There’s no doubt that an IDS-themed office makes appointments more fun for your young patients, creates an environment in which your team will enjoy working, and fast-tracks the growth of your practice… so, what’s holding you back?

We get it – you likely have some questions about what to expect and how it all works. Fear not – here are answers to the ten most common questions and reservations we hear from new clients.

1. How much will it cost?

All of our themed elements are custom-built, therefore prices vary depending on design, scope, and complexity. The size and position a 3D character is sculpted in will change the price, so if you see an example of two hippo characters in two different offices in our portfolio, they could differ slightly in price. It is much more effective for us to work with you and find out your specific needs in order to give you your custom pricing. We have created themed spaces at all levels from $5,000 to over $800,000. At Imagination Design Studios, there is something for everyone, and we happily work within your budget.

When considering the cost remember that the price of the theming is an investment into your business that will pay off with happier patients that will keep coming back. These dentists and office staff have experienced it firsthand:

“We were a brand new office – when we opened and had a full schedule within 6 months.”

– Amy, Office Manager

“When we first moved in, I had a goal of achieving $1.2m in revenue and we met that. This year, we are on target to achieve $2m in revenue and I credit the theming with bringing in that additional $800,000.”

– Dr. Jenni Burkitt, Owner

“In one year we’ve gone from a startup, to full-on busy. I’m sure we’ll have too many patients within 2 to 3 years.”

– Dr. Jed Snatic, Owner

2. How long does the build process take and will theming with IDS extend my build schedule?

Each office is unique and depending on the design, scope, and complexity of a project, the timeline can vary. That said, a typical office theming project with IDS takes 6 to 9 months from beginning to end – concept drawings to installation. (Much shorter if you are selecting pre-designed items from our catalog as we can bypass the design process and go straight into production.)

If you are building from the ground up, we will be one of the last teams to enter your space, after all the walls are up and painted, flooring is down, cabinets are in and finishes are complete.

In your build schedule, our installation typically accounts for less than a week.

3. Will I be kept in the loop on progress of my project?

We call the process The Five Steps from Mundane to Magical, and it includes regular updates from our team. Often, these will include photos of your custom theming props being produced on our shop floor, allowing you to follow along as your project comes to life.

“I felt like I really had a sense of what I was doing in my office. From the online meetings and the markups that explained everything from colors and foliage, to the 3D models of my characters, IDS really created a complete picture. I didn’t realize I was going to see my whole office before it was built. I was so excited to see every new email you sent.”

– Dr. Tim Verwest, Pediatric Dentistry of Fort Myers

4. Will the product hold up over time?

We love this question. IDS products are handmade by our experienced craftspeople and made with the care and materials required to meet our “kid-proof” standards.

Everything we create is built to the highest standards for quality and durability – something that is truly unmatched in the industry. In fact, we build our indoor props to the exact same standards as our exterior pieces which have – literally – endured tornados and hurricanes, and survived looking just as good as ever!

5. Can you work with my architect and interior designer?

The roles of your architect and interior designer remain unchanged – theming is more like the icing on the cake. Our job is to collaborate with your team to ensure that what we produce compliments and enhance the layout, finishes, colors, and other design decisions that have been made. Members of our staff – from sales, to CAD, to production – have backgrounds in interior design and can understand and communicate with your existing team.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth in the design of multiple dental facilities over a number of years. She represents IDS in both a comfortable and professional manner – and most importantly, we’ve had successful projects together! I highly recommend working with Elizabeth and the entire team at IDS (and look forward to doing so again.)”

– Tim Kuhlman, Architect at TkDesign Architecture

6. Do you have a sales rep come to visit my office?

Technology has enabled us to be very effective at working with our clients remotely, so a site visit is not necessary. We make sure to stay connected through online meetings, phone calls, e-mails, and plenty of in-progress photos and videos.

7. How do we know the murals and sculptures will fit in my space?

To make sure our pieces will fit in your space, one of our first orders of business is to convert your permitted plans into a digital 3D model of your office (we’ll be asking for the ‘reflected ceiling plans’ for this reason). From there, everything we design is done so in that 3D environment. This process not only ensures everything will fit perfectly but also gives you a great preview for how your theming elements will come together in your space.

If necessary, we will send a member of our team to measure your walls and get precise dimensions of your space. We call this a “dim check”. We may also ask that a member of your team confirm measurements for us.

8. Who does the installation?

For custom themed offices, our team arrives on-site the same day the product does. They manage everything from off-loading your props from the truck through to the final details of installation. You and your contractor don’t need to lift a finger.

