5 Benefits of a Mascot for Pediatric Dental Offices

Before we highlight the benefits of having a mascot, let’s answer a few basic questions about mascots in general…

What is a mascot?

A brand mascot is a character that represents your company, or ‘brand‘. Companies use brand mascots as a spokesperson to promote goods and services as a part of their marketing strategy.

What can a mascot be?

A mascot can take any form you want – a human character like a superhero, an animal like a tiger, a fantasy creature like a dragon, or an anthropomorphic character like a smiling tooth. A mascot should relate to your products, community, or clientele.

How can mascots help your business?

The importance of creating an emotional connection between your services and your customer via marketing has never been more critical. Customers are much more discerning having the world at their fingertips to find and compare services before making a decision. You need to resonate with your audience and make them think of and choose you.

Emotions are produced by the same section of the brain responsible for memory and decision-making. Advertising that stimulates emotions also stimulates memory which inspires your client to make a buying decision. Advertising should not be presented with reason alone. It is assumed that dentists have a similar level of education and expertise, so how do you make your dental office stand out?

But saying a mascot helps with your marketing and attracts clients because of emotions is a broad statement. Let’s dive deeper into how this works…

5 Benefits of a Brand Mascot for Marketing Your Dental Practice

1. Mascots Increase Brand Awareness

Memory for faces is a core capacity of the human mind. Mascots are memorable because mascots have faces. Your logo or business name may slip from memory, but a character will stand out.

Quick, name a brand of frozen peas… is it Green Giant? I certainly couldn’t name a single brand of vegetable if it wasn’t for the friendly face on the label.

Green Giant

2. Mascots Create a Positive Image for Your Business

As we just said, mascots help people remember your business, but they also help them remember you in a positive light.

Your brand is the thoughts and feelings people associate with you. If you’re a pediatric dentist, the brand you want to create can be summed up as a child-friendly dental office that goes above and beyond for their comfort and care. A friendly mascot effortlessly communicates to parents that you are catering to their children’s wants and needs beyond just focusing on their teeth. You are the dentist they should choose to go to because you also are looking after their emotional and mental well-being. You go above and beyond!

Here’s a famous example of a mascot putting a business in a positive light.

Thinking about car insurance doesn’t generate warm feelings, but the soft-spoken Geico Gecko stirs up feelings of charm and relatability, and that was a big win for Geico. The company itself became relatable and a trusted place to buy insurance from. The mascot worked so well that it spawned competition from other insurance companies including the Aflac Duck and Flo from Progressive.

successful-mascots
Geico Gecko

When kids think of the dentist they definitely don’t get warm feelings, but you can change that with a welcoming character by bringing some humor and warmth into their visit. Tell people what your brand is with a mascot. The kids will love you, the parents will appreciate your effort, and your business will grow.

3. Mascots Appeal to Kids

Mascots indicate to kids that something is made for them. Kids are used to seeing mascots on their cereal boxes, sports teams, and schools. The Nesquik Rabbit and Tony the Tiger will forever be associated with a tasty (although not good for your teeth) breakfast. Kids will feel special and welcome because your dental office is meant for them.

4. Mascots Can Assist Your Staff

We don’t mean they’ll be in the office helping to fill cavities. But they really can help.

Your staff can use your mascot as a teaching tool or as a way to break the ice with nervous patients. Create a backstory for your mascot – maybe they were once nervous while visiting the dentist, but they knew that the dental assistant, hygienist, and dentist are there to help keep their smile bright, so they were very brave and let the friendly staff look at their teeth – can they be brave like your mascot too?

Using a stuffed animal or a coloring page with your mascot to convey this backstory can help visualize this story to your patients as well and get them on board for their treatment.

5. Mascots Can Appear Across Different Media

Illustrations, sculptures, photo ops, costumes, puppets, coloring pages, animations, and more!

A mascot can be used in ways that a logo or your own name and face just can’t. A mascot becomes a simulacrum of you and your business. Creating marketing collateral becomes easier for your design team when there is a character with a personality to draw inspiration from.

Let’s look at all the ways you can utilize this great resource…

When and Where to Use Your Mascot

Incorporate your mascot into your logo.

Have a naming contest for your mascot on social media.

Use your mascot on building signage.

Exterior shot of Children's Dentistry of Lakewood Ranch.

Place a 3D sculpted photo op of your mascot in your office.

Kid posing with Cubby the photo op tiger.

Include your mascot on printed swag and shirts.

Smiling child presenting mascot swag drawstring bag
Smiling child presenting mascot-swag t-shirt

Create plush toys that look like your mascot.

Featured your character on coloring sheets for contests and prizes.

Bring your mascot to trade shows, community fairs, and educational presentations.

Include your mascot in commercials or TV interviews.

Create social media videos with tips and facts featuring your mascot.

This puppet mascot makes educational videos aimed at kids. Here kids are learning about healthy food choices.

Include your mascot during celebratory moments with your patients and staff.

Include your mascot during holiday celebrations.

Santa Claus, the mascot of the most wonderful time of the year, will be happy to team up with your own jolly character.

The possibilities are truly endless!

Case Study: See a Successful Mascot in Action

One of our clients, Dr. Bill Martin of Martin Kids Dental and Orthodontics, has been utilizing his mascot in amazing ways! We want to show off some of the successful ways he has used his mascot characters in his office and around his community. Read his case study here ad see how he used his mascot in his office.

Bring Your Mascot to Life with IDS

Don’t know where to start with creating a mascot for your office? One of our Creative Consultants would love to help. Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to a magical patient experience. The IDS design team can create a mascot for you through logo designs and implementation in theming around your physical office space.

Our business friend Street Characters has helped make some of our designs come to life in the form of mascot costumes.

Check out these other resources on how to use a mascot as a promotional tool:

5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Office Photo Op

Themed Photo Opportunities

Our Top 4 Attention-Grabbing Building Exterior Ideas

Case Study: See a Successful Mascot in Action

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5 Steps Churches Can Take to Create a Family-friendly Atmosphere

Help grow your congregation by taking a few extra steps to create a warm and inviting space for families. By building a family-friendly atmosphere and using kid-centric decor, you can keep your existing members engaged and help new families feel welcomed, especially if their children may feel intimidated by the space when attending church.

Let’s explore the steps you can make to create a more welcoming space for families in your church.

Here are 5 Steps You Can Take to Create a Family-friendly Atmosphere in Your Church

1. Provide Activities and Spaces for Children

Youth-focused activities such as Sunday school, or youth groups will keep your younger members feeling more engaged, have a sense of community, and have a chance to build friendships. Creating collaborative events such as group volunteering or church preparations allow your kids to become more involved and grow their critical thinking skills to prepare them for the future.

Consider giving children their own space within your church that will allow them to have fun, feel safe, and leave a memorable experience to look forward to next time.

Providing a space for kids can include themed play areas, age-appropriate activities like slides for youngsters and video games for teens, or a hang-out room with child-friendly furnishings. These themed spaces can bring life into a room and leave a memorable impression on both kids and new families alike.

Something as simple as custom murals can make all the difference in a room. Using colorful murals and kid-friendly messaging on your walls can help ease the nerves and show new families that your church cares.

Take it one step further and add murals to your windows. This can help make your church stand out and set the tone for what’s expected to come.

View of cozy daycare room with backyard-themed glass window murals
View of cozy learning room with backyard-themed window murals.

KNOW A CHURCH THAT CAN
BENEFIT FROM THEMED DECOR?

2. Create Accommodations for Families

Offering amenities such as changing tables, nursing rooms, and children-sized bathroom fixtures are another great way to create a family-friendly environment within your church. Having these fixtures will create both a handy and thoughtful area for your members. Theming of these spaces with bright colors and images can add a vibrancy that can cater to your children.

A smiling baby in a green shirt lies on a public changing table at a family church, reaching up towards the safety warning label above. White tile wall in the background.

3. Nurture a Sense of Community

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment will help your members feel comfortable and want to stay within your community. Be proactive when it comes to connecting with your members and ensure that they feel invited and welcomed to participate.

Ways to encourage a welcoming environment can include inviting new patrons to community events or classes, providing them with information on ways they can stay engaged with the church, or connecting them with other members that have similar interests.

4. Encourage Intergenerational Connections

Encouraging connections throughout generations can build camaraderie within your church. Involving the older and younger members of your church to connect can create opportunities for learning life lessons, building trust, and developing new skills.

Hosting programs or events such as recreational sports leagues, weekly community gatherings or keynote speaker nights can provide opportunities for your members to grow and learn together regardless of age.

You can even create special presentations or theater areas for children to watch and learn from others in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

theater themed selfie stage in pediatric dentist office

5. Provide Resources for Families

Providing informational resources to your members will further show that you care and are involved with your community.

Informational resources such as parenting tips, extracurricular activities, and information on caregiving can be stepping stones to building a strong family-friendly environment. These resources can be physical through pamphlets and printouts or can be digital by hosting a newsletter or blog online for your church.

