Destination: Westover Family Dentistry won the “new build” category of the 2020 ADA Design Innovation Awards. Its waiting room is grand, with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, floor to ceiling black windows, crisp white walls, accents of gray-blue paint, a navy blue couch, cognac leather accent furniture, sheer and flowing drapes, black trim glass doors and rustic bronze light fixtures. |
The ADA Council on Dental Practice, ADA Member Advantage and BMO Harris Bank announced Nov. 6 the winners of the second annual
Design Innovation Awards, which recognize excellence in dental facilities that seamlessly combine esthetics appeal, function and design.
Drs. Austin and Mitra Westover
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The winner for the “new build” category is
Westover Family Dentistry in Winchester, Virginia, owned by Mitra Westover, D.D.S., and Austin Westover, D.D.S. The winner of the “remodel” category is Water Tower Dental Care P.C. in Chicago, owned by Daniel Aneszko, D.D.S.
The two practices received the most votes in their respective categories at ADA.org/DIA, which was available for open voting Oct. 1-31, as well as during the ADA FDC Virtual Connect Conference at the ADA Center for Professional Success and BMO Harris Bank virtual booths. The ADA Council on Dental Practice had narrowed the field of applicants down to the top three contenders in each category. Voters who viewed the finalists’ submissions voted for a winner in each category.
Both winners will receive $1,000, and their practices and design processes will be featured in ADA publications, including the ADA News and Dental Practice Success.
Judging criteria for the contest included esthetics appeal, such as use of color, light/windows and theme; utilization of technology; function and efficiency; innovation; and how well the design has accomplished the entrant's objective.
Westover Family Dentistry is a 6,023-square-foot practice that sought to make patients feel as though they were coming to a destination and a relaxing retreat, according to Drs. Westover.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I loved going to model home open houses with my father. I loved seeing the various home designs and was keenly aware of the way the particular designs affected my mood,” said Dr. Mitra Westover. “When my husband and business partner, Dr. Austin Westover, and I decided to build a brand-new practice from the ground up, there were so many feelings of excitement for the future ahead.”
The duo worked with Austin, Texas-based Fazio Architects to bring their vision to life.
Winner: Water Tower Dental Care P.C. in Chicago won the “remodel” category in the 2020 ADA Design Innovation Awards. In April, the practice renovated and made enhancements to help patients and its dental team from COVID-19, and adding two dental chairs and new technology. |
The waiting room is grand, with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, floor to ceiling black windows, crisp white walls, accents of gray-blue paint, a navy blue couch, cognac leather accent furniture, sheer and flowing drapes, black trim glass doors and rustic bronze light fixtures.
Dr. Aneszko
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“Visiting the construction site over the past year was such an exciting process for us and our four boys,” Dr. Mitra Westover said. “Winning this award has made this experience even more fulfilling.”
Water Tower Dental Care P.C. is a 2,591-square-foot practice located in the historic Water Tower Place, built in 1976 on the Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Its 10-year lease was nearing its end when Dr. Aneszko said he decided to resign for an additional 14-year lease in April 2020 — in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown.
“The remodel of our office was perfect timing because we were already in the planning phase prior to the COVID-19 shutdown,” Dr. Aneszko said. “My team and I felt we did everything possible to improve our working environment in order to protect our patients and ourselves.”
With the new lease, the practice was able to negotiate funds for tenant improvement, which paid for renovation and enhancements that provide an extra layer to infection control. These included improving airflow and circulation in the office and glass partitions between open concept treatment rooms to contain aerosols. In addition, the practice added design and esthetics that were important to creating a more comfortable and modern space for the dental team. These include replacing old fluorescence ceiling lighting with energy-efficient LED lights, replacing carpeting and flooring, new wall covering and paint and new window treatment solar blinds. The practice also invested in two new dental chairs and new technology.
“When I learned that Water Tower Dental Care won the ADA Design Innovation Award, I was especially thankful to all our patients and friends who took the time to vote,” Dr. Aneszko said.
The call for submissions to the 2021 ADA Design Innovation Awards will open in June. To learn more about the ADA Design Innovation Awards, visit
ADA.org/DIA.