Fresh Smiles Orthodontics | Practice Design & Ground Up Build

Fresh Smiles Orthodontics is a purpose built orthodontic practice delivered as a complete design and build in Belmont, Victoria. Created as a long term home for an established yet growing specialist practice, the project replaces the limitations of a rented and outdated clinical environment with a calm, highly functional space designed around orthodontic workflows and patient experience.

Positioned on High Street, just across the road from the previous practice, the new facility allows Fresh Smiles Orthodontics to remain close to its established patient base while providing the scale, efficiency, and identity the practice needed for the future. The finished practice balances a welcoming, calming aesthetic with the functionality required for efficient orthodontic care, supporting both patients and staff while positioning the clinic for long term growth.

Project summary

Details

Type: Orthodontic practice design and build

Size: 244 m² GFA

Total site area: 809 m²

Features

Single level, purpose built orthodontic practice

5 surgeries

Dedicated orthodontic treatment area

CBCT imaging

Sterilisation and laboratory areas

Staff room

Private office

10 on site car parks

Services

Strategy

Property advisory

Site identification, negotiation and acquisition

Due diligence

Project documentation and approvals

Orthodontic practice design

Construction

Dental fitout

“The communication was really clear and all the decisions were really easy. It just took everything off my plate, so I didn’t have any stress involved with the day-to-day issues you’d experience with building a new practice.”

Dr Vanessa Hawkins
Fresh Smiles Orthodontics

Project Background

Planning for a long term home for Fresh Smiles Orthodontics

After acquiring the Fresh Smiles Orthodontics practice from its original founder, Dr Vanessa Hawkins began thinking about the long term future of her practice. The existing practice operated from a rented space within a shared building, which created limitations around growth, patient experience, and the way the practice could function day to day.

The environment worked in the early stages, but it became clear that the long term vision for Fresh Smiles Orthodontics required a purpose built home. The goal was to create a practice designed specifically around orthodontic treatment, patient comfort, and the ability to grow with the business over time.

OPTIMA’s involvement began early in this process. Through initial conversations, we helped Dr Hawkins look beyond the constraints of the existing building and focus on what the future of Fresh Smiles Orthodontics could become. This early planning stage clarified the scale, layout, and location needed to support the practice for the long term.

Solution

From off market site acquisition to purpose built orthodontic practice

Securing the right location became a critical step in the project.

After reviewing potential opportunities in the local area, OPTIMA identified a site that aligned closely with the needs of the practice. The property was located a stone’s throw from the existing practice, allowing Fresh Smiles Orthodontics to remain in a familiar location for patients while creating a dedicated facility of its own.

The site was ultimately secured through an off market process, with OPTIMA managing negotiations and conducting due diligence to ensure the property would support a healthcare development. This approach removed significant complexity for the client while ensuring the project began on a strong strategic foundation.

From there, the project progressed through planning, design, construction, and full fitout as an integrated design and build delivery.

Working closely with Dr Hawkins, OPTIMA’s in-house design team developed a concept that is both classic and contemporary. The intention was to design a space that felt warm and comfortable rather than overtly clinical, helping reduce anxiety for patients while supporting efficient treatment.

Soft colour palettes, light finishes, and carefully considered detailing contribute to a calm atmosphere throughout the practice. Gold accents and subtle material contrasts add warmth and character, while maintaining a refined aesthetic that resembles a high end home, rather than a healthcare environment.

Behind the scenes, the layout supports efficient orthodontic workflows. Five surgeries and a dedicated orthodontic treatment area allow the clinical team to work efficiently, supported by integrated CBCT imaging, sterilisation and laboratory spaces, and clearly defined staff areas. A separate staff room and office provide space for collaboration and focus, while 10 on site car parks improve accessibility for both staff and patients.

Throughout construction, the client remained closely connected to the progress of the project, watching on as their vision evolved from slab to completion. This visibility helped reinforce confidence at every stage while allowing the practice owner to remain focused on patient care.

Key benefits

Fresh Smiles Orthodontics now operates from a purpose built environment that supports the future vision of the practice. The project delivered:

  • A permanent home designed specifically for orthodontic care

  • A calm, welcoming environment that enhances the patient experience

  • Improved clinical efficiency through a purpose built layout

  • Dedicated staff facilities supporting wellbeing and collaboration

  • Convenient access and parking for patients and team members

Today, the new Fresh Smiles Orthodontics provides a space that reflects the ambitions of the practice and the care it delivers. Designed around both people and performance, the practice now has an environment that supports its team, its patients, and its long term future.

At the same time, the project reflects OPTIMA’s ability to guide healthcare clients from early strategic thinking through to completion. By combining property advisory, in house design expertise, and end to end construction, Fresh Smiles Orthodontics now operates from a facility built around the way the practice wants to work.

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Start with the right advice

Whether you are planning your first practice, expanding into a new location, or re-developing an established facility, early advice makes a meaningful difference.

OPTIMA supports practice owners from site selection through to opening day, providing clarity, guidance, and proven expertise at every stage.

Talk to our experienced projects team today – it’s never too early to get the right advice.

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