Transform Your Church into a Sanctuary for Families

By taking these 5 steps, you can welcome families old and new, helping to grow your church community. When new families come to visit your church, they will be happy to know that the church they attend is accommodating, caring and resourceful.

Building a friendly community doesn’t happen overnight but with the right amount of consistency and proactive initiatives, your new members will be right at home in no time.

Want more resources for making your church family-friendly? Check out the blog below.

 

Tips for Adding Themed Decor to Your Church

Creating a Sense of Fun and Nostalgia for The Next Generation of Kids

Attract Families to Your Church with Decor for Kids

Church Decor Inspiration Ideas for Kids

Benefits of Themed Decor for Kids, Your Business, and Staff

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your church into family-friendly sanctuary.

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Do You Have a Media Consent Form for Your Office?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was created to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.

HIPAA was created many years before social platforms became the omnipresent media giant it is today. As a result, there are no specific rules outlining social media use. Rather, you can apply the general rules around the protection of PHI (patient health information).

Healthcare organizations must implement a HIPAA social media policy to reduce the risk of violations. The HIPAA Privacy Rule prohibits the disclosure of PHI on social media networks without the express consent of patients.

So if you want to utilize social media in your marketing, that’s what you need to worry about – acquiring consent.

The easiest way to gain consent is by including a ‘Media Consent Form’ with your patient onboarding paperwork – either printed or as a digital file. Patients and their families are already mentally prepped to fill out paperwork when dealing with health and dental visits, so this won’t be an inconvenience to them at all.

Why worry about getting consent to post photos of your patients?

One of the best ways to show off your dental practice is by posting patient results on your website, office bulletin board, and social platforms (both photos of teeth and photos of patients having a good experience in your care) so having a media consent form is critical to marketing your practice. And it’s just good practice. Some parents are sensitive about sharing their children online, and some encourage it!

One of our most popular marketing items is our photo ops that help create social media engagement. Of course, parents and kids can take and post all the photos of themselves that they want.

The time for a consent form is when your business wants to share photos as well, such as celebrating a cavity-free prize winner, sharing funny photos of a family posing with your photo op character, or showing off the successful results of a dental treatment plan on a young patient.

A consent form should include:

  • your organization’s name to show who is using the photos and videos
  • the name and signature of the parent or guardian
  • the date to show when consent was granted – a timeline of when the use of photos and videos begins
  • purpose of the authorization – description of how the media will be used – social media, website, promo videos
  • the ability of the parent to revoke consent at a future date

This signed agreement, with clear indications of how the information will be used, must remain on file. 

Here is a sample of what a consent form will look like:

We have included all this information in a media consent form for children and one for adults:

This blog is not legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by using our contract template. If you have a specific problem and need legal advice, contact a licensed attorney. Consult your legal team or HIPAA Privacy Officer about HIPAA and your social media policies.

Other tips to help you stay HIPAA compliant when using social media include:

  • Have a dedicated social media coordinator who is educated in HIPAA compliance. There are numerous educational programs to help your staff get HIPAA compliant. It is better to have someone who is aware of the rule surrounding HIPAA and who is able to check the consent form before posting or commenting on social. Having control over content is the first step to avoiding violations.
  • Consult your legal or compliance team to verify that your content does not violate HIPAA and aligns with your brand’s social media use policy. Additionally, work with them to establish a communication protocol for corresponding with patients and their families over social media.
  • Make sure your staff keeps PHI off their personal social media accounts. It is a good idea to train your entire staff in HIPAA compliance to make sure they do not make a mistake in their personal use of social platforms.
  • Review environmental photographs and videos to ensure there is no PHI in the background such as a patient’s name on an x-ray, charts, or computer screens.
  • Ask permission to share photos and testimonials posted on a patient’s own social media page, just to be safe.

More HIPAA resources that will help keep you informed:

Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule

HIPAA Rules for Dentists

HIPAA and Marketing

AAPD FAQ about HIPAA

Add a Social Media Photo Op to Your Office

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Interview with Dr. Bryan Morgan

Striving to offer his patients the highest level of care possible, follow along as we touch base on how Dr. Bryan Morgan accomplishes this goal with IDS theming.

Dr. Morgan owns and has themed two offices through our team, Children’s Dentistry of Manatee and Children’s Dentistry of Lakewood Ranch. His interview touches on the impact of how theming has helped his offices grow, helped his patients feel confident, created satisfaction in the workplace, and stood the test of time.

Tour a Wild West Dental Office


IDS: Why did you decide to add theming to your second office?

Dr. Morgan: Well, Imagination Design Studios helped theme my first office and when we opened our second location it was only natural to work with IDS to theme that location.

Underwater river themed waiting area with gaming pad tower, sculpted manatee and faux window mural

The thought behind that was to continue to offer the same unique atmosphere as well as services to our children and their parents as we have been in the first location.

Check out Dr. Morgan’s first river themed office.

IDS: How has theming helped the practice in your opinion?

Dr. Morgan: It gives us a unique identity and it helps establish a brand. When people think of Children’s Dentistry of Lakewood Ranch, all of a sudden the logo, the colors, the characters… all those things are the first thing that comes to people’s minds. So it really helps us set ourselves apart from other dental offices in the area.

Western themed 3D sculpted characters of a bandana-wearing fox, cow and hen

IDS: What do you feel are the most important benefits of the theming?

Dr. Morgan: When a child’s coming to the dentist it can be daunting and overwhelming. Having a unique theme that’s child friendly, that’s warm, that’s inviting, makes coming into the office feel like they are in a non-threatening area.

Western themed gaming area including 2d wall murals and 3D sculpted barnyard style wood posts and roof

They’ve got gaming stations where they can immediately zone in and almost remove themselves from the fact that they are at the dental office. And so it really caters to making the kids feel comfortable right from the get-go.

IDS: Do you think that you are gaining new patients as a direct response to theming?

Dr. Morgan: Absolutely the kids love it, the parents love it – they talk to their friends at school, and the parents talk to their friends on social media as well as at gatherings. I have no doubt that we are gaining new patients as a direct result of theming.

IDS: What do you feel has been the staff’s overall response to the theming?

Dr. Morgan: They love it. As much as we do it for the kids, I am not going to lie and say that it doesn’t give us a certain level of satisfaction coming in, and a certain level of love for being in the office and providing our services in this space.

It adds that element of fun to what otherwise would be a run-of-the-mill, boring dental office.

IDS: Do you use the thematic aspect for marketing in the office?

Dr. Morgan: I do. It shows off tremendously in photographs and video. The individuals that manage my online presence and “searchability,” Google listings, etc., make it show off very well. The colors, the precision, and the characters – we use them in all aspects of marketing whether it be print or digital.

IDS: What’s your favorite character that you have here?

Dr. Morgan: My favorite area in the office (Lakewood Ranch) is actually the reception area. That’s where we have the most amount of our 3D sculptures. The Rabbit Sheriff guarding the jail next to the hay bale where our gaming station is located is definitely my favorite part of the office.

IDS: How do you feel that the theming has stood up over time? What do you think of the quality?

Dr. Morgan: It is exceptional in terms of quality. We’ve had no problem with any of the 3D structures, we’ve had no problems with the murals and the adhesion to the walls, and it’s all been extremely durable and withstood the test of time as well as the test of children.

IDS: Overall, how would you say your experience was working with IDS?

Dr. Morgan: IDS has been a phenomenal partner in my practice. I’ve been working with them for the better part of the last decade and they themed my first office in two phases and then themed my second office in a single phase.

I love working with super creative people, all I have to do is give them a direction, and all of a sudden they have a mockup, they have themes, they have colors, and they have characters. It’s really easy, low stress, and you know that you’re working with exceptional people who are delivering an exceptional product.

IDS: Would you recommend IDS to colleagues or friends or family in the future?

Dr. Morgan: 100% I would recommend. There’s nobody that I would want to theme additional offices other than Imagination Design Studios.


Dr. Bryan Morgan received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. He has a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Stony Brook University. He is a certified member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists.

See the full western office theme here.

See the full bayou office theme here.


Interested in learning more about themed environments? Check out these related resources on IDS customers:

See more examples of western theming here.

See more examples of river theming here.

Hear more great stories of happy IDS customers here.

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience. Or download our inspiring look book and start imagining the possibilities in your office.

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Improve the Experience of Pediatric Therapy Patients with Fun Decor

Children who need therapy, whether OT, PT, ST, or ABA therapy, often face a unique challenge. The journey of learning and recovery can be emotional, tiring, and at times, daunting to children who may not understand the outcome of their treatment. As a healthcare professional providing therapy to pediatric patients, it is important to keep their spirits up and make sure that they are comfortable in your environment.

One way to improve your patient’s experience is by creating fun and functional decor in your therapy space that will engage children while also helping them heal.

Patient consult with mother and daughter.

