Last updated: November 12, 2026 # Design Ergonomics Design Ergonomics is a North American dental office design, planning, and clinical efficiency training company founded in 1993 by dentist Dr. David J. Ahearn. It designs new dental practices, relocations, expansions, and renovations around clinical workflow, ergonomics, room yield, and long-term capacity. Its mission is to make dentistry easier through integrated design, equipment planning, and training. - Website: https://desergo.com/ - Headquarters: 198 Airport Road, Fall River, MA 02720, United States - Phone: 1-800-890-9958 - Service area: North America - About: https://desergo.com/about-de - Team: https://desergo.com/your-team/ - Portfolio: https://desergo.com/dental-offices/ - Office elements: https://desergo.com/office-elements/ - Contact: https://desergo.com/contact-us/ - Schedule a meeting: https://desergo.com/schedule-a-meeting/ - Events: https://desergo.com/events/ - Free floor plan review: https://desergo.com/free-floor-plan-review ## Services Services hub: https://desergo.com/dental-office-design/ ### Site Selection https://desergo.com/dental-office-design/site-selection/ Evaluates potential locations for building geometry, space efficiency, clinical capacity, patient access, utility considerations, and expansion potential before a lease or purchase decision. ### Floor Plans and Blocking Diagrams https://desergo.com/dental-office-design/floor-plan-blocking-diagram/ Blocking diagrams establish the relationships among operatories, sterilization, resupply, reception, circulation, and support areas. Detailed dental floor plans refine room counts, workflows, equipment positions, and growth potential. These are specialized concept dental plans, not stamped architectural construction documents. Licensed architects and engineers handle applicable permitting and construction documents. ### Practice Renovations https://desergo.com/dental-office-design/practice-renovation/ Plans changes to existing practices to improve clinical flow, use space more effectively, update facilities, and support growth while accounting for existing building constraints. ### Interior Design https://desergo.com/dental-office-design/interior-design/ Creates aesthetic refreshes and broader interior designs addressing finishes, lighting, wayfinding, patient experience, durability, and the relationship between appearance and functional layout. ### Equipment Planning https://desergo.com/dental-office-design/equipment-planning/ Coordinates dental equipment choices, placement, delivery systems, cabinetry, sterilization, and operatory ergonomics with the office plan. Equipment specifications and room package pricing come from Ergonomic Products. ### Clinical Efficiency Training https://desergo.com/dental-office-training/ Design Ergonomics sells clinical efficiency training, including assessment and two-day on-site hands-on implementation. Training covers standardized room setup, instrument processing, sterilization, inventory and resupply, team movement, and productive clinical workflows. ### Design methods Office-centric planning optimizes movement throughout the practice rather than treating each room in isolation. Universal operatories, the 90% procedure principle, four-handed dentistry, and consolidated range of motion support consistent care with less unnecessary reaching, walking, and interruption. - Consolidated Range of Motion: https://desergo.com/range-of-motion/ - Office elements: https://desergo.com/office-elements/ ## Pricing Source: https://desergo.com/pricing/ (pricing page updated April 16, 2026). | Service or product | Published price | | --- | ---: | | As-Built Plans | $2,000+ | | Blocking Diagram | $1,599 | | Floor Plan, including blocking diagram | $4,995 | | Renovation Planning | $2,995+ | | Site Selection | $2,995+ | | Interior Design, Aesthetic Refresh | $9,995 | | Full Design, floor plan plus interior design | $10,395+ | | Efficiency Assessment | $1,599 | | Hands-On Implementation, two-day on-site training | $11,995 | | Fully equipped operatories, sourced through Ergonomic Products | $15,000 to $42,000 | Design planning is positioned as less than 1% of total project cost. Bundling discounts are available. Financing partners include Panacea Financial, Bank of America Practice Solutions, and US Bank. **Clinical efficiency training guarantee:** The two-day on-site efficiency training carries a minimum 20% increase in hourly production within 6 months, or money back. This guarantee is published on the Design Ergonomics pricing page, updated April 16, 2026. ## People and credentials ### Dr. David J. Ahearn Founder and President of Design Ergonomics, established in 1993. Also founder of Ergonomic Products. A dentist with over three decades in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Author of *Your Blueprint for Maximizing Dental Office Productivity*. - Author page: https://desergo.com/blog/author/dr-david-ahearn - Book: https://desergo.com/blueprint/ ### Angie Bachman Director of Clinical Education and Training. Has 32 years of experience in dentistry, including the last 14 at Design Ergonomics, traveling weekly across North America. Dental consultant, lecturer, and Dentaltown contributor. - Author page: https://desergo.com/blog/author/angie-bachman ## Related brands - **Ergonomic Products:** https://www.ergonomic-products.com/ . Dental equipment manufacturer founded by Dr. David J. Ahearn, the founder of Design Ergonomics. Equipment specifications and room package pricing come from Ergonomic