The IDS Checkup Blog
Hello! We’re the IDS team, the people behind the business theming giant that is Imagination Design Studios. However, we’re not just about cool office decor, we’ve got news, stories, design inspiration, advice about marketing, and more.
What to Include in Your Perfect Indoor Family Play Area
March 31, 2023 
Indoor children’s play areas have become a popular addition to a range of family-friendly businesses in recent years. From shopping malls and family restaurants to gyms and fitness centers, airport waiting areas, hotels and resorts, rec centers, libraries, and more, indoor play areas offer a valuable service for families looking to keep their children entertained […]
Sort By Tags
Subscribe
What to Include in Your Perfect Indoor Family Play Area
March 31, 2023
Indoor children’s play areas have become a popular addition to a range of family-friendly businesses in recent years. From shopping malls and family restaurants to gyms and fitness centers, airport waiting areas, hotels and resorts, rec centers, libraries, and more, indoor play areas offer a valuable service for families looking to keep their children entertained […]
Keep Guests on Track with 7 Types of Fun Wayfinding Signage for Pediatric Healthcare Spaces
March 21, 2023
Signs, signs, everywhere a sign! Signs are a very important part of your visitor experience. They let people know ‘where am I?’, ‘where is my destination?’ and ‘how do I get from here to there?’. Wayfinding signage is an essential aspect of any business or facility, and it goes beyond just guiding people from one […]
Tips for Creating a Presentation Area in Your Children’s Library
March 25, 2023
A library’s presentation area is a great space to engage with your community and draw attention to your library. Having exciting decor in a library’s interior area can be a great way to appeal to kids and families. Kids will be excited to attend events and visit the library knowing that it has a space […]
Creating a Sense of Fun and Nostalgia for The Next Generation of Kids
March 28, 2023
nos·tal·gia The wistful yearning to return to a magical moment from your youth. In recent years, there has been a sad trend of kid-centric places disappearing from public life. From the beloved McDonald’s Playplaces of the 80s and 90s to local ice cream shops and arcades, these spaces filled with fun characters, friendly mascots, play […]
4 Ways a Roadside Attraction Can Benefit Your City or Town
March 9, 2023
With the lasting effects of the pandemic on the tourism industry, it is more important than ever to find ways to attract visitors to your town. However, competing with big cities and their many venues of entertainment can make it difficult to keep up. But what if there was a way to draw in tourists […]
Attract Families to Your Church with Decor for Kids
February 22, 2023
Churches today are competing for the attention of young families, so it is important that they create a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to children. The good news is that you can attract more families to your congregation by adding child-friendly decor that can turn your location into a destination. Here’s how using child-friendly church decor […]
Improve the Experience of Pediatric Therapy Patients with Fun Decor
March 17, 2023
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 […]
The Secret to Attracting Young Families to Your Shopping Center
April 3, 2023
How do you attract families with children to your mall when online shopping and services like Skip the Dishes make it so easy to stay home? You need to make your mall a destination for young families! The secret ingredient to attracting families is adding a fun indoor play area to your mall. Play areas […]
Unique Design and Decor Ideas for Children’s Libraries
January 17, 2023
Libraries are important places where children and their families can come to learn and explore. As libraries struggle to remain a competitive alternative to various forms of digital entertainment, the need to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and learning grows every day. With clever decor ideas, you can create a space that is […]
7 Tips for Designing the Ultimate Dental Playground for Your Practice
February 1, 2023
I’m sure that over the years, many bosses have found ample reason to shout, “This is a business, not a playground!!!” But in the world of pediatric dentistry, turning your business into a dental playground is precisely what your customers are demanding!It not only creates a unique and memorable experience that can set your practice […]
6 Types of Roadside Attractions That Will Get You Noticed
March 9, 2023
Having unique roadside attractions and landmarks can be a simple solution to support your town’s marketing efforts, but how does one decide what to create as their main piece? After all, with the investment going into this project, you want to make sure it’s not only a unique piece that stands out but one that […]
Recession-proofing Your Dental Business Marketing Strategy in 2023
January 2, 2023
There’s an assumption that dental practices, like grocery stores, are immune to recessions. After all, people need to eat. And they still need to take care of basic health issues. Yet a landmark study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association confirmed what dental professionals who have been through economic downturns already know: […]
Considerations When Creating Your 2023 Dental Practice Marketing Budget
January 10, 2023
Wow, that year went by quickly. It’s hard to believe that 2023 is here. A new year means it’s time to start setting your marketing priorities and building out your marketing budget. But what are those with an ear-to-the-ground saying about developing a dental practice marketing budget for 2023? Growth-driven dentists should maintain or boost […]
Interview with Dr. Joe Yale
December 14, 2022
Tune in to an interview with Dr. Joe Yale, owner, and dentist at Yale Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Yale and his team work passionately to ensure their young patients view going to the dentist as a safe and enjoyable place for them to visit and set them up with the skills to successfully manage their oral […]
5 Benefits of a Mascot for Pediatric Dental Offices
November 10, 2022
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 […]
5 Steps Churches Can Take to Create a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
February 27, 2023
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 […]
Do You Have a Media Consent Form for Your Office?
