Written by Dr. Cristian Dunker, BDSc, MBA
If you have visited us this year, you may have heard that ArtSmiles is moving. It has been quite a journey to get here, so I wanted to share the story with you, and give you a first look at the space that will become our new clinic.
The Plan That Changed
At the start of the year, our plan was clear. We were going to build a brand-new clinic from scratch on Ferry Road, designed around our patients and our team.
Then, in January, our landlord let us know that we would need to find somewhere else. Building from the ground up was suddenly off the table, and we had to start again: find a new place, and quickly.
I won't pretend it was an easy few months. But looking back, it pushed us towards something even better.
Finding the Right Place
After a lot of searching, I found a beautifully fitted-out office space that was up for sale, and I bought it. It has natural light, generous windows with leafy views, warm timber and stone finishes, and a calm, welcoming feel. These are the qualities we wanted our new clinic to have from the start.
 The lounge area as it is today, before our fit-out begins. |  Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in plenty of natural light. |
 A corner room with views over the trees and the city. |  Herringbone timber, stone and soft lighting set a calm tone. |
Designing a Better Clinic
Since buying the space, we have been designing how it will work as a dental clinic: where our treatment rooms will go, how patients will move from reception to their appointment, and how to make every part of the visit feel more relaxed.
The fit-out is now starting. When it is finished, the new clinic will be a more pleasant place for our patients and for our team, and it will let us offer a better experience at every visit, from the moment you walk in.
When Are We Moving?
Our goal is to move by 1 December. We will confirm the exact date as we get closer.
To move our dental chairs and equipment safely, we will need to close the practice for a few days around the move. We will let you know the closure dates well in advance, and if you have an appointment around that time, our team will contact you to reschedule.
We will also share the new address, directions and parking details before the move, and we will keep posting updates and photos as the fit-out progresses.
Our Old Cabinets Have a New Purpose
Moving also means our current clinic cabinetry is no longer needed. Rather than throw it away, we are donating all of it to a community hospital in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, where it will help equip a new rural hospital. You can read more about it in Returning to Guinea-Bissau: Our Clinic Cabinets Are Going to Africa.
Thank You
Thank you to our patients for your patience and support during a year that did not go to plan, and to our team, who have kept caring for you through all the uncertainty. We can't wait to welcome you to our new home.
If you have any questions about the move or your upcoming appointments, please get in touch with us or book online.
Dr. Cristian Dunker
ArtSmiles, Gold Coast