Somewhere in a think tank there are groups of engineers and psychologists who evaluate our behavior and attempt to modify it. The trick is that they try to modify a person's behavior without them being aware of it. No, I didn't go crazy and begin to believe that there is a plot to get into our heads and make us follow an iconic leader into destruction. It's really true. Let me give you some examples.

Have you noticed that as the sodas in McDonald's get bigger so does the diameter of the straw? Well, what do you finish last when eating in a McDonald's? The soda. If it takes too long for you to finish it, you will stay longer and they will need more seating. They want you out ASAP. To that end, have you noticed that the molded plastic seats are comfortable for a few minutes and then start to make your back hurt? It's not an accident. Eat and go. You have just been manipulated.

How about those beautiful ceilings in Las Vegas casinos? They look like the sky with billowy clouds. That's no accident either. They replicate the best time of day for the majority of the people. It's a spring sky at precisely 7:00 pm. While you're at it, notice that the temperature and humidity of the room are keyed in to that perfect time. Why is it so perfect? Because that's when people feel the best and have the best, most uplifting outlook on life. Oh yeah, it's also when they feel the best about spending money. They just manipulated you into feeling great in a natural way, so that you will have a great time losing a ton of your money.

Starbucks has a similar thing going on, but kind of the reverse of McDonald's. They want to create an intimate seating environment without giving you too much privacy. Privacy means they would need more space and that's just not going to happen. They want to bring you in and make it comfortable enough for you to feel like you want a bigger coffee to be able to stay longer. Maybe even some food. It's a nice environment, they designed it well, and yes, we are being manipulated.

I am currently renovating my office. The last time I updated was six years ago, and it's time for a change. I am going for the Starbucks look. Comfortable seating, nice music, WiFi, iPads for surfing the Web and a nice color scheme. Can't we as dentists create a subliminal message that will manipulate our patients? Of course we can. My goal is to make the office a place that offers comfort and luxury. It will set the stage for a nice visit, and it makes me feel good as well.

The renovation is underway and I will keep you apprised of my progress. I think it's a positive direction to create that nice, safe feeling that makes people want to come back. If not, well I will just get in early every day, drink coffee and read the newspaper in the waiting room. Maybe I can manipulate my own mind into thinking it was a good idea.