What do I do?

[facilitativechange]

My office condo is for sale and I could be asked to leave in 30 days from date of sale.

I really don't want to leave but I have been looking "just in case."

I looked at space tonight that is in a dentist office, a separate 2-room suite, to the right of the reception area. It's all new and would be a great place to work out of.

The problem ... the entrance to the space is directly into the dentist's space - an old-ish space with lots of "stuff" - clutter, really. It needs work, like painting and updating and decluttering, for my tastes.

This space is on a main street with good visibility where I could have a sign advertising my businesss. There is easy parking (which I do not have now) and less congestion (a big plus).

This dentist has other dentists working in the space (3 others), along with hygenists, patients waiting, etc. I need to visit the space when it is busy, which can have up to 40 patients a day, so see what the noise factor is.

The dentist is a huge sports fan and has memorabilia everywhere. He has a number of former athletes as clients, as well as local tv personalities ... kind of a fun thought! (I am a huge sports fan, especially a Red Sox fan, and I met Manny Ramirez last Feb. and had my picture taken with him. A cutie petuti and all around nice guy!)

My first impression is that I don't like the reception area, but the massage space would be great. There are many good things - location, visibility and possible [likely] referrals (the receptionist asked me for my card when she found out I was an MT!). They have been talking about potential new tenants, and massage therapists were at the top of their list.

Another negative is that the bathrooms would be accessible only through the dentist's space, across the hall from the massage space. That space is cluttered and needs "neatening up" for my tastes. The bathrooms themselves are pretty nice.

I am undecided what to do. I may ask if the dentist would be receptive to "cleaning up" the reception area with decluttering and painting, etc., but how do you do that without being offensive?

I think the majority of my clients would not have a problem with my moving to this space, and any that I might lose would be made up easily with potential referrals. I just need to get past the initial entrance into the space, which is not MY ideal - but certainly not THAT bad.

Any suggestions?

 

[Quia]

From what I read, you need to check, number one; the noise level. A massage with a drilling noise in the background won't work. Also see if you get noise from the waiting area or the outside parking lot. The waiting room is not that big of a deal, An on time client should not be having to wait for more than a few minutes. Plus, if they see a celeb in the waiting room, thats a plus.
The Bathrooms are clean and kept up. Great. A small walk. No big deal in my book. The "clutter" issue may be yours, or how you view the area. The dentist may not see it that way. That may work its self out. Example, mind if I paint the hallway. Dentist-be my guest!
Bottomline , I say go for it. How is the rent comparisons?

 

[classicvince]

White noise generators, music, mini-waterfalls, etc. can be used to mask noise. However, pay attention to sound conduction through the walls, ceiling, and most especially the ventilation system.

Overall, it sounds like a great space and perhaps a good option to exercise even if your building doesn't sell. Lots of potential clients coming through, possibly get some seated massage or short sessions in while people are waiting for dental appointments. Consider brushing up on TMJ, headaches, neck pain, etc. to be better prepared for possible dental-related issues.

Good luck!

 

[komets.geo]

Thanks guys!

I slept on it and thought the following:

First thing is to find out the noise levels, and maybe even do a treatment there on a trial basis (which I believe he would have no problem with). I plan on going to the space during peak hours, and on Sat. and just sit in the rooms with the doors closed to observe.

If my practice consisted of rehab work only, the noise factor wouldn't be such an issue. However when doing relaxation massage, you certainly don't want to be hearing drills going :shock: !

I would offer to help spruce up the entrance/waiting area and hopefully he'd go along with it. (I think then the clutter would take care of itself.)

 

[gina]

I'm with JasonE, sounds like the perfect opportunity to do more of a "dental spa" model... it doesn't have to be over the top with marble tile and that sort of thing, but comfy and relaxing I think you can do.

Definitely think about getting more training in neck pain and TMJ issues, and headaches, as they're very inter-related. Honestly, I never had much trouble with my TMJ until I got a lot of dental work done. There are certain rules a dentist should follow when a patient has TMJ, one of which is that the patient should not have their mouth open more than a half hour... and they definitely did that with me. Even putting in a rubber brace to keep my mouth open. :roll: They should have been offering warm compresses to relax the muscles too. :evil: Oddly enough these guys bill themselves as the specialists in my area in Orofascial pain. :roll: I would also set about finding a really good chiropractor to refer to, as that can also help people with TMJ issues.

Anyway, I'd definitely see about doing what you could to create a more dental spa like atmosphere. It sounds like this could be a great source of referrals for you, and I think with a little ingenuity you could turn it into something pretty cool. t023

 

[bunky]

Lymph Drainage Therapy is also a wonderful adjunct for dental work. It quickly reduces swelling & inflammation after procedures. You mentioned in another thread that you were interested in training in this modality. It would be a great fit for this new office arrangement. If the noise isn't an issue, it sounds like a great space!

