Choosing the right dental chairs and stools

It would be pretty accurate to say that a dentist’s office is not complete without a dental chair in the same way that chiropractor or a masseuse needs a chiropractic bed or massage bed. It is from a dental chair that the dentist will diagnose and treat his patients.

Dental chairs and stools enables the dentist to position his patients in a way that makes his work easier and also makes the patient’s posture comfortable. He can then observe the oral cavity and teeth without difficulty. With the dentist chair the dental assistant can also help the dentist.

What to consider in choosing a dentist chair or stool

Most of the features that you will have to consider when choosing a dental chair or stool will relate to comfort and avoidance musculoskeletal injuries to, in most cases, the dentist and his dental assistants and to a lesser extent to the patients as well.

A well padded dental chair or stool will assure sitting comfort for the dentist and the patient. But that is just one for the least important features that you should look for. Look for a chair or stool that is labelled ergonomic. An ergonomic dental chair or stool is one that you can adjust to fit with your unique personal needs taking in account you specific needs as height, weight among other features.

One feature you will consider and that can save the dentist form low back pain is the cylinder height of the stool. For tall dentists it is necessary to shop around as most stool cylinder height are geared towards the average height dentist. For a tall dentist using such a stool can lead to low back pain. The same goes for shorter dentist who may be forced to sit on the edge of the stool if it won’t adjust very well to their height.

For the seat contour of the dental stool it is preferable if they are well padded on the front and offer a waterfall edge instead of being bowl shaped. The back rests should be adjustable or even better move forward with the dentist or the dental assistant. The depth of the seat pan should be able to support most the thighs of the dentist but leave three fingers space from the edge of the seat to the knees. Most seat pans are 14 to 17 inches deep.

Another useful feature that you may want to look for in dental stool is a tilting seat pan; as it reduces low back pain, allows for closeness to the patient. A tilting saddle type seat is also useful for reducing strain to the spine and is a good choice for shorter dentists and smaller office spaces.

Dental chairs have adjustments for a variety of positions without making the patient uncomfortably; it should also be well–padded to ensure the comfort of the patient because some procedures tend to be very long.

Getting the most out of your dental chair and stool

Getting the best and the right tool for the job is the first half; using it well is the other. Once delivered it is important to get familiar with your new equipment and to understand how they work. An ergonomic dental chair or stool can only offer you the benefit if you adjust them well. If need be read any documentation that comes with your new dental chair or stool. If your retailer offers a trial period take advantage of it.

Good care of the dental chairs and stools in your practice will ensure that they keep giving the best service to you and your patient for years to come. It is essential that they are well cared for especially because they do not come cheap. Moving parts should be lubricated with a retailer approved lubricant.

Getting a good dental and dentist chair for your practice is more than considering the price; it also means choosing increasing your output and that of your assistants by choosing ergonomically designed chairs. Your patients will also thank you for it.