If you are selecting pre-designed decor from our catalog instead of a custom office, these items are all designed to be easily installed by your general contractor or facilities manager.

9. How much extra space do I need for theming?

Ultimately, none. Theming with murals uses existing wall surfaces and requires no footprint at all. From there, many of our products, such as themed benches, bay dividers and kid-friendly brushing mirrors simply take the place of other essential furniture and decor items.

If you have space set aside for some extra fun, we can get even more creative. With as little as 25 dedicated square feet, we can add gaming, education stations, or a hand-sculpted character to your office that makes the perfect photo op for social media!

10. How much input do I have into the design?

Custom themed offices are exactly that – custom! We work closely with you to understand what you’d like the finished product to look like and how you want it to function. From there, our talented artists will begin by sketching concepts, allowing you to see your unique vision come life.

“I was pleased that IDS helped me right from day one and that the designers could take my ideas and run with them. They built a theme based on my own storybook and really brought my characters to life! The transformation of my practice has been wonderful. The kids love it, my staff loves it, and I absolutely love it! Thank you so much IDS!”

– Dr. Leslie Jacobs, DDS

IDS theming is not an expense; it is an investment in your business.

Invest in Your Patients

Valuing your patients and their families sets them up for a lifetime of positive health outcomes. And the environment you create can help you achieve a better patient experience.

• Reduce patient anxiety and enhance their relaxation
• Prime patients and families for their appointments
• Create positive dental care experiences

Invest in Your Business

Maintain your edge in the crowded dental service space. Attention to details in your niche can transform your environment and overall patient satisfaction…whatever your dental niche.

• Create “buzz” in the community you serve
• Accelerate patient referrals
• Generate positive online reviews

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

The team here at Imagination Design Studios works with healthcare providers every day. Providers who care deeply about the experience kids have while in their care, while at the same time want to build a thriving practice.

The great news is, you can have both!

Second only to clinical outcomes, patient experience is the most effective way to build a reputation for being the best. And there’s no better foundation for a great patient experience than a one-of-a-kind office to welcome young families and help create positive memories associated with their time in your care.

At IDS, we help you grow your practice by making your visits unforgettable.

And building your dream office is easier than may think. In fact, there are just five steps for transforming a mundane space into a magical place…

3 STEPS FROM MUNDANE TO MAGICAL:

1. IMAGINE

Explore the possibilities during a discovery session with our Creative Consultants. Then design your dream office with our expert creative team.

“The IDS team understands dentists and their spaces. It has been a great experience!”

– Dr. Beverly Largent, Former President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

“Working with their team of designers was very easy.”

– Dr. Karim Kanani

“I was pleased that IDS helped me right from day one and that the designers could take my ideas and run with them.”

– Dr. Leslie Jacobs

2. TRANSFORM

See your project come to life through regular updates from our production studio. Our project managers will guide you through the entire build process, from design to installation.

“They literally blew me away with all of their creations.”

– Dr. Michael Lateiner

“From the online meetings and the markups that explained everything from colors and foliage, to the 3D models of my characters, IDS really created a complete picture.”

– Dr. Tim Verwest

3. AMAZE

Reveal your magical new office to the amazement of your patients, their parents, and the community. Enjoy the increased exposure in glowing reviews and referrals.

“The IDS install crew have been amazing and I am so thankful for everything you guys have done to make this such an amazing and smooth endeavor.”

– Dr. Jenni Burkitt

“The local newspaper will be interviewing us and publishing an article next week!”

– Shauna Henry, Office Manager

“When we opened after installing the octopus on our roof we were seeing up to 59 new patients a day.”

– Dr. Derek Thompson

There’s no doubt, bringing together your exceptional care with an exceptional environment is a winning combination. Get ready to be the first choice in your community for many years to come!

And it all starts by simply booking your free, no-obligation consultation.

Call us today to learn what is possible for your practice. 1-888-884-4102

IDS theming is not an expense; it is an investment in your business.

Invest in Your Patients

Valuing your patients and their families sets them up for a lifetime of positive health outcomes. And the environment you create can help you achieve a better patient experience.

• Reduce patient anxiety and enhance their relaxation
• Prime patients and families for their appointments
• Create positive dental care experiences

Invest in Your Business

Maintain your edge in the crowded dental service space. Attention to details in your niche can transform your environment and overall patient satisfaction…whatever your dental niche.

• Create “buzz” in the community you serve
• Accelerate patient referrals
• Generate positive online reviews

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

The ROI on kid-friendly spaces is more compelling than you may think!