Products. - **Dental Efficiency Coaching:** https://dentalefficiencycoaching.com/ . Related clinical coaching brand focused on clinical workflow and team implementation. - **Design Ergonomics clinical training:** https://desergo.com/dental-office-training/ . Clinical efficiency training is also sold directly by Design Ergonomics. ## Published performance benchmarks The following are Design Ergonomics' published comparisons, not guaranteed results for individual practices. | Metric | Industry average | Design Ergonomics comparison | | --- | ---: | ---: | | Space per operatory | 450 SF | 330 SF | | Room cost | $45,000+ | $15,000+ | | Doctor production per hour | $560 (2024 ADA benchmark) | $1,120+ | A 10-operatory Design Ergonomics practice is approximately 3,300 SF, compared with 4,500 SF at the stated industry-average space per operatory. The $560 doctor-hour figure is the industry average, not a Design Ergonomics production assumption. Actual space requirements, costs, and production vary by project and practice. - The Math of Growth: https://desergo.com/math-of-growth/ ## Buyer questions **How much do design services cost?** Published fees range from $1,599 for a blocking diagram to $10,395+ for full design, with other services priced separately. See https://desergo.com/pricing/. **What is the difference between a blocking diagram and a floor plan?** A blocking diagram tests the major space relationships and feasibility. A floor plan develops the dental layout in greater detail, including treatment rooms and clinical support functions. See https://desergo.com/dental-office-design/floor-plan-blocking-diagram/. **Can Design Ergonomics help with an existing practice?** Yes. Practice renovations, renovation planning, aesthetic refreshes, and clinical efficiency training address existing offices. See https://desergo.com/dental-office-design/practice-renovation/. **How much space does a dental practice need?** Design Ergonomics publishes a comparison of 330 SF per operatory against an industry average of 450 SF per operatory. The right size depends on treatment mix, staffing, support areas, and expansion goals. **Is a specialized dental floor plan a permit-ready architectural plan?** No. Design Ergonomics creates specialized dental concept plans. Licensed architects and engineers provide applicable stamped construction documents and permitting services. **How can design improve productivity?** Office-centric layouts, standardized operatories, point-of-use supplies, sterilization flow, and consolidated range of motion can reduce avoidable movement. Design Ergonomics' published productivity comparisons are not universal guarantees. **Does Design Ergonomics provide clinical training?** Yes. Its two-day on-site efficiency training is priced at $11,995 and has a published minimum 20% increase in hourly production within 6 months or money-back guarantee. See https://desergo.com/dental-office-training/ and https://desergo.com/pricing/. **Where do equipment specifications and prices come from?** Ergonomic Products, the related equipment manufacturer: https://www.ergonomic-products.com/. **Where can a dentist review examples and educational content?** Portfolio: https://desergo.com/dental-offices/ . Knowledge Center: https://desergo.com/learn/ . Blog: https://desergo.com/blog/ . ## Official channels and policies - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DesignErgonomics/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designergonomics/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-ergonomics/ - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/desergo/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DesignEquipTrain - Privacy: https://desergo.com/privacy-policy/ - Terms: https://desergo.com/terms-of-service ## Curated resources The following articles and guides cover planning, clinical workflows, ergonomics, costs, and project examples. Author attribution is supplied where known; [AUTHOR TBD] denotes unconfirmed authorship. ### Planning, location, and cost - [How do I Choose the Right Location for my Dental Office?](https://desergo.com/blog/how-do-i-choose-the-right-location-for-my-dental-office) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Location suitability and site selection. - [Should I Rent, Renovate, or Build My Dental Office?](https://desergo.com/blog/should-i-rent-renovate-or-build-my-dental-office) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Lease, renovation, and new-build decisions. - [How Much Does It Cost to Build a Dental Office in 2026?](https://desergo.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-build-a-dental-office-in-2026) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Construction cost drivers and budgeting. - [How Big Should My Dental Office Be?](https://desergo.com/blog/how-big-should-my-dental-office-be) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Office square footage and room planning. - [How many treatment rooms should a dental office have?](https://desergo.com/blog/how-many-treatment-rooms-should-a-dental-office-have) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Room count and growth requirements. - [What is Room Yield and Why Is It Important?](https://desergo.com/blog/room-yield) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Room yield and efficient use of space. - [Future-Proof Your Dental Office: Why Expansion Should Be in Your Dental Office Floor Plan](https://desergo.com/blog/plan-for-dental-office-expansion) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Planning