These days, it’s not enough for medical clinics to just provide efficient, high-quality care (though that’s still important, too). There is a growing expectation to consider the holistic patient experience — and it all starts with design. Whether cold and sterile or simply lacking in personality, the average healthcare setting leaves much to be desired. But a new generation of clinics is exploring design as a tool to put patients at ease in what can often be intimidating or uncomfortable environments. In the world of dentistry, this has manifested in pared-back, almost spa-like interiors, from Norm Architects’ Scandi-inspired clinic in Antwerp to a biophilic design in Amsterdam by i29. But could going to the dentist be, dare we say, fun? This is the mission at Swish Oral Care, a Calgary-based dental clinic chain that seeks to challenge the status quo. The company’s debut clinic in Bridgeland, opened back in 2022, was such a success that it has since opened a second outpost in the city’s University District.

Swish describes its approach as “oral care meets self-care,” offering a slew of premium amenities that range from hot towels to noise-cancelling headphones and locally sourced coffee — tooth stains be damned. You can even choose between Netflix, Disney+, a playlist or a podcast to provide a welcome distraction from the procedure. The entire patient journey is predicated on small luxuries without the high price tag, down to the toothbrush you take home with you at the end of your visit.

If stepping inside the new University District outpost feels like entering a trendy boutique, it’s intentional. Given the clinic’s walkable locale with ample foot traffic, Sarah Ward Interiors took an approach that leans more toward retail or hospitality than healthcare. From the street, a colourful window mural designed by local artists creates a striking point of engagement for passersby, adding to the clinic’s warm and approachable appeal.

Inside, the interior unfolds as a series of distinct vignettes, starting with the waiting lounge. Conceived as more café than clinic, the space is wrapped with a bespoke sofa that exudes comfort, offering the perfect spot to work or relax pre- or post-appointment while enjoying a complimentary beverage from the refreshment centre.

Under a cluster of three Molo Cloud Softlights, a sculptural table, handcrafted from solid aluminum by local artisans, forms the focal point of the space, evoking the swooping curves of the clinic’s brand design by Public Eye (which are echoed above the refreshment counter with an organically shaped mirror with Swish’s lettering layered overtop). The surrounding wooden millwork offers a muted counterpoint to the bolder design elements, its warmth emphasized by the South-facing natural light that filters in from the front windows.

On an inset retail display, patients can find trendy lifestyle goods from local brands alongside elevated oral care staples like Cocofloss and viral TikTok toothpaste, taking a piece of the experience home with them. Not only does the waiting room make a strong first impression, it was also designed to nurture the sense of community built at Swish’s Bridgeland clinic, versatile enough to host pop-ups, collaborations and other events (and plans are underway to expand this further with an exterior patio).

Tucked away from the lounge, a minimal Corian reception desk offers privacy for patients checking in. The Swish logo hovers above it like a metallic silver balloon, its curvaceous form repeated throughout the clinic as mirrored graphics, patterned glazing and door cutouts.

In the procedure rooms, meanwhile, the wood-panelled ceilings featured integrated TVs ready to stream your favourite comfort show. Custom millwork keeps dental tools out of sight, and offers a space for patients to hang their coats, store their belongings and charge their phones.

Even the staff room has been thoughtfully considered, with a large kitchen, a counter-height table for meetings and meals, and a long banquette. “The banquette features a fabric that, when viewed closely, resembles tiny teeth and, along with the yellow reveal stitch detail, is probably my favourite secret detail in the space,” says Ward.