Dental Chairs

Choosing dental chairs shouldn't get you down in the mouth
By Harrison Howe Perhaps no piece of equipment is as crucial to a dentist as a dental chair. Technology for dental chairs has come a long way since the days when your dentist needed to raise and lower the chair by manually pumping a foot pedal. Memory foam upholstery, massage controls, hydraulics and double-articulating headrests are just a few modern options now available in many dental chairs for sale.

As manufacturers continue to design dental chairs and add options with patient comfort, ease of use and practicality for the dentist in mind, it has become more challenging to make a simple decision when it comes to choosing dental chairs.

Which dental chair you choose depends largely on your budget, treatment style and patient base. With many models and feature options available, there's a dental chair to suit each dentist's individual needs. If you're starting up a dental practice or remodeling your office, consider the following before selecting dental chairs:

1. Research dental chairs, dental chair makers and dealers before making a purchase.

2. Decide whether you need the most expensive dental chair with all the bells and whistles or a less expensive model.

3. Realize that used dental chairs are an option, providing a fully efficient and affordable alternative to new equipment.

Pick and choose, then call in the dental chair experts

There are a variety of older and newer manufacturers offering many different types and models of dental chairs. Decide on everything from ergonomic design to upholstery. You can deal directly with a manufacturer or find a dental equipment dealer near you.
Try:  Patterson Dental/Dentaire, a subsidiary of Patterson Dental, one of America's most trusted dental suppliers, sells dental chairs from a number of reputable manufacturers. Compare types and manufacturers of dental chairs at Dentalcompare. They offer a detailed description of a variety of makes and models. Contact a supplier such as KAB Dental, which offers a wide selection of dental chairs from most manufacturers.

Wow your patients with high-tech dental chair equipment

When it comes to dental chairs, you can choose the equivalent of a Cadillac or a Hyundai. Some dentists might prefer a relatively inexpensive, simple chair that performs the basic movements and has a standard headrest, but cutting edge dentists and their patients prefer more sophisticated models with features like unlimited programmable positioning and armrest-mounted operation touchpads.
Try:  A-dec Inc. is a leading technological innovator in dental chair manufacturing and offers streamlined chairs ideal for patient relaxation and ease of use. Belmont is a familiar name in the dental equipment manufacturing arena, as well, and features chairs designed with patient comfort in mind. If you're looking for experience, Pelton & Crane has been in the dental industry for over 100 years, and offers a wide range of high-end dentist chairs for sale, complete with features like massage and ergonomic design.

Consider used or leased dental chairs for your new dental office

Save some money by starting off with refurbished or used dental chairs. Leasing is a viable option over purchasing the equipment outright. Either way, choosing one of these less traditional options can help reduce your practice's startup costs.
Try:  Look for used or refurbished dental chairs at Independent Dental Inc. Turn to GCR Capital if you decide to lease rather than buy dental chairs.

• Dental equipment suppliers usually have a showroom displaying different types of dental chairs. Visit a local supplier and try out the dentist chairs yourself to note firsthand which one might work best for your practice.