We will discuss the types of decor you can add to your space and how you can use this kid-centric decor to improve the therapy patient experience.


How to Improve the Experience of Pediatric Therapy Patients with Fun Decor


Using Colorful Wall Art to Transform a Space

Wall decor is the perfect solution for therapy spaces that require ample room for activities. By adorning your walls with eye-catching art, you can transform a bland space into an immersive environment that sparks joy and distracts from any anxieties.

The walls of your therapy space should be colorful, inviting, and reflective of your brand identity. When children enter the room, they should feel immediately at ease and excited to engage in therapy sessions. That’s why selecting wall art that reflects your brand is crucial. Whether you want to create a calming and relaxing environment or a space for fun and play, your wall decor can help you achieve that goal.

Smaller window graphic panels provide fun wall decor as well.

Fun wall colors and graphics are a great place to start. Take it to the next level with murals featuring exciting themes and landscapes. Colorful murals and graphics have been found to greatly enhance the patient experience at therapy clinics and pediatric therapy centers. For kids in particular, a theme can make a kid’s stay much less daunting. It can provide a visual escape from the task at hand and create an inviting atmosphere that feels safe.


Using Fun Furniture & Accessories to Create an Engaging Space

Pediatric therapy clinics can be intimidating for children, but by incorporating fun and comfortable furniture, such as bean bag chairs, colorful rugs, playful seating options, or even swings, you can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable in the space.

A variety of seating options.

Other accessories such as toys, puzzles, or games can add more fun elements into the mix while also providing opportunities for therapeutic learning activities during sessions. Children may feel anxious or stressed during therapy sessions, but by incorporating engaging accessories, you can help distract them from any discomfort or fear they may be experiencing.

Play-based therapy is an effective approach for children, and by incorporating playful furniture and accessories, you can encourage play and exploration, which can lead to better therapeutic outcomes.

Functional but fun furniture like shoe racks, bookshelves, and storage seating is a great way to add some exciting decor without taking away from therapy space.

Sculpted rhino character and rock shoe storage unit with honeycomb cubbies
A fantastical shoe rack.

To learn more about custom furniture pieces, click here.

Finally, adding plants into the mix helps create an even more engaging atmosphere. By adding natural elements to the decor, it greatly contributes to improving indoor air quality which helps boost moods further. Even creating an outdoor therapy area where kids can be outside in fresh air with trees can take your clinic to the next level.



Creating Comfort Through Accessible Design & Layout

When it comes to pediatric therapy, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment is essential for your patient’s success. A key aspect of achieving this is ensuring that all furniture pieces are easily accessible for children of all ages and abilities. Sharp edges and overly tall furniture can be intimidating and uncomfortable for young patients, so it’s crucial to choose pieces that are safe and inviting. By designing a space that feels like it’s made for them, not adults, children will feel more at ease and engaged in their therapy sessions.

A well-thought-out layout will also provide secure circulation paths throughout treatment rooms so every child can move around with ease, without feeling trapped or closed off.

Additionally, using accessible signage with pictures and colors can also make navigating the space easier for children who may have difficulty reading.

Wayfinding sign that reads "Hippo Room".

We, as adults often forget what it’s like to experience a space as a child. If you approach designing therapy spaces with the mindset of a child, you may be surprised at how much more welcoming and accommodating you can make it feel. By prioritizing elements like accessibility, comfort, and fun, you can create a pediatric therapy environment that encourages play, engagement, and positive therapeutic outcomes.

Whether it’s selecting furniture that’s the right size and shape for small bodies, or adding playful decor that sparks joy and curiosity, every detail counts. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can transform your therapy space into a place where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn and grow.


Environment Has a Big Impact on Children’s Patient Experience

The first impression your pediatric therapy clinic makes can set the tone for your patients’ entire experience. By creating a kid-centric environment with fun yet functional decor, you can instantly create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that primes your patients for their therapy sessions. With the right decor, you can create a space that encourages play and exploration, making it easier for children to connect with their therapists and achieve positive therapeutic outcomes.

Mawish Baber, the operations director at the Andalusia Clinics for Kids Wellness has this to say about adding colorful themed decor to their clinic and therapy spaces:

“The kids love the theming. The kids that visit us have started referring to the clinic as “The Fun Center” cementing our desire to make this a place of wellness and development, not a place they are forced to visit.”


Interested to learn more? Check out these related resources for upgrading, renewing, and improving patient experience:

Pediatric Therapy Facility Decor Inspiration

What is Patient Experience and Why Does It Matter?

5 Ways to Improve Pediatric Patient Experience in Your Medical Clinic

Keep Guests on Track with 7 Types of Fun Wayfinding Signage for Pediatric Healthcare Spaces

How Creative Decor Can Benefit Pediatric Therapy Clinics

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to a magical patient experience.

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Spotlight on Bayou Themed Decor for Your Office

Are you interested in bayou themed decor for your child-friendly business? The swampy marshlands of Louisiana and the subtropical Everglades of Florida are inspiring landscapes indeed! From crawfish to alligators and cypress trees to cattails, the bayou is mysterious and whimsical with an exciting cast of characters and scenery – so it’s no surprise it’s been one of our most popular themes over the years!

Let’s review some highlights from these amazing offices. The swamp never looked so good!

Bring the Bayou Inside

Reception Desks That Welcome Your Clients to the Bayou

Reception desks are one of our more popular items to theme – it’s your guests’ first contact with your business once they are inside the doors, so it better stand out and set the mood for their visit.

The bayou offers many different landscapes – floating along a creek, diving below the water’s surface, or partying in the tree tops.

Why not pay homage to the brass bands and musical roots of the area. Bust out your tuba, trombone, trumpets, and bass drum. From jazz to blues to marching bands, spread some musical culture to the children visiting your space.

Bayou themed reception desk.

Drifting on the bayou being serenaded by sweet banjo music sounds like a wonderful way to spend the evening.

Bayou themed reception desk.

Historical sights like the tricorn hat and sailing ships make for a rich backdrop in this bayou themed office.

Bayou themed reception desk.

There’s plenty to see on the riverside – cattails, pelicans, and babbling brooks.

This whole office is submerged below the water. Did you know that while they are more famously found in the everglades of Florida, manatees do migrate all the way to the waterways of Louisiana? These round and friendly creatures are a great addition to any river themed office.

River themed reception desk.

Twilight is a magical time on the bayou. Sunsets and fireflies create a calming atmosphere. In the desk below, the jar in the hands of the otters contains twinkling lights to mimic these twinkling bug butts.

Close up of an otter with a goldfish stuck in its goggles

Bayou Seating to Add Style to Your Waiting Room

Log benches big enough to fit the whole family, along with child-sized mossy stools make for some cozy seating. Our medical grade vinyl is very durable and able to stand up to the excitement of the children who will be using them.

Circular rock cladded stools with vinyl cushions.
Wall mounted gaming systems in a forest themed play area.
Bayou themed bench seating.
Bayou themed bench seating with photo op characters.

Seating is also a great place to add a photo op for your guests to pose with…

Friendly Photo Ops Featuring Some Familiar Creatures

The wetlands of Louisiana have more adorable animals than you may have realized! And those critters make for charming photo op characters. Add in a logo or a sign for kids to hold while you pose, and you have a winning combination.

Children can sit beside a sweet mother fox and her baby while they wait for their appointment along with you. Situated in a medical clinic’s waiting room, the little fox has a broken leg. This helps children visiting for their own bumps and bruises feel more comfortable as they connect with the space.

Now, photo op characters don’t have to be sitting at all. Stand-alone characters can provide a different level of interaction as children ham it up for the camera.

WANT TO ADD BAYOU
THEMING TO YOUR SPACE?

Murals Featuring Bayou Landscapes and Critters

When paired with a vibrant mural wall, fun characters and standout seating immerses guests further into the wetlands. The scenes can tell stories and add richness to your decor.

Silhouette murals add an atmospheric look to the marshy landscape. Fireflies glow against the cypress trees and Spanish moss in this purple landscape mural.

This darkened playroom with a floor-projected game system benefits from the moody twilight murals.

Treatment rooms and open bays are perfect places for murals. Space is limited for 3D sculptures, so 2D decor really makes the spaces pop.

Long murals really show off the expansive landscape filled with creeks and shacks.

Smaller murals can pack a lot of punch as well. A main character surrounded by a bayou landscape transforms a room.

Turn a regular door into something special. This cheeky outhouse mural is sure to get some laughs.

Murals are for more than just decor! I Spy murals include picture find games that can keep guests, young and old, occupied with a fun activity. Little hidden items are dispersed throughout the scene. A list tells guests exactly what to look for.

Window murals are a great way to bring the theming outside. The decals placed on windows are double-sided so viewers get a peek at the scene whether they are inside for a treatment or just passing by the building. They can even be used to create some privacy.

