Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry in Chandler, AZ. This is one of the examples I show in my full-day Experienceology workshop, and people are still amazed by it. From the outside, this business looks like any other strip mall facade. Once inside, the upscale the waiting room is classy and pretty but still doesn't prepare you for what's in store.
Not only is everything themed, but they have really thought through what their audience needs. I always encourage my museum clients to do this as well. As it's always blazing hot in Phoenix, the free cold water in the fridge is a very specific way to welcome clients.
Just beyond reception, you enter the jungle, with "rocks" to sit on under a huge tree, video games to play, rock walls carved with friendly-faced glyphs, jungle-appropriate stuffed animals, and murals on the walls. Beyond nice decor, they've created an entire themed experience from start to finish. They put themselves in their patients' (small) shoes and decided that going off alone into a tiny room for dentistry might be scary. So the treatment area is one big space, with video games and DVDs for the kids to play with while they're waiting. If you have an area where visitors wait, are there ways to make it this appealing?
Kids can see that other kids are getting treated and doing fine, while the fun atmosphere makes going to the dentist memorable.
Dr. John Culp hired Larson Construction in Tucson, Arizona, to do the interior. Larson is famous for their who zoo and theme park exhibits. Their theming extends all the way through the business: staff attire (camo scrubs), the bathroom, and the artwork on the walls. It's a wonderful example of how the Experience Economy has raised the bar for all types of facilities that serve the public, including museums, parks, gardens, and libraries.
Tip of the day: Theming without heart can't create a great experience on its own. Dr. Culp is wonderful with kids and is highly respected in Phoenix, and their staff members are all professional and give warm customer service. Having this hook sets them apart, creates wonderful word-of-mouth advertising, and generates lots of local press.
