Lincoln Barbour

Kids dental clinic uses colorful, open design to extract fear

Seattle Kids Dentistry uses exposed concrete walls and custom wood details to capture the Pacific Northwest aesthetic

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Seattle Kids Dentistry is colorful, open, high-tech, and filled with natural light. The design tries to make a trip to the dentist a fear-free experience for kids, according to an article on the Contract magazine's website.

"I’ve been in practice for 20 years, and I’m happy being in my comfort zone — that comes with good design,” said Dr. Kristi Linsenmayer. The design of both clinics includes open spaces full of natural light, which has had a calming effect on young patients, according to the article.

 “It’s pretty amazing,” Linsenmayer said. “I have many special needs kids and the natural light seems to work well.”

”The designer’s first charge was to make children feel comfortable, starting with views outside, as well as of other kids who are undergoing treatment,"  said Jessica Helgerson of  Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, in the article.

Technology provides distractions for young patients, but only at the right times. Television screens were placed on the ceilings to help kids cope with more serious procedures, but nowhere else, the article said.

Read the article and view the images.

 

 

 



November 21, 2013


Topic Area: Interior Design


Recent Posts

Mature Dry Surface Biofilm Presents a Problem for Candida Auris

Multiple methods are described in the literature, but no consensus has been reached for disinfection efficacy tests against biofilms.


Sutter Health's Arden Care Center Officially Opens

With an adaptive reuse of an underutilized office building, the 70,000 square-foot facility was renovated to meet current healthcare standards.


Insight Hospital and Medical Center Falls to Data Breach

The investigation determined that an unauthorized individual accessed the network between August 22, 2025, and September 11, 2025.


The High Cost of Healthcare Violence

As workplace violence increases, healthcare facilities face mounting financial and operational disruptions- prompting legislative action.


EVS Teams Can Improve Patient Experience in Emergency Departments

A report confirmed that cleanliness of the ED was the third most impactful element on patient experience surveys.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.