Introduction

Dentistry’s Guide to Dental Chairs comprehensively explores the multifaceted aspects of selecting a dental chair. It provides valuable insights into the diverse array of products available in the market and incorporates incisive input from seasoned dental professionals

A dental chair is fundamental to dentistry; quite simply, a dental practitioner cannot deliver care without one. It is a hub for patient treatment and one of the most substantial investments a dental practitioner will make in their career, serving as the central focus in every surgery. Arguably, it plays one of the most vital roles in enhancing the overall efficiency of every dental procedure. But the dental chair isn’t just crucial for safe and effective dental delivery; it shapes every patient’s perception of you and your practice.

Throughout history, the dental chair has been symbolic of dental fear and anxiety, and its appearance continues to have a significant influence. Once seated, a patient’s physical comfort remains paramount. Dental chairs are also an investment in excellence and cutting-edge technology. They serve as a gateway for your dental practice to optimise productivity, broaden treatment options, distinguish your services and pave the path toward increased profitability. Therefore, they assume a pivotal role in the dynamic landscape of UK dentistry. Selecting the right one holds significant weight and is a purchasing decision that should not be taken lightly.

Dental practitioners must carefully consider various factors to ensure the optimal choice for themselves, their team and their patients. It requires significant capital investment and a deep understanding of how the dental chair you choose will guarantee long-term comfort for everyone involved. Dentistry’s Guide to Dental Chairs comprehensively explores the multifaceted aspects of selecting a dental chair. It provides valuable insights into the diverse array of products available in the market and incorporates incisive input from seasoned dental professionals. As in all areas of dentistry, dental chair design is constantly shifting to raise the bar in achieving improved delivery and excellence in patient care.

Technological innovations, better awareness of the need for patient comfort and treatment confidence, new infection control measures, ergonomic considerations and broader integration with the digital landscape combine to drive the market. We have looked at these driving forces that coalesce to influence trends – including dynamic digital additions, improved functionality, greater comfort and enhanced aesthetic appeal – so we can offer you a comprehensive step-by-step guide to making the perfect dental chair purchase.

Overview

Dental chairs have evolved to become digitally driven, sleek treatment centres that prioritise patient comfort and user ergonomics in their design to enhance the overall dental experience to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction

Over the past few decades, the evolution of the dental chair has been marked by a notable transition – from simply a place where patients receive their dentistry to a sophisticated and comprehensive centre of high-end patient care and engagement. In the 1970s, dental chairs were primarily designed with functionality and accessibility in mind.

These chairs aimed to provide dentists with the tools and features necessary for effective dental procedures while ensuring patients could access the chair comfortably. The emphasis was on practicality rather than the overall patient experience. As technology advanced, the 1980s and 1990s saw electronic controls and ergonomic designs incorporated. Dental chairs became adjustable, allowing for easier positioning for the dental practitioner and accommodating a more comprehensive range of patients.

This period marked a shift toward making comfort a priority. By the 2000s, infection control measures grew in importance. The design of dental chairs began to integrate features that facilitated easy cleaning and disinfection to meet stringent healthcare standards. This era also witnessed the integration of digital technologies, such as intraoral cameras and digital radiography, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and treatment planning. The development of dental chairs in the UK has continued to prioritise patient comfort and technological integration. Modern dental chairs often feature ergonomic designs, noise reduction measures and improved upholstery for enhanced comfort.

The integration of digital technologies has expanded to include more advanced imaging options, chairside computer systems and communication tools for a more interactive and informative patient experience. The trajectory of dental chair development reflects a progression from functional and accessible designs to a more holistic approach. Other ideas dovetail with the basic principles of dental delivery to drive innovation. Dental chairs have evolved into sleek treatment centres that prioritise patient comfort and user ergonomics to help improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. As innovation meets practicality, the choice of dental chairs grows ever more diverse and tailored. Many of the advanced functional capabilities pair perfectly with the latest aesthetic trends, with an array of upholstery colour palettes to match any practice’s branding, creating a stunning focal point for every surgery.

These design advancements also help shape the future delivery of oral healthcare. So, let’s explore what is available in the UK and delve further into the features that are a priority for forward-thinking dental practitioners and their teams.

Brands and models of dental chairs

A vast range of dental chairs is available in the UK market to suit all pockets, patient bases and surgery sizes. Below, we list the key players shaping the market and highlight key considerations for practitioners’ choices. To navigate the vast landscape of dental chairs, let’s start by grouping them based on reputable brands and models.

By visiting manufacturers’ websites and delving into customer reviews, you can gain valuable insights into the quality of their products, their features and the level of customer service they provide. Searching for reputable dental chair manufacturers and suppliers can be crucial for quality equipment and customer satisfaction. While this list is not exhaustive, it is a valuable starting point for those exploring options.