September 7, 2022
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. […]
Interview with Dr. Bryan Morgan
August 23, 2022
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 […]
Spotlight on Bayou Themed Decor for Your Office
August 24, 2022
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 […]
The Benefits of Theming for DSOs
June 6, 2022
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 […]
How to Attract Staff to Your Dental Practice… and Keep Them!
July 27, 2022
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 […]
Interview with Dr. Julie Russo – Building Her Dream Office
April 25, 2022
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 […]
Interview with Dr. Alexandra Jensen – Joining a Themed Office
April 25, 2022
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. […]
Spotlight on Dinosaur Themed Decor
April 26, 2022
Travel back to the Land Before Time when you walk through your office doors. With dinosaur themed decor you can embark on a pre-historic adventure with a wooly mammoth, a triceratops, or maybe a brontosaurus! Adding dinosaur themed decor to your space will add action, adventure, and mystery to your medical or dental office, childcare […]
Optimize Your Healthcare Facilities for Patient Acquisition
April 7, 2022
Convincing new patients to choose you for their care is a journey – a journey that starts with the patient’s first appointment and develops through a series of good experiences with your clinic. Those positive results will typically point back to how well your office is optimized for patient acquisition. That’s no small feat. These […]
How Exterior Theming Can Draw Visitors to Your Attraction
April 7, 2022
You know that little saying… don’t judge a book by its cover? What if I told you that is exactly what you want your customers to do. In other words, when your guests pull up to your business you want them to be impressed with your building and have a good idea of how you […]
What Does Your Reception and Lobby Say to Guests?
March 31, 2022
What do you look at when you walk into someone’s home? Is it the flooring, the paint, the artwork? What you are doing in those moments is making a judgment on the space you’ve entered and how you feel in it. As a hospitality provider, you are hosting your guests’ home away from home. They […]
Top 7 Interactive Waiting Room Ideas
March 28, 2022
We have seen a shift in how people place value on a service – where once people were only concerned with how effective their treatment was, now they are concerned with how fun or enjoyable their experience in your care was as well. As a business owner, you see the value in the services you […]
Spotlight on Pirate Themed Offices
February 14, 2022
Beloved by all ages, pirates are an endlessly fun and daring theme to add to your space.
Trends to Watch in 2022 – Creating Convenience for Your Clients
January 18, 2022
It’s a new year, so there’s new business and marketing trends for you to check out to keep up-to-date with your competitors. The last 2 years have really driven home the need (and desire) for convenience. The at-home, on-demand world of Skip the Dishes, Amazon, and Netflix has changed the way consumers view obtaining products […]
Dentophobia: How to Help Kids Deal with Anxiety about Dental Procedures
December 15, 2021
You see and hear about it everywhere: children and adults alike are nervous about going to the dentist. In fact, in many cases, they’re more than nervous. Dentophobia, or simply dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is incredibly common, not only in North America, but also around the world. According to various studies and reports, 74% […]
Spotlight on Fun Farmyard Office Decor
November 30, 2021
Time for an IDS theming feature! Today, we’ll take a look at some adorable farmyard themed spaces that went hog-wild with their characters and playful atmosphere. There’s no one way to bring some barnyard fun to your kid-focused clinic, dental office or daycare, so we’re going to feature a handful of our favorite ways to […]
‘Word of Mouth’ Has Evolved to No Words at All
November 9, 2021
There was a time when ‘word of mouth’ had a very literal meaning – one human speaking to another in person. And for centuries, it’s been the preferred way to grow a business, brand, or idea. Nowadays, social media has hijacked what it means to grow by “word of mouth.” This should come as no […]
Interview with Dr. Brett Pack – A Themed Office is a Blessing
September 15, 2021
Today we’re talking to Dr. Brett Pack and following up with him 2 years after we installed underwater theming in Moses Lake Community Health Center. Find out how the center has benefited from the addition of fun and colorful themed decor. Watch the video to hear from Dr. Pack and marketing manager Stephanie Melcher and […]
Top 5 Functional Medical Clinic Decor Ideas for Kids
September 8, 2021
For both big and small medical clinics, utilizing each square foot is a top priority to ensure patient comfort and prevent unnecessary crowding. Knowing how important space is can sometimes make bold theming feel difficult due to floor space restraints, low ceilings, or even just logistics in a very busy clinic – but we have […]
Top 5 Functional Pediatric Dental Office Decor Ideas
August 26, 2021