 

[Marge]

Dentist offices can be such stressful places for those who have serious "dental anxiety". You could offer a wonderful service to those who may have fears and need to relax before their exams or procedures. Perhaps the dentist would refer people with known anxiety problems to you for a 1/2 hour pre-exam massage. What a way to build some positive associations to the dentist! (or neg. association to massage...hopefully not)

I'm not clear on whether you have to share the reception area with the dentist... I think the office shabiness is less of an issue if you could create your own paradise of a waiting room. I DO think that having a talk about improving the bathrooms is a good idea. Maybe the dentist has been thinking about improving the atmosphere anyway. He could need some help with vision....

Sounds like a great opportunity if you can create your own peaceful space and can't hear the whir of drills and the screams of frightened children . You may also want to be vigilant about doing energy clearing!


Much Luck!!

 

[Olive]

A slightly different situation but...

I worked as a MT at a dental office for awhile, worked on hands or feet during to help with stress levels. I did facial massage after a long procedure too. They also received a free massage after any crown or bridge work.

I must say the patients loved it. I got a $100 tip from one gentleman! I was so shocked I called to make sure he didn't think he handed me a $10. Needless to say he was very grateful.

The point of my story it that it could be a great opportunity. I would however make sure the noise levels are acceptable in the office and you can come to some arrangement about the common spaces.

Good luck!

 

[Rose S]

I worked as a MT at a dental office for awhile, worked on hands or feet during to help with stress levels. I did facial massage after a long procedure too. They also received a free massage after any crown or bridge work.

Wow! Now that's a dentist I'd love to go see.

 

[wesley g]

Great suggestions, everybody!

Blisss, you're right - I did mention MLD in another post, and that was BEFORE this situation presented itself ... hummmmmm.

Sassafrass - when you enter the building, you enter directly into the dentist's reception area. The receptionist is in the right opposite corner and the chairs are on the left (the hallway to his treatment rooms is straight ahead). Directly on the right as you enter the building is a small, recessed area just before the entrance to the massage room. I could use that as my reception area since it is separate from the rest of the open space.

The bathrooms are fine - very nice, in fact. They are located in a small room separated by a counter/cabinet thing that is in need of painting (it's flaking off - ewwww). Plus that room has a lot of supplies, boxes, etc., so my clients would be having to see all that when using the facilities.

This space is a departure from my previous two spaces which were (are) in large professional buildings. They are well-kept, clean and clutter free, something I like. First impressions are important, and I do think I am somewhat of a control freak when I comes to my office (okay, in everything!).

Two things ...

Recently I had been contemplating a new direction with my work but wasn't quite sure what. As Blisss mentioned, I had expressed interest in MLD a few weeks ago.

And at about the same time, I was looking through a dental health plan with names of dentists in my area, and this dentist was one I was going to inquire about. (Did the universe know something I didn't?!)

I agree that this can be a great opportunity. I plan on going back Friday to check out the noise factor when the office is at peak. They have a fish tank in the reception area, right outside the door to the massage room. I thought about ways to mask noise using the white noise generators and music - I just hope it will be enough.

This dentist has never had a massage and has no clue what the work is about. When he showed me the two newly-renovated rooms, he said he painted the walls najvaho white - and installed flourescent lighting because he knew we (mt's) needed our space bright. Huh??? Then he pointed to the two brand new large windows with the miniblinds, saying how much natural light will come into the space. I commented on what a nice job it was but corrected him and said we like more ambiant light creating cozy spaces, etc. He truly looked stunned!

Because of his lack of knowledge about the work, it may be difficult to "sell" him on the idea of using massage with his patients. So yes, I'll have a lot of educating to do - for myself and him!

Thanks for all your support. I'll keep you posted.

Donna

 

[sminthian1980]

Hopefully you will be able to teach him the many benefits you can bring to his patients! Good luck with everything. It does sound like it might be a good space (but hopefully the walls are thick). I know I would not be able to relax if I could hear a dentist drill in the background.(ugh, dentists!) It gives me the willies now, just thinking about it! :

 

[mcj0423]

Well, I decided to pass on the space. I was stressing so much over the issues that bothered me (because I knew they would continue to bother me if I took the space).

The massage space was too much a part of the dentists' space - and I didn't feel it was private or quiet enough. Someone else might have been able to work through these issues, but for me, it just wasn't a good fit.

So I continue to look and hope that my office is not sold.

Thanks for your ideas and support.

 

[djeter_girl_2]

Bravo for trusting your gut and passing on it. Better to wait and keep looking than to settle for a questionable situation just because it pops up. Hope you find what you're looking for!