Now if you don’t have windows, don’t fret. Faux windows let the landscape look into your office with funny vignettes of animals and activities. The wood frames can match your existing decor or window molding for extra detail.

There’s Plenty of Games and Activities in the Marshlands

From play boards to tablet games to slides, the bayou has fun activities for all ages.

As we mentioned previously, I Spy games hidden in wall murals are a great way to pass the time. Who doesn’t love going through a Where’s Waldo book? This is just like that, but for your walls. You can even add in items related to your industry, such as toothbrushes, band aids, library books, or art supplies.

“I Spy With My Little Eye” picture find game graphic.

A favorite is the tree play structure with a slide. Physical activity is a great way to occupy kids while they wait.

Private playrooms in a waiting area are a great way to create a space for kids to hang out, while adults get their own space to relax. Video games and wall-mounted playboards will keep their brains engaged and free of appointment anxiety.

Hollowed out tree play fort for kids.
Rocky underwater fort for kids.

Speaking of video games, there’s so many options. Gaming tablets can be built into 3D game towers, 3D wall decor, or hung directly on the wall.

Theater spaces are another great distraction tool. Add some seating and a TV to keep young ones occupied watching the latest movie. Like this drive-in theater, or should we say paddle-in theater…

Signs and Wayfinding

Wayfinding is spatial problem-solving – the problem is helping your guest find their way around your facility. Welcome signs, bathroom signs, and directional sign will help everyone navigate your space.

Don’t Forget Your Ceilings!

Ceilings are often neglected, other than a fancy light fixture, but they are prime real estate for something magical.

In this example, alligators and waterfowl float along the waterways of the bayou? Ceiling decor is a great use of space, especially in dental offices, where patients will spend a lot of time looking up at the ceiling.

A hungry alligator after a tasty goose.

Brushing Mirrors Shaped like Charming Bayou Characters

It’s not all fun and games in the bayou – brushing mirrors help with an important task that must be learned by young patients visiting the dentist!

One of our most tongue-in-cheek creations is the hillbilly mirror frame. This gap-tooth character is sure to get some chuckles.

Alligators are a classic critter from the swampy rivers of the South. And their teeth could certainly use a brush!

External Bayou Office Decor

Landmark Characters are a Billboard for Your Location

Advertise your building in a spectacular way using big characters to draw the eye. We call these types of characters ‘Landmarks’ because they become directional landmarks for people in the towns and cities in which they are installed.

This fun design is literally exploding out of the wall with a turtle, frog, and alligator. It has become a landmark for the locals in this city.

When I go around town and you say “Hi, I’m Bill Martin, the Orthodontist at Martin Kids” the first thing they say is “Oh my gosh, that’s the alligator that comes out of the building.” We’ve since had people stopping by and taking pictures, it’s great. In fact, they’ve said that anything out in this area they will tell their friends where it is in relation to the alligator coming out of the wall.

– Dr. Bill Martin

We love an external photo op, and these grinning gators and friendly manatees are a great way to greet your patients! This 2-story statue grabs attention from the nearby road.

Exterior Murals for Your Windows

Window advertising is a classic way of drawing the eye, but these cute scenes will draw in families walking past in a whole new way. Exterior window decals transform a plain, boring window into a fantastical landscape. These double-sided murals look great on the inside and the outside. Spark curiosity about what’s inside your building.

Ready to float down the bayou? Our Creative Consultants are excited to amaze you with some options for your space!

Want to take a closer look at more bayou themed offices? Check out these two projects below:

Everglade Themed Dental Clinic

Bayou Themed Dental Clinic

Bayou Themed Medical Clinic

Want a bayou themed office of your own? Our Creative Consultants can’t wait to help you get you floating down the river!

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The Benefits of Themed Decor for DSOs

Dental Support Organizations (DSO) and Dental Group Practices are built by hard-working professionals who have established reliable partnerships to grow their business nationwide. They own and operate anywhere from 10 to 1000 dental practices.

Resourcefulness and efficiency are at the core of these organizations’ models – providing management and marketing support so location staff can focus on doing what they do best – providing quality care for their patients. With the combined knowledge and skills of everyone involved, this creates a well-oiled, efficient business.

Is this you? If so, it’s time to ask “What can I do to ensure success?”

Read along to uncover the added benefits of running a DSO or Group Practice, plus the new opportunities for the future of your operations with a secret ingredient that has proven to increase the success of dental offices – themed office decor.


What is IDS Theming?

IDS theming is the transformation of a mundane space into a magical place.

We specialize in the conceptualization, design, and creation of playful murals, engaging 3D decor, and interactive gaming for pediatric medical environments.

A drab, modern waiting area with blue flooring, several dark chairs, a white reception desk, wall-mounted TV, and contemporary ceiling design. A stepladder is placed near the door on the right in this before photo.
BEFORE
Colorful, underwater-themed waiting room with blue floors, purple benches, sea creature decorations, hanging jellyfish lights, and a WELCOME sign above a vibrant oceanic reception desk—an inspiring transformation in children’s decor.
AFTER

A drab children’s clinic exam room with light blue cabinets, a pink wall, two wall cabinets, toy animals on the counter, a step stool, a sink, and a wood floor—a perfect before photo.
BEFORE
A whimsical dentist office with colorful dragon and cat wall decorations, green countertops with sinks, wooden cabinets, and playful medieval-themed artwork showcases a stunning transformation in children's decor, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere for kids.
AFTER

A brightly lit pediatric dental exam room with colorful furniture, an orange accent wall, round mirrors above a blue sink cabinet, and a hallway in the background; a definite upgrade from its previously drab and boring appearance in the before photo.
BEFORE
A colorful pediatric dental office with children's decor, walls painted with cartoon forest animals like a deer and bear. Green benches, a blue cabinet, and a cheerful, nature-inspired atmosphere complete the transformation.
AFTER

Many young patients experience high anxiety and stress when faced with dental and medical procedures. Themed healthcare offices can prevent and reduce patient anxiety, help create client satisfaction, secure returning clientele, and grow your business.

DSO locations and Group Practices reap the rewards of these benefits at a heightened level. Because they have multiple locations at once working under the same mentality of communicating dependable brand values and the promise of providing an exceptional patient experience through the deployment of consistent decor across the board. When people like what they see, their trust in your business is reinforced.

While you are noodling about your wildest theming dreams, continue reading to unveil in greater detail just how it can work for an organization.



Create Consistent Brand Recognition Amongst Your Locations

Your brand is your “thing”. To have a strong brand you need to establish that “thing” you are known for and create a consistent experience for your clients location-wide. By eliminating the mundane and clinical stereotype of what a medical environment should look like, you are creating a stand-out brand for your business. That “thing” patients and parents will know you for is being fun & welcoming plus your endeavor to go above and beyond for their patient experience.

Before you came here, you already knew what you wanted your patients to think about you – that you care about providing them with the best of the best – the best care, treatment, and experience. Theming can help you create a consistent experience across your organization’s landscape.


Dr. Joe Yale, owner of an IDS themed office says it best,

I believe that our theme provides a visual manifestation of how committed we are to giving the best level of customer service and the best experience a child could have. It’s all about the people, the patients, and parents that we take care of.


Take this multi-location dental and ortho office as an example. The same reception desk, murals, and welcoming whale are found at each location. These familiar features make a friendly environment for patients, no matter which location they go to.

By taking the anxiety out of appointments with whimsical distractions, you’ll get parents talking – on social media, at family gatherings, and with their friends over coffee.


From Dr. Alexandra Jensen,

“We live in an age where the big thing online is the review it’s the facebook ads it, it’s the facebook mommy’s and just hearing word of mouth. That being said, I think the theme of the office gives parents something to talk about.”


And here’s how the process went for themed multi-office owner and CEO, Jennifer Kreidler-Moss,

IDS delivered exactly what we wanted. They took our grand ideas and turned them into cohesive themes suitable for our spaces and our budget. We loved customizing the small details and they walked us through the process every step of the way.

Each of her 11 locations has a different child-friendly sitting corner with fun seating and a branded photo op character.


Supercharge Your Marketing Plan and Make Your Building Your Biggest Advertising Asset

Speaking of photo ops, theming is a great way to add extra flair to your marketing materials and social media feeds.


Dentist and owner, Dr. Michael Lateiner has seen it with his own eyes,

Patients come into the office and are immediately comfortable and the parents can’t stop taking pictures. They made my office the talk of the town!!!


Photo ops, from characters to head holes to surfing waves, are a great way to get organic advertising for your business. Sharing photo ops with happy clients increase social media engagement. It also adds the benefit of ‘social proof’, the idea that consumers will adapt their behavior according to what other people are doing, and potential clients will see your business as trustworthy.

The most successful photo op is a mascot that represents your business. The dental market is now more competitive than ever, and you need to use all resources available to stand out from the crowd. Mascots are memorable, helping your brand become more recognizable. A branded mascot can increase a company’s profit and emotional connection with customers by up to 40.9%.

