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Dental chair
Also called: patient chair, operatory chair
The motorized chair that positions the patient for treatment.
The dental chair raises, lowers and tilts back so the patient's mouth is at a comfortable height for the clinician. Most dental work is done with the patient lying back in a supine position (nearly flat). Foot controls or touch pads move it, and many chairs have preset positions.
How to spot it
- A padded, reclining chair with a headrest, armrests and foot or touch controls.
- Usually attached to the delivery unit, operatory light and cuspidor or suction.
What it is used for
- Lower it and raise the armrest before the patient sits; tell the patient before you move it.
- Bring the patient back upright slowly at the end of the visit.
Safety and care
- Controls and headrest are clinical contact surfaces: cover them with barriers or clean and disinfect them between patients.
- Check that nothing (hoses, carts, people's feet) is under the chair before it moves.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), Dentalcare.com (Procter & Gamble) CE643: Four-Handed Dentistry (Basic Tenets; Zones of Activity; Instrument Transfer), Boyd LD, Mallonee LF, Wyche CJ. Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, 14th ed. Jones & Bartlett, 2024, Malamed SF. Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office, 8th ed. Elsevier, 2022