It’s a trend that’s on the rise – more and more healthcare providers who work with children are choosing to theme their pediatric offices or add dedicated kids spaces to family-focused practices. The obvious benefit is that these spaces turn out amazing and the office is fun to be in (for all ages), but there is also a very compelling ROI on the investment into kid-friendly theming.

Whether it be a fully themed office, or the addition of some kid-friendly spaces, here is what clients of IDS report as the most important and long-term value they experience:

1. Create Lifelong Benefits in Your Patients

Pediatric patients get to engage in a fun environment, which serves to displace treatment anxiety and helps encourage positive memories associated with care. Patients look forward to their next visit and these positive associations are the foundation for positive health outcomes long term.

Here’s how theming can create lifelong benefits:

• Alleviating Treatment Anxiety
• Encouraging Positive Memories
• Building Trust and Rapport
• Promoting Long-Term Oral Health
• Fostering Patient Loyalty

“It’s less threatening as an environment, so kids are more willing to come in and proceed with their treatments.”

– Ekatrina, dental assistant

2. Gain Parents’ Trust and Approval 

When patients are at ease, appointments become easier for parents too. They get to relax, knowing their child is having fun in a kids-first environment and, because the experience is beyond their expectations, parents enjoy confidence that they have made the right choice from the moment they walk through the front door. This confidence then helps to drive referrals.

Gain parent’s trust with themed decor:

• Parental Relaxation During Appointments
• Confidence in the Choice of Dental Practice
• Enhanced Trust in the Dental Team
• Positive Referral Behavior
• Strengthening Patient-Provider Relationships

“The waiting room is colorful, whimsical, and has lots of activities and distractions to entertain little ones who are likely anxious and scared of their appointment… I’m very happy we chose to come here and I actually look forward to bringing my son back.”

– Erin L, online review

“The office is decorated awesome which is fun for the kids – lightens the mood when nerves may be a sneaking up on your child. If you’re looking for a dentist whose entire office revolves children; this is the place to go.”

– Charleen L, Online Review

“The entire complex is warm and inviting. There are activities (TV, interactive areas, play corner) to help put the kiddos at ease.”

– Belle W, Online Review

3. Attract and Retain Happy Staff

It’s not just patients who benefit from a themed environment; your staff does too! A fun and engaging workplace boosts morale, fosters teamwork, and increases productivity. Happy staff members are more motivated to provide exceptional care, leading to better patient outcomes and greater profitability for your practice.

“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, Practice Administrator

“The theming has helped in every aspect of the clinic. 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.”

– Mahwish Baber, Operations Director

Staff get to work in a fun environment with lessened stress, all while getting to watch as families say ‘wow’ when they enter the office. With IDS, there are also time-management benefits built-in, such as I Spy Murals which keep kids occupied as they complete a scavenger hunt within the mural.

4. Create Brand Differentiation

Brand differentiation refers to the process of distinguishing a product, service, or in this case, a dental practice, from its competitors in the minds of consumers. In the context of a themed dental office, brand differentiation involves creating a unique and memorable experience that sets the practice apart from other dental offices in the area.

Here’s how theming can contribute to brand differentiation:

• Distinctive Visual Identity
• Emotional Connection
• Consistency Across Touchpoints
• Unique Patient Experience
• Attracting Target Audience
• Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Let’s talk more about word-of-mouth referrals.

5. See an Increase in Patient Referrals from Organic Online Marketing

The practice experiences supercharged growth, in part due to the three benefits listed above, and also because it’s an exceptional marketing strategy. There’s no better foundation for a buzz-worthy experience than an IDS-themed environment. To take that a step further, our characters can be used to create the perfect ‘share-worthy’ photo ops inside your office. As parents post these adorable photos on social media every day, your brand benefits from the increased activity and your brand gains access to an online network of parents.

“I would rate the effectiveness of the theming in driving the growth of my practice a 10/10. Without IDS theming we wouldn’t be the talk of the town like we are now.”

– Dr. Michael Lateiner

And last but not least…

6. More Profit and a Full Schedule!

This ROI speaks for itself:

“We were a brand new office – when we opened we had a full schedule within 6 months.”

– Amy, Office Manager

“By utilizing theming and patient engagement we are gaining 250 new patients a month with almost no additional external marketing.”

– Dr. Clyde

“When we first moved in, I had a goal of achieving $1.2m in revenue and we met that. This year, we are on target to achieve $2m in revenue and I credit the theming with bringing in that additional $800,000.”