One of our most successful partners has created an entire magical world surrounding their mascots. Every location has a familiar face to greet visitors.


Exterior Landmark characters make a business’s exterior stand out visually to people passing by. They draw attention, stir conversation, and become a part of the community’s vernacular. “Turn right at the giant octopus” will become a common phrase heard around town.

Landmark characters completely changed the way owner Sheryl Wright saw her building,

“As a result of the theming, marketing has definitely improved. Even if patients cannot remember the name of the clinic, they know where we are and that our clinic is the fun place for kids to come play while they are waiting for their appointment. Telling patients it is the clinic with the octopus is an easy visual landmark to help them find us. This has helped get new patients through the doors.


Themed interior decor is a game-changer for creating marketing campaigns that stand out amongst the mass of dental reminder postcards and facebook ads. Featuring photos of your interiors with all the amenities you have to offer will get you noticed amongst the noise.

For Dr. Scott Savel, owner of 3 themed IDS offices, the horizon for future success is endless,

We found that theming has been instrumental in our success. By making the investment, it sets us apart. Especially in pediatrics, we walk into an area and we’re a category-killer in that area. We’re definitely planning on opening multiple offices and using theming for all of them.


Ultimately, when you have successfully established brand recognition within your clientele, they know who you are, what you do, and the level of service you provide – all the things they need to know to trust your organization which will help you grow your business.


Sensitivity to Ownership Changes

When you acquire an established practice, there are going to be existing patients and families that are connected and loyal to the previous provider.

With this in mind, as the buyer, you must be mindful of these existing clients’ feelings and find ways to communicate that the change in ownership will only make the place they know and love even better.


Change Can be Good

By joining up with a DSO, dental offices become infused with the latest in staff training, more efficient billing & insurance management, and access to modern technology. But those beneficial improvements might not be obvious to the average customer.

Decor upgrades to your space can be visual cues for patients to recognize this promise to improve their experience and help build their trust in your brand and services. By signaling your willingness to go above and beyond for the comfort of your young patients in ways the previous owners did not, you can help build those new relationships and create loyal customers.


Repeatability Makes Adding Unique Decor Easy

What we do over here at IDS is create original environments for our clients. With our team, you can develop a custom package of repeatable and on-brand decor for all of your locations.

From the initial design concepts, a Group Practice or DSO corporation is making an original, customized investment in their business. This investment is one that is unique to their brand but can be flexible in its conceptualization and execution so core design elements can be re-deployed across multiple locations.

We’ll be candid, there is a cost to the theming process. However, savings on economies can be amplified by theming all offices with the same foundational essentials – a mascot, desk cladding, repeatable wall murals, and more. Once design, brand, and execution are established, there is no starting from scratch when expanding to new locations.

For example, this carnival themed DSO has the same balloon-riding monkey photo op in each location.

Once the design is complete, we can adjust for size, position, and ceiling height in each location. We have installed 6 locations already, with 3 more locations getting themed this year, and more planned for the future.


The ROI From IDS Theming

Like we said, theming is a big investment, but it is an investment in your future success. The payback is unbeatable and our clients have experienced the difference themed decor makes in their businesses.

Even the independent dentists we work with have achieved so much success after theming they are able to open a 2nd, 3rd, or even a 7th or 8th office with the profits achieved from their first themed office.

From Dr. Bill Martin,

At first when I got into this I said to myself wow, this is a lot of money. But when I look at the benefits of it, it really is a marketing tool because you don’t have to put up a billboard when you have an office like this. I think undeniably this is the best marketing tool you can possibly use.


Check out the video below to hear what they had to say:


What’s Next for Your Business?

As previously mentioned, resourcefulness and efficiency are at the core of these organizations’ models. What’s next is asking if your offices are currently working for you in the best way possible to amplify your marketing and business success.

Theming helps add another level of resourcefulness and efficiency to your current business model by working to magnify and engage the added benefits you hold from running a DSO. Are you ready to take the leap?



Interested in learning more? Check out these related resources on themed environments and their benefits:

Turn your building into your most valuable marketing asset, attract more clients & entice new staff!

8 Color Schemes and What They Mean for Your Office Vibe

Create a Memorable Patient Experience Through Dental Office Interior Design and Decor

A Practical Guide to Creating an Exceptional Patient Experience

Attract Staff to Your Office… and Keep Them!

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to a magical patient experience.

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Explore the Best Children’s Murals for Walls to Transform Any Room

Pediatric Dental Office Design: Why Every Practice Needs a Fun Brushing Station

Child-First Design for Pediatric Dental and Medical Spaces

How to Attract Staff to Your Dental Practice… and Keep Them!

Pandemic-induced life changes have promoted a work-life balance reset for many, leading to media reports of a ‘great resignation.’

World Economic Forum

Is your dental office set up to grow with this mentality and cultivate a space that will draw in the best of the best to join your team and stick by your side?

Take a deep dive with us, and let’s determine how to:

  • Understand the current job hunter’s market
  • Review your company culture
  • Take actionable steps to generate an attractive work environment


Step Into The Mind of a Modern Job Hunter

In a recent poll conducted by the ADA Health Policy Institute designed to take the pulse of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging issues in the American dental community, it was uncovered that recruiting dental hygienists and dental assistants continues to be challenging for dentists.

In fact, 90% of dentist owners reported that, compared to before the pandemic, it is extremely or very challenging to recruit dental hygienists. 85% of dentist owners find it extremely or very challenging to fill dental assistant positions when compared to before the pandemic.

It is no secret that in many professions the reaction to Covid-19 limited hours in the office, enforced work-from-home conditions, and even resulted in mass layoffs across the country. This was the new norm for anywhere from a month to the entirety of the last 2 years.

Now that we are slowly gaining traction back into a fully operating society, back to work is again an option. But it’s just that, an option.

The dental field was one of the most at-risk groups during the height of the pandemic, so many people took the chance to retire early or find alternative employment in a less risky field. There was a voluntary reduction of the U.S. dental hygiene workforce by about 3.75%, or about 7,500 dental hygienists, according to updated research from the ADA and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. 

As we said, many offices had temporary shutdowns. It was no longer the 9-5 life, so priorities in day-to-day routines changed. For workers it was now family time, taking on hobbies that they’ve always wanted to do, or placing value on exercising. Whatever it was, it became a standard practice for them and the thought of a full-time job taking that enjoyment away is less than enticing.

So the challenge for employers becomes making coming to work worth an employee’s time.

This difficulty is heightened in the dental and medical fields. It is a strenuous environment requiring dedicated attention and skill that needs to be regularly exercised. Let’s face it, people’s health is in your hands and that is not something you want to handle half-heartedly.

With that in mind, you have to consider this time away has also induced anxiety around the loss of knowledge or skill alongside new expectations.

2022 job hunters want an environment that supports them, is flexible, doesn’t take away from their external passions, and that they will genuinely enjoy going to every day.

What does this look like to employers?


Review Your Company’s Culture

Your company culture is what you make it.

It is how the execution of actions and values come together to make the experience people feel when they come to work every day.

It is how you manage your employees and set expectations.

It is the thing that people consider when asking themselves, “Am I going to be happy working here?”

Yes, coming in to work is about getting a job done, but to make it fulfilling to do that job, you as an owner and their boss should also:

  • Encourage employee wellness, both mental and physical. Dental and medical work is stressful on the mind and hard on the back. Losing employees to medical leave is avoidable.
  • Provide meaning and purpose in the work you are doing. Working in healthcare and helping children is a noble profession that truly helps people. Help your staff remember they are working towards a greater good.

  • Create goals and rewards for hard work. Feeling good about helping people is good, but you must also make the job rewarding in monetary ways as well – bonuses, small gifts, or time off add up to a happy, loyal worker.
  • Encourage positivity and celebrate milestones, both personal and professional. Show that you care by making your staff feel special and appreciated.

  • Foster social connections and build friendships among your staff. If your staff enjoys the company of the people they work with, that will build loyalty and lasting employment.
  • Listen to their feedback on ways to improve your existing culture. Part of today’s issue is keeping current staff. Make sure the people working with you are happy now and you can worry about hiring new staff instead of just replacing missing staff.

Make your business the type of place people want to work. If you are a leader of your company your behavior has the power to largely influence the essence of your company’s culture. Take a moment to step back and ask…


What Type of Leader Are You?

As a leader, you have the responsibility of managing people’s daily realities. And perhaps most importantly, you have the capability to make or break a person’s time spent with your company.