For dental offices big or small, using each square foot of your space to its full potential is a top priority to ensure the comfort of your patients (we all want to avoid dental crowding afterall). Knowing just how important efficient use of space is, it can sometimes make bold theming feel difficult due to […]
Here, There, and Everywhere! “Parketing” Tips for Your Vehicle
August 14, 2021
This guide will review our top tips to maximize your vehicle wrapping so you can take your practice on the road in style! Studies from 2016 reported that approximately 15.9 million Canadians[1] and 128 million people in the United States[2] commuted daily to work in a personally owned vehicle. According to the AAA, it is […]
Say Cheese! Playful Photo Op Inspiration
July 6, 2021
The ultimate investment in both marketing and office appeal, a photo op is the perfect way to make a huge impact in your community awareness. Unique and fun, a photo op combines form and function by injecting instant playfulness into your space while also working 24/7 to market your brand. But what type works best […]
6 Tips to Make Your Dental Practice More Inviting for Pediatric Patients
July 1, 2021
To become the #1 choice in your community, it is imperative that your dental practice is welcoming to everyone, no matter their age. While appealing to the adult crowd has its own set of essentials, the needs and wants of your pediatric guests require a different, more careful approach that can at times be difficult to […]
3 Styles of Fun Waiting Room Seating Ideas
June 30, 2021
The truth is, no one likes waiting for their appointment. Despite that fact, waiting is an unavoidable part of receiving care, and whether it be for 2 minutes or 20, there are ways to make even those first moments of the appointment more exciting. To add a bit of fun to a reception area, you […]
Our Top 4 Attention Grabbing Building Exterior Ideas
June 28, 2021
Be honest – would you rather your patients say they booked with your practice just because it’s closest to their house or because their kids can’t stop talking about the giant octopus on the roof and they had to come? The answer is obvious. Transforming your office from a regular building to a legendary local landmark can […]
5 Ideas to Add Some Creativity to Your Dental Practice Digital Marketing
June 24, 2021
The secret to successful dental practice marketing is more than just the flash and fanfare of one single eye-catching campaign. Yes, bright colors and bold text are vital to grabbing people’s attention, but a truly great dental practice marketing campaign requires more than just a few social media posts. Common Mistakes Take a look at most dental […]
Top 11 Creative Reception Desks
June 14, 2021
It’s the first and last thing your patients see when they walk through the door of your office, so why not make it exciting? Your reception desk is the first point of contact for any visitor to your practice, new and returning. It acts as the focal point of your office space, drawing the eye […]
8 Color Schemes and What They Mean for Your Office Vibe
June 7, 2021
When designing your dream office, there is nothing more important than attention to detail. From the light fixtures to the baseboards, no feature is too small. But what about your color choice? How impactful is color? Simple answer? Very! When you consider the volume of dental and medical office color schemes available to choose from, color just […]
How to Create a Dental Newsletter That Deepens Patient Relationships (and Their Trust)
May 18, 2021
How can you build influence and trust amongst your patients when they only come in once or twice a year for a cleaning? By utilizing email marketing that includes your valuable expertise, of course! Staying front of mind via a dental newsletter will help nurture your relationships with your current patients. By providing valuable content, their trust in you […]
3 Reasons Why Your Dental Practice Should Pivot to Digital Marketing
April 1, 2021
Pivot – that word has been used a lot in 2020, but we’re not talking about maneuvering a couch up your apartment complex’s stairs with Friends! We’re talking about pivoting your marketing strategy for your dental practice to include digital marketing. So, why should you shift away from your traditional dental marketing to include more […]
Our Top 8 Pediatric Dental Office Styles to Inspire Your Design Strategy
March 26, 2021
If you’re considering making upgrades to your office, or you’re opening a new clinic, the best first step is to create a mood board of inspiring spaces. While in this stage of planning, try to think outside the proverbial “box” of dental office design strategy. There are so many interesting decor options to consider, allow yourself […]
4 Strategies for Improving Patient Satisfaction Through Clinic Experience
March 23, 2021
It’s been said that happiness is connected to one’s circumstances. To translate this sentiment to your business, it’s better to say that improving patient satisfaction is connected to the overall clinic experience! While you might not want to take full responsibility for the happiness (or unhappiness) of your patients, assuring they have the best possible […]
Top-Shelf Anxiety Books for Kids to Add to Your Clinic Waiting Area
March 11, 2021