A-Dec

A-dec dental equipment is renowned for reliability and quality. Most components that go into its dental equipment – everything from tubing to dental chair cylinders – are manufactured by A-dec. The company believes this is the secret to long-lasting, reliable equipment.

Smart ergonomics

A-dec dental equipment is designed with smart ergonomics to help reduce pain and strain while keeping everything needed at the user’s fingertips so they can work more comfortably and efficiently. From the thin backrest and headrest on the A-dec 500 dental chair to the precise manoeuvrability of the A-dec LED dental light, A-dec’s ergonomic dental equipment helps dental practitioners maintain good form and posture.

Full support

A-dec’s authorised dealers, dedicated Territory Managers, and customer service representatives are an integrated team that collaborates seamlessly to drive remarkable success. Together, they’ll assist in selecting the perfect equipment, provide training for its optimal use, and guide you towards enjoying years of thriving, hassle-free practice with enhanced health and productivity.

Seamless integration

A-dec’s seamless integration keeps your equipment where you and your assistant can quickly and comfortably access it. No more getting up during a procedure or taking your focus off the oral cavity – because having everything at your fingertips is a more efficient way to practise.

A-dec dental equipment: designed with asepsis in mind

When protecting your water supply, there’s no room for compromise. A-dec dental equipment is engineered with a focus on asepsis. Keeping waterlines pristine is the priority. A-dec understands the need to ensure that your equipment is as well protected as your patients. From the easily refillable A-dec water bottle to the pickup tube inside the bottle, our equipment is designed to significantly reduce exposure to cross-contamination and the build-up of harmful microbial growth.

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A-dec 200

A-dec 300

A-dec 500

A-dec 200

Ultra-soft start and stop hydraulic lift system provides ultra-quiet, smooth chair movements – a feature integrated to create a calm experience for your most dental-avoidant patients.

With flexible dexterity options with the A-dec 500 delivery system, you can have it all.

Everything about the A-dec 500 dental chair is designed to flex, form and adjust to your movements for all-day comfort and support.

A-dec 300

Ultra-soft start and stop hydraulic lift system provides ultra-quiet, smooth chair movements – a feature integrated to create a calm experience for your most dental-avoidant patients. With flexible dexterity options with the A-dec 500 delivery system, you can have it all.

Everything about the A-dec 500 dental chair is designed to flex, form and adjust to your movements for all-day comfort and support.

A-dec 500

Ultra-soft start and stop hydraulic lift system provides ultra-quiet, smooth chair movements – a feature integrated to create a calm experience for your most dental-avoidant patients. With flexible dexterity options with the A-dec 500 delivery system, you can have it all. Everything about the A-dec 500 dental chair is designed to flex, form and adjust to your movements for all-day comfort and support.

Delivery systems

500 delivery system – experience the next level Predictable, responsive and intuitive.

The A-dec 500 delivery system complements your every skilful movement so you can focus on what matters most – your patient.

• Choose from chair-mounted 12 o’clock, Traditional or Continental radius systems for a style that best fits your needs.
• Deluxe Plus touchpad minimises the extraneous and dynamically displays only what you need when you need it Your handpieces, ultrasonic instrument, curing light and intraoral camera are easily positioned and comfortably within reach.

When protecting your water supply, there’s no room for compromise. A-dec dental equipment is engineered with a focus on asepsis. Keeping waterlines pristine is the priority. A-dec understands the need to ensure that your equipment is as well protected as your patients. From the easily refillable A-dec water bottle to the pickup tube inside the bottle, our equipment is designed to significantly reduce exposure to cross-contamination and the build-up of harmful microbial growth.

When protecting your water supply, there’s no room for compromise. A-dec dental equipment is engineered with a focus on asepsis. Keeping waterlines pristine is the priority. A-dec understands the need to ensure that your equipment is as well protected as your patients. From the easily refillable A-dec water bottle to the pickup tube inside the bottle, our equipment is designed to significantly reduce exposure to cross-contamination and the build-up of harmful microbial growth.

“I think the Belmont Eurus is amazing. I have worked on many chairs, and Belmont ticks all the boxes. It is, after all, the most important piece of equipment and a place where I spend all of my day.”

Dimitri Mantazis

Dimitri Mantazis

When protecting your water supply, there’s no room for compromise. A-dec dental equipment is engineered with a focus on asepsis. Keeping waterlines pristine is the priority. A-dec understands the need to ensure that your equipment is as well protected as your patients. From the easily refillable A-dec water bottle to the pickup tube inside the bottle, our equipment is designed to significantly reduce exposure to cross-contamination and the build-up of harmful microbial growth.