Consider the following questions and challenge yourself to look at the influence you have on your team from a third-party perspective to assess whether your leadership skills have been positively effective:

  • Are your morals visible in your everyday actions? Be your most authentic self. Authenticity inspires authenticity Forbes. As a leader, be yourself and stand by your integrity. Your staff will appreciate knowing your expectations, and if positively applied this will incline them to conduct their efforts in the same direction.
  • Are you honest with your staff? The transparency and vulnerability that honesty reveals will let your staff know that they are trusted and that their insight is valued in the eyes of a leader.
  • How important is communication between you and your staff? Good communication can get the job done, but great communication can blow expectations out of the water. When people know what they are doing and what is expected of them it eliminates the middle man named ‘Confusion’ and productivity is increased.
  • How do you show fairness in your workplace? Be flexible with your staff’s needs both professionally and personally, award accomplishments, and address failure.

Unity in the workplace is established when a leader prioritizes creating an environment not only for the client but for the staff. A great leader can answer these questions with confidence that their staff will appreciate their answers.

One thing to remember is that being a great leader is not always a linear process, there will be ups and downs. But when you register that it takes a village to do the job, then you can start to adjust your approach to value this outlook.


What Makes a Company Attractive to Employees?


A Company with Good Reviews

We’re not talking about client reviews on Google and Facebook, although those can help potential employees get an overview of how your business operates when dealing with the public. There are also employee review sites that are great insights for potential workers. The two most popular sites are:

Search your name and find out what has been said about you. If there are any negative comments, now is a good time to address the issue. If there aren’t any comments at all, encourage your current staff to add on a positive review to make your business look more attractive to job hunters.


Prioritization of a Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is an important aspect of a healthy work environment. Maintaining a work-life balance helps reduce stress and prevent burnout in the workplace.

Forbes

A good way to understand what “work-life balance” means to employees is to recognize that it is going to mean something slightly different to each of your employees. Take a look at the following infographic.

The fact of the matter is that the life we live cannot be summarized down to simply work and ‘the rest’, and it is naive to think that when an employee walks into work ‘the rest’ simply disappears. Daily chores, family obligations, visiting with friends, going to the gym, travel, and hobbies add up to a lot of ‘life’ that people need to balance with their job, which includes daily tasks, training, learning new technology, and networking with peers.

There is something to be said that excessive focus on something can drain our energy and result in a lack of interest. Take the initiative to get to know your employees, take an interest in their passions, and consider how as an employer you might work to honor these passions. Give your staff room to balance their work and life by:

  • Reinforce daily breaks to prevent burnout and injury.
  • Encourage vacation time to recharge.
  • Support personal expression.
  • Exercise compassion when ‘life’ creates personal struggles.
  • Prioritize health with competitive benefits packages.
  • Set up out-of-office events and team building during work hours.
  • Create a safe space for your employees to say no (i.e. no to overtime, or no to a promotion that will take up more of their time).


Be Your Staff’s Cheerleader

Part of being a good leader is generating confidence amongst your staff and in turn, they will feel their work is appreciated and their presence is valued – a recipe for an employee who is happy to come to work every day. Follow these three steps to cheer on your team:

  1. Be a mentor: Be someone your team can turn to for direction. When you establish an environment that supports your staff’s curiosity, then this positive reinforcement will incline them to continue developing their abilities in the workplace.
  2. Offer conducive training: Whether an employee is brand new or transitioning to a new role, ensure proper measures are taken for them to receive detailed training. This will prepare them to deliver on what’s expected and mitigate confusion.
  3. Provide an opportunity for professional development: Provide goals for your employees to work towards. For some, routines can get mundane. Entice your staff to grow with your business by awarding them for their hard work and offering incentives to take their skills to the next level.


Offer Competitive Salary and Benefits

As the ADA has uncovered, many offices are experiencing a staff shortage.

That being said, to attract and keep your employees you need to offer competitive salaries and benefits.

Do your research:

  1. What is the cost of living in your city?
  2. What are other offices in your area paying their employees?
  3. What personal/professional sacrifices might people be making to join your team?

This statement puts the power in the job hunter’s hands, but when you invest in your employees, your business grows.


Design an Enjoyable Workspace

Your office atmosphere can have a direct impact on the appeal your employees have towards coming to work.

Just like you don’t want to go home to a dingy, cold, dark basement, your employees don’t want to walk into a workspace that is anything but inviting.

Like the saying ‘look good, feel good’, coming to work in a space that is enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing will have your employees feeling empowered and motivated. It will also generate a sense of respect for the space and a desire to maintain order.

What can you do to your space to spruce it up?

  1. Bring in some greenery to boost the mood.
  2. Encourage employee workspace personalization to promote pride and ownership.
  3. Provide ergonomic work areas to promote health.
  4. Apply theming to create a friendly space that will make working with children easier and more fun.


What Does Coming to Work in a Themed Space Look Like?

Theming your space can bring magic to your business and joy to your guests. By putting young patients at ease appointments become easier, children become more cooperative, and the stress of a fussy patient is no longer a daily battle for your employees.

But it won’t just wow your patients, it will draw in and retain your staff too.

Imagine walking into work every day and being greeted by a giraffe holding a welcome sign? Well in this custom Imagination Design Studios safari-themed pediatric dental office the staff is privy to seeing it every day.

Safari themed reception desk with lemurs and a giraffe supporting a custom branch that reads 'welcome'.

Fresh out of University, Dr. Jensen didn’t just want to go to work every day, she wanted to spend her time somewhere that was going to bring a smile to her face day-in-day-out.

The theming definitely played a role in terms of my decision to join the practice. I came to visit the office, opened up the front door and it was just like a theme park.

I love working here, truly – it is a very well put together office. We know every other dental office tries to stay clean and organized, but I feel like having properly placed theming in an office gives us that edge where every day is fun and interesting.

– Dr. Alexandra Jensen

Read more about Dr. Jensen’s experience here.

Or consider what it’s like for an interviewee to walk into a vibrant and exciting reception area with a parachuting gorilla to welcome them.

My first expression walking into my office for an interview was WOW!! I wanted the job at first sight just by how the office appeared.

– Candace Chavez, Practice Administrator

When you have a unique space, people will fight to work in one of your themed offices.

Every time I open a new office, every one of my employees wants to work in the new office. They’re always so cool and so different.

– Scott Savel

Theming will help you find the right people with your same core beliefs.

Hiring pediatricians is no longer a challenge – once they set foot in the facility they want to work here because the decor speaks to our philosophy and dedication to helping kids.

– Mawish Baber

There’s no easy answer to finding good employees during a worker drought, but there is a secret weapon in making your office stand out to job hunters. Being surrounded by colorful and friendly elements in your workspace that you know will bring a smile to your face can set the tone for the entire workday.

I used to come into work through the back door and now I come in through the front door because it makes me happy for the rest of the day.

– Dr. Bill Martin

Use your office in your job postings. You’re not the only office hiring right now, and what better way to stand out than with your inviting, friendly workplace. You are offering a unique and exciting opportunity – something future employees will love to brag about. Don’t let it go unnoticed.


Adjust to New Expectations

Today’s economy is tough, it’s as simple as that. As we navigate through a post-pandemic reality and, dare I say, the horizon of a potential recession, the workplace looks different for most. Expectations around what ‘work’ means and why employees should want to spend their time with your business has drastically shifted. Shift with this mentality and win them back – you run an exciting, fun, friendly business – show them what that looks like!


Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from mundane to magical.

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Interview with Dr. Julie Russo – Building Her Dream Office

Today we’re talking to Dr. Julie Russo, pediatric dentist and owner of Clermont Pediatric Dentistry in Florida. She has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and attended Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine.

Back in 2014 IDS fabricated and installed safari theming in her office and outfitted her company vehicle. Dive into our follow-up with her 8 years later and hear about how the installation has benefited her business by turning a mundane space into a magical place.

Tour a Spectacular Safari Dental Office


IDS: Why did you decide to add theming to your space?

Dr. Russo: We decided to add theming to our office because it makes the space different from everybody else. So many local medical offices that I even go to are white and plain and that can be scary for a child. But coming into our office it’s bright, colorful, welcoming, and just fun. I think the parents love it and the kids love it.

Safari themed reception desk with lemurs and a giraffe supporting a custom branch that reads 'welcome'.

We are also known as the “Animal Office” or the “Animal Dentist”. People always mention the elephant in the waiting room, and a lot of guests take pictures with him, so we’ve also become known for that in our community.

Movie room in a safari themed dental office.

Ultimately, I think our theming really helps relax our patients and even the parents, and makes it feel like a more comfortable experience.

IDS: Why did you choose the safari theme?

Dr. Russo: I love animals and I think a lot of people love animals. This is our second office – we started in a smaller office that was themed on a much smaller level with some animals before moving to this one. When we moved to the bigger one we knew we wanted to include more animals in it.

Dr. Russo holding a live baby alligator.

I also have a degree in Zoology, so I figured it was a way to incorporate that into all of this, and I just think it’s fun for the parents and the kids and makes everything more comfortable and welcoming for them.

IDS: Do you have any reasons as to how theming has helped the practice? I.e. do you see more customer returns or more referrals from existing customers to new customers?