Distraction is a go-to tool in a parent’s utility belt. A favorite snack or a well timed “wow, look at that!” can quickly take a kid’s mind off of whatever is causing their fear, panic, or anxiety. Books can work wonders for reducing kids’ anxiety as well, which is why it’s a good idea to have […]
The Best Dental Ads and Why They Work for Patient Attraction
March 4, 2021
Dental ads! For many they can be a necessary after-thought. But the best dental ads and why they work are the result of intentional creativity. It’s not to say that all effective ads are merely creative. In fact, overdone creativity can actually work against ad success. Here’s what we know about the best ads – […]
How Dentists Can Eliminate Anxiety in Kids During Their First Appointment
February 25, 2021
“I love going to the dentist!” It might be a stretch thinking you’ll hear that from most kids. Even so, that perspective can motivate you as a dentist to deal with anxiety in kids during their first appointment. Almost 20% of school age children are afraid of a dental visit. Those in that range, and the […]
Reduce Dental Anxiety with “The Kids’ Guide to the Dentist”
February 18, 2021
Going to the dentist can be scary for children, so it’s important to address their dental anxiety in a way that’s both kind and encouraging. Helping a child face their fears of the dentist will help set them up for a positive interaction and a stronger lifetime relationship with dentistry. Common Causes of Dental Anxiety Think about […]
Important Details for Optimizing Your Office for Patient Acquisition
February 12, 2021
Acquiring new, lifelong patients is a journey. A journey that starts with the patients first appointment and develops through a series of good experiences with your clinic. Those positive results will typically point back to how well your office is optimized for patient acquisition. That’s no small task. These days patient interaction is skewed by […]
How to Create a Dental Design Strategy That Enhances Patient Experience
February 4, 2021
A warm fireplace, natural lighting, and cozy amenities might not be the first thing you think of when you imagine a dental practice layout but maybe they should be. Those are only a small sampling of stand-out dental design that can re-define your practice atmosphere. The innovative design features should stop at the front door […]
5 Ways to Improve Pediatric Patient Experience in Your Medical Clinic
January 28, 2021
Children aren’t much different from adults in their hopes for experiences — both new and familiar. They seek comfort and a feeling of safety in most situations. Medical care is no exception. More reason than ever to improve the pediatric patient experience in your clinic. Office environments, when designed with intention, can help to ease […]
6 Dental Office Images that Show How Intentional Design Impacts Patient Experience
January 21, 2021
Clinical and procedural innovations aren’t the only changes impacting the dental patient experience. Browsing dental office images shows us that design and ergonomic innovation is also enhancing how patients respond to dentistry. Design standards can begin to blend into the “woodwork” – so to speak. What was once an innovative or stylish tweak to an […]
What is the Future of Pediatric Medical Office Design?
January 14, 2021
Design inspiration is about more than creativity. That’s especially true for the future of pediatric medical office design. Young patients and their families require design considerations that create: Confidence in the care environment. Playfulness that engages their emotions. Hope for positive outcomes. Those elements function best when they work together in a flexible, high-performance environment. […]
How to Help Your Pediatric Patients Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist
January 7, 2021
Kids have big imaginations. Unfortunately, this big imagination can imagine scenarios that create fear and anxiety. That reality should mean creating a priority to help your pediatric patients overcome their fear of the dentist. But why? For the Sake of Their Health It’s common to avoid those things that create stress and fear. In some […]
Increase Traffic by Setting Up a Google Business Profile for Your Office
December 29, 2020
In an effort to gain more visibility on Google, it is important to create a Google business listing, known officially as a Business Profile. It’s important the information about your business that shows up when people search Google is as accurate, complete, and optimized as possible. It is also a great place where you can […]
New Children’s Hospital Gets a Little IDS Magic
December 22, 2020
We’re taking a peek inside the Andalusia Clinics For Kids Wellness, a beautiful multi-level children’s hospital with IDS theming from top to bottom. Andalusia Clinics For Kids Wellness is a facility for kids offering specialized pediatric clinics offering both dental and medical services, the Autism Wellness Center, education, and fun. New Children’s Hospital Gets a Little IDS […]
How to Create a Unique Dental Experience in 2021 (and Beyond)
December 17, 2020
Uniqueness gets attention. When that uniqueness is intentionally designed to suit your goals, it produces the right kind of attention. That’s why it’s important to consider how to use design to create a one-of-a-kind dental experience for your patients and families. Your dental practice faces competition so distinguishing yourself from other dental professionals is important. […]
6 Calming Strategies for Kids Nervous About Healthcare Appointments
December 10, 2020
Does anyone blame a child for their anxiety about health-related appointments? It’s understandable if you recall your own childhood fears. And it’s all the more reason to find and implement calming strategies for kids to help them cope with their visit to a physician or dentist. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes perhaps prompts […]
How (and Why) to Help Kids with Anxiety About the Dentist
December 3, 2020
Good experiences are worth repeating. That truth applies to your strategies for helping kids with anxiety in your dental office – a result that can improve your patient retention too. Children can sometimes experience fear about their next dental appointment. A positive patient experience can increase the likelihood that they won’t dread it. WHY HELPING […]
What Makes a Dental Practice Successful
November 26, 2020
If you’ve ever talked-up a business to a friend you probably said something like – “…there’s just something about that place…” That “something” involves a lot of factors. And the same applies to what makes a dental practice successful. Success isn’t random. In fact, it requires consistent, intentional energy. Brand First The term, “DNA,” might be a […]
The Best Dental Marketing Tactics and Strategy
November 19, 2020
What’s the most strategic thing you do in your dental practice (besides patient treatment)? Dental marketing! But what is the best dental marketing tactic and approach? Before you answer and take the next step, your success could rely on a shift in thinking about your overall approach to dental marketing. Is It Really About “Tactics?” […]
5 Dental Marketing Ideas (and Strategies) for Increased Patient Recall
November 12, 2020
Marketing is more than a one-and-done activity. In fact, as it relates to dental marketing ideas for increased patient recall it requires a more strategic, ongoing approach. Why specifically recall? Mastering the recall process keeps dentistry front-of-mind for your patients. That’s important because it creates a lifetime care focus in their mind rather than a […]
Our Top 5 Hands-Free Waiting Room Ideas to Engage and Entertain Patients
November 10, 2020
Between the social distancing policies, masks, extra PPE, and barred-off areas, your waiting room might be feeling a bit cold, unfriendly, or even a little scary to your patients these days. Or maybe you’ve looked around your empty waiting room while patients wait in their cars and thought it looked dull or lonely. If that […]
How to Get More Patients in Your Dental Office (And Create Long-Term Loyalty)
November 5, 2020
There’s no doubt that dentistry is a health essential and that you’re committed to helping people prioritize their oral health. This priority is probably one of the factors that drives you to strategize about how to get more patients in your dental office. It’s a win-win, really! Patients improve their dental health. Your practice increases […]
How to Improve Patient Satisfaction in 7 Steps
October 29, 2020
Every practitioner wants their patients to leave happy, but what exactly does that mean and why does it matter? Well, when “happiness” is measured by how to improve patient satisfaction it’s worth investing your energy. Patient satisfaction also presents something of a paradox. What makes a patient happy may or may not ultimately be in […]
5 Goals for Improving Patient Experience in Your Pediatric Dental Practice
October 20, 2020
Like adults, children seek comfort and security in most situations. Dental care is no exception. That sets the bar high for improving patient experience in your pediatric practice. An intentionally designed environment can help calm any fear, anxiety, or distrust of dentistry a difficult to treat child may bring to an appointment. According to Jason […]
Why You Should Have a Blog on Your Dental Website
October 16, 2020
If you don’t have a blog on your website, you’re missing out. You’re missing out on improving keyword rankings on search engines. You’re missing out on increasing organic visits to your website. Most importantly, you’re missing out on opportunities to get new patients. According to Hubspot, businesses that blog receive 67% more leads than those that […]
The Importance of a Website for Promoting Your Dental Practice
October 15, 2020
The yellow pages are a thing of the past. Having a website is an important, if not the most important, part of your marketing plan. Today, the majority of your potential clients are using the internet to find the services and products that they need. When someone is looking for a dentist, they are most […]
How Patient Experience in Healthcare Impacts Revenue Growth
October 14, 2020
It might seem strange to put a dollar-value on a conversation, but it actually makes perfect sense. Why? Because patient experience in healthcare really impacts revenue growth. First, ask yourself – are you treating each patient encounter as if it could positively or negatively affect your bottom-line? It’s not about prioritizing the financial gain…it’s about […]
What is Patient Experience and Why Does It Matter?
October 1, 2020
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” Those words from Henry David Thoreau have broad application. They especially help answer the question, what is patient experience? Essentially, patient experience is often less about what’s obvious and more about those in-the-margins or between-the-lines realities that are truly “seen”. Every dental practice operates […]
FAQ about Covid-19 and Keeping Your Theming Clean
September 23, 2020
Preventing the spread of germs and limiting common touchpoints is a hot topic right now. Luckily, IDS theming is easier to keep clean than you may think! Not only are our products perfectly suited to regular cleaning in a clinical setting, but they are resistant to fading and scuffing. FAQ ABOUT COVID-19 AND KEEPING YOUR […]
Case Study – Adding Theming to Increase Profitability and Patient Satisfaction
August 3, 2020
One of the main benefits of IDS office theming is how it can help you grow your business faster. IDS has themed over 300 offices and more than 30% of our clients have come back to theme a second (or third, or seventh) additional office. Theming has brought them success and allowed them to expand, […]
Dental Office Theming is Big News for Local News Stations
July 3, 2020
One of our favorite perks to theming offices all over North America is getting to see our offices pop up in local news across the country. Not only is this a great way for a dental office to get extra exposure and free advertising, but it will make you proud knowing your office is newsworthy. This […]
How Theming Creates the Ultimate Brand for Your Business
July 1, 2020
Creating an amazing brand is important. If you don’t know, branding is all of the ways you establish an image of your company in your customers’ eyes. It’s what they think about you when they hear your name beyond just the visuals of a logo. THEMING CREATES THE ULTIMATE BRAND FOR YOUR BUSINESS A consistent […]
5 Tips to Prepare Your Waiting Room for the New Normal
May 2, 2020
As practice and clinic owners begin focusing their attention on reopening, we rounded up a few tips we thought you might find helpful. For a more in-depth checklist on how to keep you, your staff, and your patients safe, check out this great article by AAPD. Most importantly, check with your local, state, and federal governments […]
5 Tips for Creating the Experience Parents Really Want While in the Waiting Room (But Won’t Tell You!)
April 3, 2020
What is it that parents really want when they bring their kids in for treatment? Aside from positive clinical outcomes and healthy teeth – which we can assume is the number one priority for both you and them – there is something that every parent secretly hopes they get while bringing their family to your […]
Make a BIG Impact with a SMALL Budget Using the IDS Essentials™ Collection
March 2, 2020
At IDS, we’re best known for our highly creative, custom-themed spaces. We often feature some of the more elaborate and in-depth environments in our portfolio, but did you know that we also offer a host of solutions that can make a big impact even if you’re working with a small budget? Over the years, we […]
Patterson Today Features an IDS Underwater Office
February 7, 2020
One of our underwater themed clients was featured in Patterson Today, an online publication by Patterson Dental. The article does a great job of showing off their impressive new office! Here’s an expert from the article where Dr. Healy of Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry talks about the undersea theme we created for this amazing office: As many doctors […]
Creating Online Buzz Starts Offline for Dental Practices
January 3, 2020
When creating a digital strategy, marketing teams typically think in terms of online activity and create digital content designed to convert views into clicks. Clicks then convert into appointments, with bonus points whenever it’s a new patient. But here’s the thing – it’s NOT a one-way street. Your digital strategy is incomplete if it doesn’t […]
What’s Holding You Back? 10 Questions We Have Heard from New IDS Clients
December 2, 2019
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 around what to expect and how it all works. […]
Interview with Dr. Diya Chadha – Kids Won’t Even Know They’re At The Dentist
November 15, 2019
Dr. Diya Chadha is the co-owner of 3 IDS offices, including one with jungle office decor and an undersea office. Watch the video to see a tour the beach themed office decor. IDS: How did your new IDS beach dental office change the perception of your patients? Dr. Chadha: Having our offices themed by IDS was probably the best […]
Interview with Dr. Karim Kanani – The Benefits of a Change in Atmosphere
October 1, 2019
Hear from Dr. Karim Kanani about how the atmosphere has changed in his offices since he added jungle and underwater themed murals and 3D from IDS. My name is Dr. Karim Kanani I am co-owner of SmileTown Dentistry. We have 3 locations themed by IDS. Our first office is a jungle themed office. We have […]
Whether Your Office is Big or Small, We Have Options to Theme It All
September 2, 2019
No matter what size space you want to theme, the benefits of a kid-friendly space in dental or medical offices are always the same. Your practice will become more welcoming for young families, and the kids will have fun and be less anxious while in your care. Happy parents will rave about your office, and […]
5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Office Photo Op
August 1, 2019
With social media playing an ever more critical role in marketing, it’s no surprise that photo ops are becoming a trend in clinic waiting rooms the world over. It’s a great dental office promotion idea for using your physical office space to drive social media activity (like posts and shares) and can really help a practice gain […]
3 Steps to Transform Your Office Decor from Mundane to Magical
June 3, 2019
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 […]
How to Theme Your Office on a Budget
May 6, 2019
Theming an entire office can be a daunting prospect financially, especially if you’re a new grad or if you’ve just opened your first business. But trust us when we say we have something for everyone – and something for all budgets. All of our themed elements are custom built so prices vary depending on design, […]
What’s the ROI on Theming an Office?
April 1, 2019
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 […]
Interview with Dr. Joe Nguyen – Spend Money on Quality and Be Rewarded
February 4, 2019
Dr. Joe Nguyen has been a fan of ours for many years now. He first contacted us in 2014 to get a few brushing mirrors and a mural. Since then he has themed 3 of his locations from top to bottom, creating some of our favorite underwater themed offices. This video shows off the latest […]
The 3 Social Media Sites You Should Be Promoting Your Dental Office On and Why
November 15, 2018
In the age of technology and digital communications, it is becoming increasingly important to market your dental practice through social media. Traditionally, mailed leaflets, phone calls, and word-of-mouth were the main sources of new clients. There are approximately 247 million U.S. social media users as of 2019. That is a massive market waiting to be tapped by your practice. […]
How to Get Online Reviews for Your Dental Office (and Respond to Negative Ones)
October 1, 2018
Reviews matter for small business, especially if you cater to the public. Online reviews bring the benefit of social proof, something we have talked about before. Social proof is the influence that the actions and attitudes of other people have on your own behavior and decisions. 91 percent of people regularly or occasionally read online reviews. 84 […]
Interview with Scott Savel – How Theming Brings Success to Your Business
September 3, 2018
Scott Savel owns several successful dental offices. IDS has themed three of those locations – you can see his first space themed family dental office and second space themed pediatric dental office in our gallery. On our most recent install, we sat down and chatted with Scott about what he thinks about theming. Watch the video to see a […]
Engage, Entertain, and Educate – The Three E’s of Creating Office Decor for Kids
August 15, 2018
IDS has gained notoriety as being the go-to company for creating office spaces designed with children in mind. When we design for kids we of course engineer the toughest product available, but we also look at the psychological side of how our creations will help children prepare for an appointment. For this we follow the […]
Interview with Dr. Jed Snatic – Creating a 1920s Train Theme for a Chestermere Station Dental Office
June 1, 2018
After creating this amazing 1920s style train themed office we returned to have a chat with the owner, Dr. Jed Snatic, to see how he and his patients feel about their new IDS pediatric dental office decor. You can see clips of the interview in the video or read the full transcript below. IDS: What have your patients […]
5 Easy Ways to Use an Award to Market Your Dental Office
March 2, 2018
Awards are an honor to receive, as well as a great way to boost the reputation of your business. Let’s look at how an award can help your business. Awards are a form of “social proof”. Social proof is the influence that the actions and attitudes of other people have on your own behavior and decisions. By showing that your business is […]
Working with a Business in Canada is Easier than You Think!
February 1, 2018
The IDS head office is aaall the way up north in Calgary, Canada. To some that can seem like a long way to do business, but with the technology available to us, and the right people managing your project, we have it figured out. The 400 offices we have already themed are proof of that. […]
Download Our White Paper: Alleviating Patient Anxiety Through Office Theming
January 15, 2018
WHITE PAPER ABSTRACT This paper focuses on techniques for alleviating dental anxiety, fear, and phobias through positive interior support design and environmental distractions. Reports of dental anxiety in up to 74% of children and adolescents imply that anxiety is a major concern in dental offices. Pediatric dental theming vastly improved patient experience by relieving anxiety, […]
IDS Experts – How the IDS CAD Team Engineers Fun
January 5, 2018
We’re taking a look behind the scenes at the role of the Computer Aided Design (CAD) department in the process of making your office come to life. Your guide, Casey, is the head of the department. The CAD department takes the illustrated concept sketches and bring them to life while considering space planning, building code, […]
Interview with Dr. Leslie Jacobs – Bringing Her Storybook to Life
November 1, 2017
Dr. Leslie Jacobs is a successful pediatric dentist in Lafayette, Louisiana. Dr. Jacobs was kind enough to take some time to tell us about her experience with IDS and how it has impacted her practice. Take a look at her storybook office. Watch the video to see a tour the story book themed office decor. IDS: Dr. […]
How to Match Your Marketing Materials to Your Theme
October 2, 2017
You already know you have an amazing office; now you need to make sure the world knows it. Marketing your practice is a key component to office promotion and having a marketing strategy is very important. Many of our clients need a bit of guidance when it comes to marketing, so here is a quick […]
Connect Your Social Media Platforms Together To Save Time
September 4, 2017
In previous blog posts we’ve discussed social media and offered a few ideas to get the ball rolling. However, sometimes it can be hard to manage all of your different social media profiles. Most dentists have a social media profile on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Here are some tips for relieving a little time and effort […]
Bring in New Patients with a Grand Opening Theme Reveal!
August 4, 2017
Once your office has been completed, the importance of a Grand Opening Theme Reveal should not be undervalued. Whether you have themed an existing office or built one from the ground up, a Theme Reveal is a perfect opportunity to connect with the community and gain new patients. By hosting an event for families, it […]
IDS Experts – Wall Murals, The Finishing Touch for Your 3D Theming
July 3, 2017
IDS Wall Murals are the most impactful element in our themed offices, creating the landscapes in which our 3D characters exist. Let’s take a little peek behind the work that goes into creating this cool product with the head of our mural department, Chris! All of our wall murals are hand illustrated by our in-house […]
Add a Cool Google Office Tour to Make Your Business Page Stand Out
June 2, 2017
Technology is constantly evolving. In the past, patients were only able to view your dental office once they arrived at their appointment. With the improvement of cameras and the widespread influence of Google maps and images, it is easier than ever to let your patients step into your office without ever leaving the comfort of […]
IDS Experts – Use Dental Education Stations to Engage Patients While They Wait
May 1, 2017
As an expert at designing displays for museums and engaging children in educational activities, production manager April knows how to attract people to focal points, create a safe and interactive environment, and make education a fun activity. Educating the public is a skill. Whether it’s for museum visitors or dental and medical patients, the same […]
Interview with Dr. Chuck Hughes – Bringing in Clients with Attention Grabbing Theming
April 3, 2017
Dr. Chuck Hughes is a highly successful pediatric dentist in Jackson, Tennessee, and a valued customer of IDS. We sat down with Dr. Hughes to ask him about his experience working with IDS and the impact it has had on his practice. Now an enthusiastic office ‘themer’, he was happy to oblige. IDS: Dr. Hughes, what […]
Interview with Dr. Bobby Ghandehari – Theming is for Orthodontists Too
February 3, 2017
Dr. Bobby Ghandehari has run his own practice since 2004. Along with his wife, Dr. Sarah Mathias, a pediatric dentist, they approached IDS to theme their joint jungle themed ortho/pediatric office. IDS: As an orthodontist, what are your biggest challenges in growing your practice? Dr. Ghandehari: I would say competition. There are 25-30 orthodontic offices in our area, […]
3 Quick Tips on Using Theming as a Social Media Promotional Tool
December 1, 2016
Theming your office can be a great way to attract customers by word of mouth and online. As of 2018, 3 out of every 4 Americans own a computer and 96% of adults own a smartphone. That’s a lot of people going online every day! More and more these people are using the internet to find dentists. […]
Celebrating Different Holidays in Your Dental or Medical Office
November 1, 2016
Kids love holidays! Celebrate the holidays in your office with costumes, decorations, and contests! If you have IDS office theming, don’t miss the opportunity to throw a Santa hat on an elephant or turn a crocodile into a spooky ghost for Halloween! Fun photo opportunities are available everywhere in your themed office. Here are some […]
IDS Experts – Have Fun With Color in Your Kid-Friendly Office
October 3, 2016
When working with a client, Production Manager April is often asked for her opinion on paint color. Many of our clients make the mistake of playing it safe with color. Her advice… have fun with color! Although it may be tempting to pick a neutral paint color or fabric and use it everywhere, this may […]
Using TV as a Positive Distraction for Kids
September 2, 2016
Going to a dental office can seem a little scary for kids, even if you have a playful theme in place. So what else can pediatric dentists do to keep young minds from pondering scrapers and drills? There is the tried and true option of using a television. ‘Animate the wait’ using TV as a […]
6 Tips to Help You Take Great Photos of Your New Themed Office
August 1, 2016
You’ve just opened the doors of your newly themed office to the public, so now what? Show it off of course! It’s time to start spreading the word by utilizing social media and viral marketing with great photographs of your newly themed office. How do you do that? Well, the first thing you’re going to […]
Interview with Dr. Tonya Triplett – 3 Locations with IDS Themed Office Decor
July 1, 2016
Dr. Tonya Triplett knows the power of innovation in the dental industry. She and her partners were the owners of the very first IDS themed office, installed back in 2004. Her originality isn’t about to stop there. She has the first farm themed IDS office ever created, which was completed in the spring of 2016. We talked […]
The Biggest Concern We Hear from Our Dental Theming Clients: Price
June 3, 2016
We’ve worked with a broad range of dentists and doctors over the years, from little clinics to massive hospitals, and we’ve seen and heard it all. But the one question we always hear is… how much is it? If you are interested in theming, but are hesitant to contact us based on price, let us […]