– Dr. Jenni Burkitt

“In one year we’ve gone from a startup, to full-on busy. I’m sure we’ll have too many patients within 2 to 3 years.”

– Dr. Jed Snatic

“When we opened after installing the octopus on our roof we were seeing up to 59 new patients a day.”

– Dr. Derek Thompson

“I had my staff track every new customer for six months by asking them what it was that brought them to our practice. You could have knocked me over with a feather when the results came in… a full 94% cited the theming above my entrance!”

– Dr. Chuck Hughes

“When we opened our doors for the first time we had no patients, but now our patient numbers are growing day-by-day and we are well on the way to achieving our dream.”

– Dr. R M

In summary, theming your dental office isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic investment that pays off in numerous ways.

To determine the ROI of theming a dental office, it’s essential to weigh these factors and assess how the theme contributes to patient satisfaction, retention, and practice growth over time. Tracking metrics such as patient feedback, appointment bookings, referral rates, and revenue growth can help evaluate the effectiveness of the themed design in achieving its objectives.

Simply put, by theming your office with IDS today, your patients, parents, staff and bottom line all benefit for many years to come. Oh, and your office will look great too! It’s time to get started on your office.

IDS theming is not an expense; it is an investment in your business.

Invest in Your Patients

Valuing your patients and their families sets them up for a lifetime of positive health outcomes. And the environment you create can help you achieve a better patient experience.

• Reduce patient anxiety and enhance their relaxation
• Prime patients and families for their appointments
• Create positive dental care experiences

Invest in Your Business

Maintain your edge in the crowded dental service space. Attention to details in your niche can transform your environment and overall patient satisfaction…whatever your dental niche.

• Create “buzz” in the community you serve
• Accelerate patient referrals
• Generate positive online reviews

Check out these related resources for ideas on theming your office:

Make a BIG Impact with a SMALL Budget Using the IDS Essentials Collection

How to Theme Your Office on a Budget

Key Strategies to Jump-Start Your Dental Marketing

What People Are Saying About IDS

Want tips for marketing your office? Download the free guide to learn how to get more patients in your dental office.

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

Creating an unforgettable themed space takes more than imagination—it requires precision, innovation, and expertise. At IDS, our Computer-Aided Design (CAD) team plays a pivotal role in transforming your vision into reality. Led by Casey, the head of our CAD department, we’re taking you behind the scenes to see how we combine creativity with engineering to deliver world-class custom fabrication and theming solutions.

From Concept to Reality: Bringing Your Space to Life

The CAD department is where our themed spaces start to take shape. Using concept sketches as a foundation, we create detailed designs that account for space planning, structural engineering, and compliance with building codes.

One critical part of this process is ensuring accessibility. As head of the CAD department, Casey ensures every design adheres to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Barrier-Free Design requirements. These considerations guarantee a safe, inclusive environment for all who visit your space.

Custom Fabrication and Scaled Perfection

When your project reaches the CAD stage, we integrate your architectural plans into specialized software, creating a 3D model of your space. This allows us to precisely scale the theming elements to fit your office while designing the internal steel structures that will safely secure them.

This step is vital to ensuring your custom-fabricated theming is not only engaging and visually stunning but also structurally sound and safe. The 3D models serve as a blueprint for routering foam blocks, providing a solid base for our sculptors to craft detailed, life-like designs.

In-House Manufacturing Excellence

At IDS, we believe quality control is non-negotiable, which is why we handle every step of the process in-house. Our manufacturing facilities in Alberta and Florida allow us to maintain the highest standards of craftsmanship. Every piece of theming we create is designed to be “kid-proof,” a term we use to reflect our focus on durability and safety.

• What can they touch?
• What can they climb on?
• How will we ensure their safety?

These are the questions we answer during the custom fabrication and manufacturing process. From the internal steel structures to the sculpted exteriors and colorful finishes, every element of your theming is engineered to endure years of wear and tear.

Durability Meets Imagination

The CAD team is responsible for ensuring that every element of your 3D theming is meticulously designed and built to last. From the initial sketch to the final installation, we combine engineering expertise, custom fabrication, and manufacturing precision to deliver results that exceed expectations.

When you partner with IDS, you can trust that your themed space has been engineered from the inside out to create a fun, safe, and engaging environment that stands the test of time—and enthusiastic testing by your youngest visitors.

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

From our artists to our engineers, we pride ourselves on the level of expertise each team member brings to the projects we create. Our experts want to offer some insight into their work and offer professional advice to help your dental office reach its full potential.

Casey

CAD Manager
Mechanical Design Technology Certificate
Joined IDS in 2010