Dr. Russo: I think it has definitely helped the practice. It was one of those things that when we were building the office, a recurring discussion that happened between my husband and me was, “Do we incorporate all this? Do we not?” But I think it was definitely worth the investment.

It sets us apart from other offices and parents know that we’ve put a lot of work into our office and that we care about the way it looks and the way we present in the community as well. People talk about it too. A lot of kids say “I go to the Animal Dentist” so their friends want to go to the Animal Dentist as well.

Two dental professionals in blue scrubs sit and talk at a computer desk in a modern safari-themed dental office, conducting an IDS customer interview, while a patient reclines in a dental chair in the background.

We also have a car that IDS helped theme that looks like a rhino is riding inside. When we go downtown and people know that’s the Animal Dentist. We also bring it in parades and everything, and it is something we’ve become known for in town.

Vehicle wrap with safari mural graphics and a sculpted rhino horn on the roof.

IDS: What is your favorite area?

Dr. Russo: My favorite area is in the back of the office, we have a mural and it is my kids. IDS incorporated them into the office to make it a little more personal. So in the treatment area, there are cartoons – they are dressed in safari hats to go with the theme. That is my favorite spot for sure.

Wall mounted gaming systems in a safari themed dental office.
Custom wall mural of two safari guides holding a monkey in a banana crate.

IDS: The theming itself is a few years old now, how has the theming stood up over time? What do you think of the quality?

Dr. Russo: The quality is excellent. Everything was installed in 2014 and it is 2022 now, so we are 8 years in. Kids have drawn on the walls with pens and it wipes off. They have climbed the elephant numerous times, and have even tried to hang from the monkeys! It gets a little crazy in here sometimes, but it has held up and honestly looks like it did the day it was installed. Nothing has faded or broken, it really looks great.

This is another reason why I can confidently say I would do it again in a second because the quality is outstanding.

IDS: Do you find with theming that patients are a little more relaxed?

Dr. Russo: I think walking into an office with white walls and seeing white coats makes everybody nervous. Coming here it feels more welcoming and kind of like a Disney theme. ­­

A happy dental staff member in blue scrubs speaks with a boy reclining in a dentist chair. The pediatric dental office features green cabinets, dental tools, and computer screens displaying colorful schedules in the background.

The bright colors and expressions of the animals are great, so when the kids come in they are definitely more comfortable. A lot of times they run over to the side with all the animals and play before their appointment.

Two young boys sit on animal-shaped stools using touchscreen games set into a wall at a pediatric dental office, decorated with a colorful safari mural featuring a giraffe, elephant, and a red jeep with a SMILE license plate.

The first time patients walk into our space they are surprised and I think they are very excited as well. Because you walk in and you are greeted by a big giraffe with a large welcome sign, and then you look to the right and there is a have a huge elephant and all sorts of animals too! It’s fun and I think they are just surprised and thrilled to be in a neat place.

Safari themed reception desk with lemurs and a giraffe supporting a custom branch that reads 'welcome'.

IDS: How do you personally feel seeing all the animals and their smiling faces?

Dr. Russo: I love it and I am really proud of it. It was definitely a big project, but I am grateful every day that we have it and truly happy that we decided to go for it. It was an investment, but definitely has given us a name and an identity and I would do it again 100%.

IDS: How has the staff responded to the theming?

Dr. Russo: It’s fun because it’s one of those things that when you first come into work it’s awesome. The space is relaxing, it’s bright, and I think we are really lucky to be working in such a nice environment every day.

IDS: Were there any previous issues that you can think of that the theming has helped solve?

Dr. Russo: Our theming just makes kids more relaxed overall. As I mentioned, our old office had a little bit of theming, but not as much. For this one, we decided to go all out and I think it makes everyone, including our staff, more comfortable. It is a nice place to work and a nice place to be.

IDS: Can you share any specific stories that you might remember over the years of children interacting with the characters?

Dr. Russo: In general, I think the biggest interaction children have in the clinic is with the elephant. They walk in and they see the giraffe of course, but they run over to the elephant because he is just gigantic! He is the main piece in our waiting room and gets climbed on all the time. We’ve even found kids on top of him! He is definitely the one that gets his photo taken most in the office.

He’s holding popcorn and a drink like he’s watching the TV. There is always a kid’s movie playing over there, so it’s like he is watching the movie with the kids.

IDS: Can I assume for moms or new moms that your space might be an “Instagramable” kids spot?

Our space, especially the elephant, has been great for social media because a lot of people post with him.

IDS: Do you use your theming in any of your marketing?

Dr. Russo: We use our theming in all of our marketing. Most of our ads have either the elephant or the tree in the background. We have our patients stand in front of the tree when we need to take photos of their charts.

Our movie theater ads, our billboard, and our car all incorporate our theme. Our logo also has our animals in it as well – the giraffe, lion, and elephant are how we are known. So with our logo and our theming, we really strive to incorporate it in all our marketing efforts so it all comes together.

IDS: Would you consider adding more theming to other spaces in the future?

Dr. Russo: I would not be opposed to it! We have our main areas themed; where the kids get their teeth cleaned, where the parents come in and out of the office, and in the waiting room. Some of our private rooms have different colors, but no theming so I would consider adding more!

My business partner and I, Dr. Alexandra Jensen, have also talked about updating our car, as well as the possibility of getting another. We were thinking we may have the two play off each other with the theming, so that may be up and coming.

IDS: What do you think are the most important benefits to theming.

Dr. Russo: I would have to say the most important benefits to theming are patient and parent satisfaction. It shows that we care about our office and that we put a lot into it. When people come to the office they are impressed and excited to be here, and I just think that’s what sets us apart from other offices in town.

IDS: Would you recommend IDS?

Dr. Russo: IDS was wonderful, I cannot say enough great things about them. From the beginning when we talked to them about what we wanted to do, we had just wanted to include the elephant. However, they came back with other ideas and you know, I just couldn’t say no to all the areas.

They were great to work with, the communication was wonderful, and they were timely. We had to ship the elephant from their production facility and it did not delay our construction, opening date, or anything for that matter.

Everything was done really well, the people who came up to install it were from south Florida, and again, were timely, professional, and got the job done when it was supposed to be done. The quality is outstanding, and after 8 years is still bright and intact even though it gets lots of wear and tear.

It was a wonderful experience working with IDS for sure, I would highly recommend them to people wanting to theme a space, they are just wonderful, they really are.


Curious to see more of the Clermont Office? Check out our interview with Dr. Russo’s partner, Dr. Jensen.

Or you can check out the featured safari office photos here.


Interested in learning more about themed environments? Check out these related resources on IDS customers:

See more examples of safari theming here.

Hear more great stories of happy IDS customers here.

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience. Or download our inspiring look book and start imagining the possibilities in your office.

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RELATED POSTS

Case Study: Theming for Long-Term Impact Across 13+ Community Health Centers in Washington

Orange Conference Interview with IDS Creative Consultant Erin

Interview with Dr. Bill Martin

Interview with Dr. Alexandra Jensen – Joining a Themed Office

Our team got together with Dr. Alexandra Jensen, a partner and dentist at Clermont Pediatric Dentistry in Florida. Dr. Jensen holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and received her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

The IDS team installed safari theming throughout the Clermont clinic back in 2014 ­– Dr. Jensen joined the office straight out of school, missing the foundational theming process, but was excited to find herself starting her career in a thrilling new workplace. Follow along as we ask about her experience working in this environment and uncover how IDS theming has helped her business over the years.

Tour a Spectacular Safari Dental Office


IDS: Why did you decide to add theming to the space?

Dr. Jensen: I was not a part of the decision to theme as I had not yet joined the practice, but I will say that it definitely played a role in terms of my decision to join the practice. I came to visit the office and opened up the front door and it was just like a theme park.

Safari themed reception desk with lemurs and a giraffe supporting a custom branch that reads 'welcome'.

IDS: In your opinion why was a Safari theme chosen?

Dr. Jensen: We work with a pediatric population and have kiddos all the time who bring in stuffed animals – elephants, monkeys, zebras, anything you can imagine. I think coming in and seeing real-life sizes of animals that match the stuffed animals that they have is super cool for the kids.

IDS: How do you think theming has helped the practice thrive?

Dr. Jensen: I think our theming has given our practice a name. In the community, we are known for what we do because of the theme of our office. It has become our brand.

For example, we are known as Dr. Julie and Dr. Alexandra at Clermont Pediatric Dentistry, but we are also known as the “Elephant Dentist” or the “Animal Dentist”. All of that came to be from and through IDS.

I’ve been at the practice for 7 years now and any communication that I’ve had with the IDS team has been wonderful – they are informative, on time, very fast, and organized. It’s been no small feat to make sure that our office is organized and set up to the nines in regards to everything that we need to do, and they made it happen.

IDS: You mention kids sometimes bring in a plushy toy from time to time and are wowed by the real-life versions in your office. How do you think that patients may be more relaxed than in traditional pediatric offices?

