The dental chair is a key piece of equipment that allows patients to lie back and relax during a procedure. The chair is designed to support the patient throughout the treatment, from teeth cleaning and X-rays to root canals and oral surgery. It can also be equipped with a range of accessories, such as tubes and bowls to hold various materials used during the procedures, and electrical units for suction and lighting.
It is important to consider the number of seats required for your practice. A good guideline is to have 1.5 times as many seating as your estimated daily appointment count (e.g. 20 patients per day = 40 seating). It is recommended to have extra seats available for spouses, children and “others” who need additional seating, especially during busy times.
The newest dentist chairs are designed with the comfort of both the patient and the doctor in mind. With options such as double articulating headrests and programmable touch pads, the latest equipment is intended to be user-friendly and ergonomic. They may also come with features to improve hygiene, such as antibacterial coatings and automatic positioning of the instrument tray to prevent possible contact between hands and bacteria.
In addition to ergonomics and functionality, the aesthetics of a dentist’s chair are important, too. They should complement the overall look of a dental office and reflect a modern, professional image. A number of chair manufacturers offer a selection of colors, fabrics and finishes that can be customized to suit a practice’s aesthetic.