How to Choose the Best Dental Chair for Your Clinic?

Choosing the best dental chair for your clinic can sometimes be the toughest decision for almost all dentists. Being the centerpiece of your treatment area, the chair not only influences patient comfort or satisfaction but also affects your efficiency and ergonomics in the long run. With a wide availability of dental chairs online or offline, navigating the features and specifications can be quite daunting. In this blog, we explore different types of dental chairs and features that one should definitely inspect before buying to help create a welcoming and efficient environment that meets the needs of both your patients and practice.

What are the different types of dental chairs?

With advancing technology and the continuous addition of features, various types of dental chairs are available, each designed to accommodate a dentist’s needs and working abilities. Below are the different types of dental chairs that dentists can choose from based on their requirements.

Standard Dental Chair:

A dental chair is essential in every clinic, tailored to accommodate a wide spectrum of patients, from children to seniors. These chairs consist of basic functioning required during normal dental procedures like cleaning, restoring or extraction of the teeth. It has a cushioned seat and a backrest thus, very helpful during prolonged sitting. Most of the standard dental chairs also have adjustable reclining positions, making it less strenuous for a dentist to reach into a patient’s mouth, thereby improving the effectiveness of treatments.

Hydraulic dental chairs:

A hydraulic dental chair system is growing in popularity among a good number of dentists in modern practices. The hydraulic mechanism enables easy seat movement, which means a great height adjustment or back reclining position with a foot pedal or high-tech touch screen. Such a feature improves the ergonomics of the design for the dentist, and at the same time, provides a seamless experience for the patients during their appointments.

Electric Dental Chairs:

These types of dental chairs use electrical energy for their operation to position the dental seat according to various dental procedures. The control panel found near the tray area makes it easy for the dentist to alter the chair even in the course of adjusting a busy patient. Moreover, dentists are able to perform tasks such as emptying cuspidors, cleaning, glass refilling operations, and so on with just the press of a button while still focusing on the patient. Many electric chairs include multimedia-installed screens, built-in massagers, and heat options to enhance the comfort levels of patients.

Portable Dental Chairs:

As the title suggests, portable dental chairs are meant to be carried by a healthcare practitioner to areas lacking dental services. Such types of chairs are ideal for dental camp because they are light in weight and easy to use, safe and comfortable, and provide good support. Most of the recent designs also have movable headrests and arms for more convenience and comfort.

Exodontic Dental Chair:

The exodontic dental chair is specifically designed for oral surgeons to carry out surgical procedures and dental extractions. These chairs are equipped with advanced positioning capabilities that facilitate the requirements of surgical interventions.

 Importance of choosing the right dental chair:

A right dental is the core of a practice and it significantly impacts both patient satisfaction and clinical efficiency. It helps dentists to provide smooth, comfortable, anxiety-free, and hassle-free treatment to the patient ensuring a pleasant dental visit for them. The right dental chair provides comfort to the patient which helps a dentist to stand out from other dentists in the market.

Read Also: How to Create an SOP for Your Dental Clinic: A Practical Guide for Indian Dentists

It is a form of personalized branding in a dentist’s daily practice after his dental expertise and skills. Investing in a quality dental chair reflects a commitment to excellence, reinforcing the practice’s reputation and distinguishing it in a competitive market. Hence, the right dental chair can enhance the standard of care, foster patient loyalty, and help in the long-term success of any practice.

Key features to consider before buying a dental chair : 

Patient Comfort:

The main objectives of dental chairs include providing a place where patients can sit during a dental procedure. A well-designed dental seat will let the patient rest easily regardless of the treatment type thanks to the peculiar nature of the chair which comprises a soft yet firm helping seat. To provide relief, the chair must contain enough foam cushioning and head, and armrests which can be adjusted to the desired height, and the length and breadth must also accommodate all dissimilar body shapes and sizes. 

Ergonomics:

Ergonomics is crucial for dentists, as it directly impacts their comfort and efficiency. It should be noted that the dental chair must be adjustable to the required working height for both the patient and the dentist to enhance the working environment. Being able to modify the chair as needed helps reduce strain on the back and neck, ultimately enhancing the dentist’s productivity in their daily practice. 