Dr. Jensen: I would say the big things that stick out in our office are the animals coming out of the ceiling, the wall, or the monkey coming out of the glass. These animals help make light of any situation.

A colorful children’s room with jungle-themed decor, featuring a large artificial tree, cartoon animal murals, a TV on a yellow counter, and a glass wall revealing an office—perfect for an IDS customer interview backdrop with certificates displayed.

As a dentist, the dental office is not a scary place for me, but as a patient, it’s a place where at a young age or even during their teenage years, they come in and think what are you going to do to me not for me. However, I like to think that if I was their age and I walked into an office with a monkey bursting through the glass I would start to laugh and feel eased about the situation.

I feel that there is a lot of power in laughter and smiles, and when kids see these characters it brings that fear down because it puts a smile on their faces that is so big.

Smiling boy posing next to a wall mounted gaming system.

IDS: How would you describe the reactions of patients when they come to this place for the first time? Are there any specific instances that stick out to you?

Dr. Jensen: I would say the most memorable interactions that I’ve had have been with patients that have come in super anxious and worried about an appointment – some tears may have been involved. But they are able to walk into the office and see the theming, and it’s something that is common ground for them to take their mind off their worries and talk to the people in the office about. Something along the lines of “I saw the monkey in the glass!” or “I sat with the elephant and took a picture with him!”

A group of children sit in front of a large cartoon elephant statue wearing 3D glasses, looking entertained and engaged at this vibrant jungle office. The background is colorful with playful, animated decor.
A happy dental staff member in blue scrubs speaks with a boy reclining in a dentist chair. The pediatric dental office features green cabinets, dental tools, and computer screens displaying colorful schedules in the background.

It’s a matter of these patients remembering the characters that are in the office. I know in particular when we do restorative appointments, we have stuffed animals for support in the back, and some kiddos come in and can name these stuffies and our characters!

You know, I joke during consults with parents saying, “You know, it’s not Disney World but we try to make it as fun as possible.” Having theming most definitely helps with that.

IDS: Are you gaining new patients as a response to the theming?

Dr. Jensen: We live in an age where the big thing online is the review, it’s the Facebook ads, it’s the Facebook mommies, and just hearing word of mouth. That being said, I think the theme of the office gives parents something to talk about when they come to our office – what their children loved and enjoyed.

Parents can also tell their kids more than they are going to the dentist. They can tell them they are going to the place with the elephant, that they are going to watch a movie, and that they are going to have such a good time! So I think the theme itself just fosters that warm inviting environment.

IDS: Do you think there is something to be said about the return of current customers and their satisfaction level as well as gaining new customers? I say this because we live in an area adjacent to theme parks that are very historically very exciting.

Dr. Jensen: I would say we definitely live in an area where children are used to having a theme park in their area. We have Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, and Lego Land and kids love visiting them. I feel like being able to theme the office in a similar way where they can come and see the animals, hold a stuffed animal during a restorative procedure, or sit in a chair and look at the kiddos on the wall on a safari tour gives them a trigger in their mind to say that this is fun, familiar and is different than I expected it to be.

Movie room in a safari themed dental office.

Like I said before, we are not Disney or Universal, but we are a place that can be fun! It is a place where kids can find components in the office to find interest in, whether it be the elephant or the bamboo on the wall or the games – it is something memorable to them.

Two young boys sit on animal-shaped stools using touchscreen games set into a wall at a pediatric dental office, decorated with a colorful safari mural featuring a giraffe, elephant, and a red jeep with a SMILE license plate.

Kids have an amazing memory and a way of processing things in a way that adults don’t. When patients come into the office, they can find something fun that imprints on their little brains and it is something to remember and associate the dentist with. I’d much rather have a child associate a big elephant with the dentist, rather than something that is challenging like having a tooth extracted. So I think theming in that respect is very important. Our environment gives them an opportunity to make an association that is positive and familiar with doing something that they enjoy doing outside the dental office, like visiting a theme park.

IDS: What have you seen from the staff that is a response to the theming?

Dr. Jensen: I love working here truly ­– it is a very well put together office. We know every other dental office tries to stay clean and organized, but I feel like having properly placed theming in an office that is kept up to date and clean gives us that edge where every day is fun and interesting.

Every room is a bit different and in those rooms, there’s something for me to find joy in and put a smile on my face.

Like I said, we work in a dental office, and sometimes that is not considered the most fun environment because of what we are doing – we are extracting teeth, fixing teeth, and cleaning teeth. But we make it fun because we consider our staff our family and by theming the office this way it makes it feel more familiar and like home.

A group of eight happy dental staff members pose indoors wearing various animal costumes, including a zebra, lion, giraffe, and elephant. They are smiling and appear to be at a fun jungle office-themed pediatric dental event.

IDS: What is your favorite themed character or area in the office?

Dr. Jensen: I love the monkey in the glass because I feel like it sparks the imagination side of every patient. They want to know how the monkey got there and if it really broke the glass. It’s so fun to see the little wheels in their heads just turning and seeing them facing the reality of, “oh my goodness there’s a monkey there!”

Large 3D tree with a swinging monkey.

IDS: How do you think the quality of the theming has stood the test of time?

Dr. Jensen: I think it is amazing. To be honest with you, it is something that from day one, until now that I haven’t seen a lot of change or wear and tear happen to. You are going to have a lot of wear on tables and chairs that patients, parents, and staff are going to sit on. But the theming itself has been amazingly resilient, and any concern that we’ve had with the theming has been corrected immediately.

And may I add, that the concerns have not been because of the failure of IDS. It has been something where a patient has hung on the elephant and we needed to fix a part. So overall, it’s been amazingly resilient in keeping its color and design and making the office beautiful.

IDS: Do you think there are any previous issues that the theming has helped solve. What are the main advantages?

Dr. Jensen: I think our theming brings the office to the next level. It gives the office the opportunity to imprint on our patients, as well as show the parents we care about the surroundings and environment that we are treating their kids in.

Two dental professionals in blue scrubs sit and talk at a computer desk in a modern safari-themed dental office, conducting an IDS customer interview, while a patient reclines in a dental chair in the background.

Walking in and seeing white walls in a pediatric office is something that is going to seem generic and hospital-like, and this can be scary for patients. Walking into a themed office gives patients the opportunity to enjoy the time in our space and feel comfortable in it.

They can sit and wait for their appointment, take in the scenery, watch a movie, hang out with the elephant, or play a game and this fills the void between them and their upcoming appointment.

IDS: How have you used the safari theme to continue your branding efforts beyond your space?

Dr. Jensen: Right now, Dr. Julie drives what we like to call the pediatric dental mobile. It is a car that IDS helped us outfit with a little horn on the roof that looks like it’s coming from a rhino squished inside.

Branding wise this car has been big in terms of the community. When you see the vehicle driving around it is always “Oh my goodness it’s Dr. Julie my dentist!” or “It’s the Elephant Dentist!” so the car is definitely something that has transitioned our theme from the office out into the community.

We can have an ad anywhere online or even on a billboard, but it’s not going to be the same as driving on the road next to the dentist or seeing the car out in the community.

We are talking about possibly doing two separate vehicles, one for her, and one for myself. We’ve been in contact with IDS and it’s going to be exciting to see where that is going to go next and spark some more discussion in the community.

IDS: What do you think are the most important benefits overall to theming a space? 

Dr. Jensen: I think theming a space makes it more like home. Theming this office as a safari makes Clermont Pediatric Dentistry home for its staff members who we consider our family, and it makes it home for our patients who we also consider part of the family.

I also think it gives us a physical touch of the identity we have created in terms of communicating our goals to the community ­– that we provide quality dental care from the heart. And we are showing our patients this by making our space a warm and welcoming environment.

IDS: What has your experience personally been when working with IDS?

Dr. Jensen: IDS has been wonderful. Every communication that I have had in terms of emails, I get an almost immediate response which is wonderful. We live in a day and age where it is sometimes hard to get in contact with any business or individuals because we have busy schedules and I will say that every contact I have made email-wise has been phenomenal. They are organized, on time, and answers every question dotting their I’s and crossing the T’s.

IDS: Would you recommend working with IDS?

Dr. Jensen: I would recommend working with IDS to others. If for no other reason, it is just so fun to see.


Curious to see more of the Clermont Office? Check out our interview with Dr. Jensen’s partner, Dr. Russo.

Or you can check out the featured safari office photos here.


Interested in learning more about themed environments? Check out these related resources on IDS customers:

See more examples of safari theming here.

Hear more great stories of happy IDS customers here.

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience. Or download our inspiring look book and start imagining the possibilities in your office.

FOUND THIS ARTICLE HELPFUL?

SHARE THE LOVE!

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RELATED POSTS

Case Study: Theming for Long-Term Impact Across 13+ Community Health Centers in Washington

Orange Conference Interview with IDS Creative Consultant Erin

Interview with Dr. Bill Martin

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