of the new dental office design, to promote the upcoming clinic.

Advantages of Having an Architect as Your Owner’s Agent

The WDM team continued to support Dr. Huslig during construction as the Owner’s advocate, ensuring the project remained on track.

As Dr. Huslig noted, “I am a dentist. Designing and constructing a dental clinic is something I do every 20 years or so. Luke and Nikki do this every day. Their attention to detail and accuracy is top notch. Engaging experts is a smart investment.”

Throughout construction, there were numerous decisions, actions, and details that required ongoing attention. WDM maintained leadership and cooperation on-site, ensuring no critical elements were overlooked.

The design team made site visits approximately twice a month, meeting with the Owner and General Contractor (GC) to review progress. These visits were crucial to ensure construction aligned with the approved plans and the Owner’s goals. Beyond scheduled meetings, the WDM team remained readily available to the Owner and GC, addressing unforeseen conditions as they arose.

“Designing a dental clinic requires balancing patient comfort, operational efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. For Flint Hills Dental Group, we carefully crafted a space that not only enhances the patient experience but also supports the staff’s workflow. Seeing Dr. Huslig’s vision come to life and positively impact his practice has been incredibly rewarding.”
— Luke Scott, AIA

 

The successful completion of Flint Hills Dental Group’s new clinic marked the realization of Dr. Aaron Huslig’s vision for an inviting, modern space that supports exceptional patient care. Thoughtful design solutions, a refined interior aesthetic, and functional efficiency came together seamlessly, resulting in a facility that has not only met but exceeded expectations. The positive response from patients has been overwhelming, with many commenting on the clinic’s warm atmosphere and state-of-the-art environment.

“Having a modern, up-to-date facility assures patients they are in good hands. It is also exciting to watch the morale of the employees improve when they see the new office. It’s a win for everyone.” — Aaron Huslig, DDS

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9603286/
2. Sarapultseva M, Zolotareva A, Nasretdinova N, Sarapultsev A. The Healing Environment of Dental Clinics through the Eyes of Patients and Healthcare Professionals: A Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 19;19(20):13516. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013516. PMID: 36294114; PMCID: PMC9603286.