By Danielle 
Not all dental practices are the same, and neither are their equipment needs. From oral surgery to pediatric care, dental professionals in specialized settings require more than a one-size-fits-all solution. If your specialty practice purchases a general dental chair, you may learn an expensive lesson later if it lacks some of the features you need for your specialty procedures.
Choosing a dental chair with customizable options can make a meaningful difference in workflow, patient experience, and long-term return on investment (ROI). In this article, we’ll explore the features that are popular for a variety of specialties, and how to choose the right chair for your specialty practice.
Why Specialized Practices Need Custom Dental Chair Solutions
General dental chairs work well for most basic dental procedures, but specialist practices often need tailored features. From adapting to patients in wheelchairs to supporting lengthy surgical procedures, the right chair setup can enhance patient outcomes and practice efficiency.
H3. Special Needs and Ambulatory Care Dentistry
In special needs settings or ambulatory care centers, it’s important that the chair adapts to the patient–not the other way around. Chairs must move easily and allow for rotation, so that a patient using a wheelchair or gurney can be accommodated or transferred safely and comfortably. Features that support accessibility also allow for easier cleaning and may provide financial advantages due to ADA compliance incentives.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgeons usually need chairs that can support a wide range of procedures, often including IV sedation. Appropriate features include adjustable IV armrests, IV bag holders, and a comfortable seat for longer patient stays. Because oral surgeons often operate standing up, maximum chair height is also a consideration. Chairs with good stability and hydraulic controls can greatly improve workflow and reduce fatigue.
Periodontics, Endodontics, and Prosthodontics
These procedure-intensive specialties often involve complex appointments that require precision and sustained patient comfort. Whether performing root canals, placing dental implants, or adjusting full-mouth prosthetics, clinicians in these fields need chairs that provide good patient support and positioning. Features like memory foam upholstery and double-articulating headrests can significantly improve both clinical access and patient experience.
Pediatrics and Orthodontics
While pediatric and orthodontic practices may not require extensive chair customization, they do benefit from features like booster seat attachments and flexible headrests. A properly sized chair keeps younger patients comfortable and supported, helping reduce anxiety and improving procedural efficiency.
Top Customizable Features to Look for in Dental Chairs
When evaluating customizable dental chairs, it’s helpful to break down features into two core categories: those that support clinical operations and those that increase patient comfort.
Features That Support Clinical Operation:
- Adjustable headrests and armrests to support surgical or restorative procedures
- Swivel base and chair rotation for operatory flexibility
- Compatibility with other operatory equipment, including lights, trays, and monitors
- Booster seats or other adapters for pediatric care
- Built-in IV support equipment (armrests, bag holders)
- Narrow or wide backrests for clinician access
- High lift range to accommodate standing procedures and improve ergonomics
- Integration with software to provide maintenance alerts
Features That Enhance Patient Comfort:
- Memory foam seating
- Heat and massage options
- Soft, articulating headrests to improve positioning and reduce strain
- Silent hydraulic movements for a calming experience
- Arm sling options to cradle patients during longer procedures
- Seamless upholstery
How to Choose the Right Customizable Chair for Your Practice
Purchasing a new dental chair for any practice is a big investment. Before selecting a chair, it’s important to test out the features, review the warranty details, and discuss your questions and concerns with a knowledgeable DSX rep. Always ask your clinical team for feedback: they may have additional insights on the features that would be most helpful to have on a daily basis. When preparing to purchase a new chair, consider the following questions:
- How long are patients typically in the dental chair?
- What procedures do you most frequently perform, and how do they affect your staff’s ergonomic needs?
- Does your patient population require features like ADA accessibility or extra weight support?
- Will your team be sitting, standing, or both, to perform procedures?
Customizable Chairs from DENTALEZ
Forest from DENTALEZ offers a range of dental chairs to support specialty and general practices alike. Whether your focus is on surgical functionality, patient relaxation, or maximizing workflow efficiency, these chairs offer versatile features designed to meet your practice’s unique demands.
Forest 3800 Dental Chair
- Streamlined design with ergonomic functionality for general and specialty use
- Memory foam upholstery options
- Compatible with booster seat for pediatric care
- Heat and massage functionality for enhanced patient relaxation
- Affordable and customizable for many practice needs
Learn more about the Forest 3800.
Forest 3900 Dental Chair
- Ultraleather® upholstery with plush cushioning
- Thin, wide back design for maximum elbow support
- Swing-down locking armrests for easy patient entry
- Double-articulating pinch-style headrest
- Hydraulic cantilever system for smooth movement
- Emergency shut off and 30° swivel rotation with lock
- Seat height range: 17” to 29”
Learn more about the Forest 3900.
Forest 6400 Chair with Aeras® Intel
- Highest lift range in the industry (up to 36.5”), ideal for standing procedures
- Smart chair capabilities with Aeras® Intel monitoring system to track patient chair time and identify maintenance needs remotely
- Supports IV armrest, IV bag holders, and surgical applications
- Seamless upholstery available
- