Pediatric Clinic Showcases Doctor's High-Energy Personality

Phoenixville Pediatric Dentistry - Phoenixville, Pennsylvania | Melissa Bergmaier, DMD

As her three kids ran around the 2,000 square-foot former gym that was still filled with blue gym mats and a treadmill, Dr. Melissa Bergmaier (Dr. Missy) sat on the hard concrete floor, mentally sketching ideas for transforming the raw space into a pediatric dental office. In January 2017, her vision was replaced by the real thing when she became the owner of a state-of-the art, captivating dental practice for children that is so personally inspiring to her, it still brings happy tears to her eyes whenever she unlocks the doors.

A single mom, Dr. Missy worked in several group practices as an associate, but she wanted to own her own practice, design it to reflect her personality and passion, and demonstrate to her children that their mom could do anything she put her mind and heart into!

Phoenixville Pediatric Dentistry is in the heart of Phoenixville, which has been touted as one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Just 28 miles outside of Philadelphia, it’s enjoying a renaissance of new restaurants and coffee shops, upscale condos, and a vibrant lifestyle. Dr. Missy talked with several dental companies about building a new office, but became convinced that Henry Schein could take her through every step of a build and would explain to her every part of the process.

“Dan Mulvey (Equipment Sales Specialist) and Christine Bressi (Field Sales Consultant) showed me they were more than capable to help me,” said Dr. Missy. “They impressed me from the very first meeting and have always gone above and beyond in all capacities. They made referrals for others to help in the decision-making process and offered quality resources to help me on the journey.”

Former Gym Offers Space and Style

Together, the team visited and evaluated different potential practice spaces with the doctor for 18 months before she finally found the perfect fit. Dr. Missy settled on a stand-alone building that had formerly housed a gym. It had a generous amount of space and was just blocks from a hotbed of activity. Highly visible, the building is anchored on one side by a school, which is ideal for a pediatric dentist!

“The building itself is very cool,” added Mr. Mulvey. “It has an industrial style and an outdoor café that’s really nice.”

Mr. Mulvey recruited Henry Schein Integrated Design Studio designer Renee Susami to draw up the blueprint of the new office. She was tasked with creating a treatment-friendly layout within the space’s narrow footprint. She also had to contend with a gigantic skylight in the ceiling—wonderful for distributing natural light in the practice, but also an obstacle to work around as she drew up the plans.

Ultimately, Dr. Missy decided to set up the office with five treatment rooms, three dedicated to hygiene and two closed suites for other procedures. She toured a showroom and evaluated all of her options, deciding to select A-dec equipment for her dream practice.

“Dr. Missy loved the look, function, comfort, and quality,” confirmed Mr. Mulvey. “She went with the top of the line, and she recognized the value in it.”

Whimsical Touches Delight Children When you ask the doctor to describe the office theme, she explains that it is a showcase for her contagious energy and flair.

“My office has been described as fun,” said Dr. Missy. “My inspiration is the kids, what they would like to see and play with, and what gets their attention.”

The office’s design foundation is found in classic, elegant colors that allow the doctor’s playful details to surprise at every corner. There are dental “smurfs”, a giant watch that floats in a sea of polka dots as well as tiny “mouse holes”, and a massive seven-foot gumball machine that pops out exciting prize capsules.

Even the logo she created for the pediatric practice is cheerful, and it also has a deeply personal meaning.

“It has three owls on a branch that represent my three children who are my inspiration. The owl itself is an homage to my grandmother who was one of the first women to graduate from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, which was unheard of back then.”

The entrance is simple with a glass window that has brightly colored characters peering out at the little patients coming inside. A long check-in desk, brightly colored seating, and a cheerful wall painting put kids at ease that this is a friendly place.

No area is off limits to the fun decor, including the baseboards which are now home to these tiny mouse holes.
Dr. Missy’s inspiration is her children, and they, along with her grandmother, inspired her owl-centered logo.

The office is fully digital, with computer networking and equipment by Henry Schein TechCentral; Henry Schein Equipment Technology Specialist Dana Kemper and Paul Scott, Henry Schein Certified Integrated Equipment Service Technician, handled the infrastructure. Dentrix Practice Management software interconnects all of the imaging technology, including the DEXIS digital sensors, Midmark Preva DC intraoral X-rays, and the upgradeable Planmeca ProMax S2 panoramic unit, which makes taking bitewings on wiggling children a much easier task.

“Less radiation from the Planmeca machine is fabulous, especially with the rising concerns about growing little ones and radiation,” said Dr. Missy, who even spent time placing design details into the imaging alcove to alleviate patients’ apprehension when they see the large machine. Another feature that distracts nervous patients is a Lego wall that is right outside.

Across the hall from the imaging room is the sterilization area, which is tucked behind frosted glass. The sterilization area features the A-dec Preference ICC sterilization center, provides a galley-style configuration, and is equipped with a SciCan STATIM G4.

Dream Come True

With all of this impressive technology, what do you think is the doctor’s favorite purchase? Actually, none of the above! It’s her hot pink dental stool, and she jokes that it’s become famous on social media.

A well-appointed staff lounge is at the back of the office and there’s a mezzanine level above that is home to the doctor’s private office.

This practice is literally a dream come true for Dr. Missy and is already outperforming her original business plan projections. When she received the word that her loan had been approved, she called Mr. Mulvey crying with happiness to give him the news. He, too, remembers the day and is proud he was part of such a meaningful and successful build.

“An article and photos just won’t do justice to Dr. Missy and the energy she has. She is just a great person, so focused, and really cares about the kids.” ♦

Originally Published in Sidekick Magazine.