The East Wing of the 6th floor is currently a mixture of office and healthcare space. Following this 10,000-SF renovation, the area will be occupied by the dental clinic, other specialty clinics, waiting and reception area as well as possible office space.

During conceptual design, multiple meetings were conducted with Wilmington VAMC stakeholders to establish the existing requirements of the dental and specialty clinics, as well as the future growth of these areas. A design charrette was held with end users to discuss programmatic spaces, adjacencies, circulation, and other important factors. Specifically, the new program includes the following spaces central to delivery of dental clinic care:  Exam Rooms, Dental Lab, and Staff and support spaces, including a multipurpose room, ample storage, lockers, break room and restrooms to provide a great working environment that is welcoming and supports team collaboration.                  

Focusing on providing a welcoming, healing environment, the design features enhance privacy, patient – physician interaction and wayfinding while providing a healthy and hospitable working environment for staff. The design incorporates several opportunities to enhance the patient’s experience starting upon entry. Immediately upon entering the dental clinic, patients will be greeted by the receptionist in an alcove off the main corridor. Not only will this allow cross traffic to move freely, but it affords patients a level of privacy when exchanging personal information. Once inside the exam area, treatment rooms include a panoramic x-ray room, general operatory and oral surgery.

Also to support patient- physician interaction and create an environment where healing thrives, the design also incorporates an education room where dental staff and patients can meet as well as a place for resources and learning.