The document discusses key considerations for selecting a dental chair, including stability, flexibility of the backrest for easy patient access, adjustability of the headrest, and ergonomic support and positioning of the patient. It recommends consulting an experienced dealer from A-dec, the world's most awarded dental chair manufacturer, to determine the best chair suited to an individual practice's needs. The dealer can provide a guide covering all equipment required to set up a surgery.

1. 126 Australasian Dental Practice March/April 2018
dental units | MARKETPLACE
T
he world’s most awarded dental chair
manufacturer, A-dec, has released a useful
practical guide to help dentists select
the chair which is best suited to their
individual needs.
Entitled: What to Look for When Buying
Dental Equipment, the handy booklet covers
all the equipment needed to set up a surgery
and is available free from all A-dec dealers.
The key considerations in patient chairs
are their quality, reliability and ergonomic functionality, which
cater to both the patient and operator. A-dec excels in this area
with A-dec chairs awarded best patient chairs for the past 15
years in America’s annual survey of dentists published in Den-
talTown magazine.
In this article are just some of the questions that practice staff
should consider when purchasing a new patient chair. They
should also consult an experienced A-dec Territory Manager or
authorised A-dec dealer to work out the type of chair and delivery
system best suited to their individual needs.
What to look for when
buying dental equipment By David Petrikas

2. March/April 2018 Australasian Dental Practice 127
dental units | MARKETPLACE
Q. How stable is the chair?
One overlooked area is stability and this comes down to the
basic construction of the chair - both its footprint, but more
importantly, the materials used in manufacture such as a heavy cast
iron base that has a narrower profile than aluminium and has a high
patientloadrating.Poorlydesignedchairsmoveifbumpedorduring
normal use which has adverse consequences for performing many
dental procedures.
Q. Does the backrest
flex for easy access?
Another key consideration is access to the patient. An ultra-
thin, sturdy backrest offers more legroom, allowing you
to position the oral cavity lower (and closer) to your lap. This
position lets you work with your forearms parallel to the floor,
minimising arm and shoulder strain. A thin, properly designed
backrest also absorbs pressure and supports the patient while
entering and exiting the chair.
Q. How does the chair move?
The lower you can position the chair the better, in order to
allow all members of the dental team to work comfortably
and ergonomically. Keep in mind that many chairs can go low,
but because many have thick upholstery, the dentist must raise the
chair in order to get under it which results in a poor work position.
Q. Can you easily position the headrest?
The headrest is important for patient positioning. You should
be able to easily reposition it by activating an adjustment
mechanism with your thumb and forefinger. A headrest that auto-
matically follows the motion of the patient when the chair back is
raised or lowered means more comfort for the patient and fewer
adjustments for the operator. Knob-style headrests, on the other
hand, are more difficult to adjust, especially when covered with a
plastic protection barrier.
Q. Does the chair cradle the patient?
Is the backrest ergonomically pressure mapped to achieve the
optimum shape and is there a simple hinge mechanism that
reclines the back, or a “virtual pivot” that allows the patient to
achieve the supine position without stretching or repositioning?
As you recline the patient, the toe-board should simultaneously
lift to elevate the patient’s legs in a cradling motion that automati-
cally rotates the patient to a comfortable position.
Q. Are the upholstery materials and
colours compatible with your decor?
Today, practices compete more than ever based on looks and
patient referrals, with “designer” surgeries preferred over
more traditional, dated practices.
Ensure the manufacturer offers a wide array of upholstery col-
ours and selections to match the look of your practice. Also ask
how long the replacement upholstery will be available.
For more information on A-dec chairs or a copy of the booklet, contact A-dec on 1800-225-010 or visit www.a-dec.com.