Durability and Maintenance:

When purchasing a dental chair, durability and maintenance are key factors to consider, as it is a mandatory dental equipment used in various procedures. The chair should be constructed from robust materials to endure the demands of daily dental practice and should be rust-proof. Additionally, ease of maintenance is vital for minimizing cleaning time. Features like detachable and washable upholstery help ensure proper hygiene. In addition, replaceable and removable parts in a dental chair helps in cleaning and disinfection, thus lowering the chances of cross-infection. 

Functionality:

Modern dental chairs come equipped with advanced features that enhance usability for dentists, including various control panels, touchscreens, shadow–less lamps, foot control with high-pressure and low-pressure control along with separate air and water control, a separate assistant’s unit with suction, three-way syringe and light cure unit in addition to the one provided for the dentist’s side. Moreover, programmable seating controls allow for quick adjustments, while low-noise operation ensures minimal disruption, helping dentists to focus and keeping patients at ease during procedures. These features are important to be ticked- off when buying a dental chair.

Integration with New Technology:

As technology continues to advance rapidly, dental chairs need to accommodate modern equipment. Today’s chairs often feature touch panels, intraoral cameras, multimedia integration,  hands-free operation, and multi-port delivery systems that allow for the integration of new dental handpieces and other dental tools. Nowadays, chairs can seamlessly connect with the latest imaging technologies and provide high-definition diagnostic images right beside the dental chair, decreasing the dental procedure periods and enhancing the overall functionality of the dental practice. 

Accessories:

A dental chair should also have the capability to accommodate various accessories, such as glass holders, tissue dispensers, and utility trays. These features enhance convenience and efficiency, making daily dental practice smoother and more organized.

Brand Image:

When selecting a dental chair, it’s crucial to consider the brand’s reputation, including its history and the evolution of its products. Evaluate how efficient and advanced their chairs have become over time. Additionally, check the warranty offered, compare pricing with other brands, and explore the servicing options available to ensure the smooth operation of the chair. This thorough assessment can help you make a well-informed decision.

Budget:

Dentists must recognize that a dental chair represents a significant investment for their clinic and should be a top priority. However, it’s essential to establish a budget based on financial constraints. Ideally, the chair selected should offer the best combination of features at a competitive price, along with a solid warranty and reliable servicing options. One should realize that buying a chair with an approach of cheap or costly would not render a good dental practice in the long run but it’s the chair’s variety of features, ease of use, and durability that will help them to thrive in the practice. This approach ensures you make a wise investment without compromising on quality.

Best Dental Chairs Available in India

Choosing Between Online and Offline: Where to Buy Your Dental Chair?

Buying a dental chair offline allows dentists to test the chair for essential features and take it home right away, provided it’s in stock. However, this approach has its drawbacks, such as a limited selection, forcing dentists to settle for only a few options. Additionally, it can be time-consuming for practitioners to visit multiple locations, get a trustworthy dealer, and negotiate a price and warranty period to get the best and most affordable chair for their clinic.

On the other hand, well, there is another way of turning disadvantages into advantages. Why do you have to buy a dental chair in a land limited to its geographical boundaries and other restrictions, when you can do a simple search online, where the options are limitless? 

While dentists can’t physically test the chair being bought online beforehand, they can easily explore various options and compare features to find the perfect fit for their needs. Online shopping also provides the option of taking advantage of sales and discounts. Furthermore, dentists can conveniently assess their choices based on budget, features, and manufacturer warranties, all from the comfort of their clinic. Plus, the chair will be delivered directly to them, eliminating any concerns about transportation logistics.

Conclusion:

To conclude, purchasing a dental chair online or offline is a significant investment that shouldn’t be made impulsively. It requires careful thought and thorough research. Since a dental chair is essential for nearly every procedure in your practice, it’s crucial to conduct thorough checks and comparisons.

DentalKart stocks a comprehensive range of dental chairs online of high quality, designed with great features at low prices. Shopping for a dental chair online is not only straightforward but also hassle-free, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your patients.

With DentalKart handling your online dental equipment needs, you can prioritize delivering outstanding dental care without the burden of managing supplies. Experience stress-free shopping and find the perfect dental chair to elevate your practice today!