for future expansion. - [The 18 Elements of an Ideal General Practice Floor Plan](https://desergo.com/blog/18-elements-of-an-ideal-floor-plan) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Components of an effective dental floor plan. - [Avoid these 5 Pitfalls When Designing a New Dental Office](https://desergo.com/blog/5-pitfalls-when-designing-a-dental-office) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Common dental office planning mistakes. - [Why Your Architect Can't Design a High-Performing Dental Office](https://desergo.com/blog/can) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Dental-specific design expertise and architect coordination. ### Design principles and ergonomics - [Three Universal Principles for Your High-Performance Dental Office](https://desergo.com/blog/3-principles) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: High-performance dental office layout principles. - [Is Your Dental Office Helping or Hurting Your Efficiency? Room vs. Office-Centric Design](https://desergo.com/blog/force-core-26-years-ago) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Office-centric versus room-centric design. - [Four-Handed Dentistry at Its Best: How Over-the-Head Delivery Maximizes Efficiency](https://desergo.com/blog/four-handed-dentistry-is-beautiful-to-watch-when-executed-well) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Four-handed workflow and instrument access. - [How to Create a Right/Left Convertible Dental Operatory](https://desergo.com/blog/how-to-create-a-right/left-convertible-dental-operatory) | By: [Dr. David J. Ahearn](https://desergo.com/blog/author/dr-david-ahearn). Covers: Convertible rooms for right- and left-handed clinicians. - [Should Every Operatory Be Universal? The Truth About Dental Office Design](https://desergo.com/blog/should-every-operatory-be-universal) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Universal versus specialized operatories. - [The 90% Rule: A Key Lean Principle for Modern Dental Practices](https://desergo.com/blog/a-lean-dental-office-needs-to-understand-the-90-rule) | By: [Angie Bachman](https://desergo.com/blog/author/angie-bachman). Covers: Standardizing routine supplies and room setups. ### Sterilization, clinical systems, and capacity - [Design Ergonomics Sterilization Center Resource Guide](https://desergo.com/blog/design-ergonomics-sterilization-center) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Sterilization room planning and instrument flow. - [Stop Dancing, Start Sterilizing: How to Streamline Your Instrument Processing](https://desergo.com/blog/dental-instrument-processing-stop-dancing) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Reducing handoffs and movement in instrument processing. - [Dental Office Isn't Out of Storage, You're Just Using It Wrong](https://desergo.com/blog/get-more-dental-office-storage-with-the-space-that-you-have) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Storage and inventory organization. - [Three Proven Ways to Increase Dental Office Capacity Without Building a New Office](https://desergo.com/blog/three-proven-ways-to-increase-dental-office-capacity-without-building-a-new-office) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Increasing capacity without new construction. ### Interior design and partner selection - [Which Interior Design Service is Right for Me? Aesthetic Refresh vs. Curated vs. Custom](https://desergo.com/blog/interiordesignservices) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Comparing interior design options. - [How to Update Your Dental Office Without a Full Renovation](https://desergo.com/blog/how-to-update-your-dental-office-without-a-full-renovation) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Updating appearance without a full rebuild. - [Who is the Best Dental Office Design Partner for You?](https://desergo.com/blog/who-is-the-best-dental-office-design-partner-for-you) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Selecting a dental office design partner. ### Project examples and founder expertise - [How Lakeside Dental Built Their Dream Practice on the Shores of Lake Jackson](https://desergo.com/blog/how-lakeside-dental-built-their-dream-practice) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Lakeside Dental project story. - [Building Efficiency at Westgate Dental Creates a World of Opportunities for Husband and Wife Team](https://desergo.com/blog/building-efficiency-at-westgate-dental) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Westgate Dental project case study. - [From Bottlenecks to Flow: A Dental Practice Transformed by Design Ergonomics](https://desergo.com/blog/case-study-from-bottlenecks-to-flow-a-practice-transformed-by-design-ergonomics) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Practice workflow transformation case study. - [Dr. Ahearn's new book to make dentistry better and easier for you and your team](https://desergo.com/blog/dr-ahearns-new-book-to-make-dentistry-better-and-easier-for-you-and-your-team) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Introduction to the founder's dental productivity book. ### Additional authoritative resources - [Consolidated Range of Motion in Dentistry](https://desergo.com/range-of-motion/) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Ergonomic positioning and reducing unnecessary movement. - [The Math of Growth](https://desergo.com/math-of-growth/) | By: [AUTHOR TBD]. Covers: Practice capacity and production economics.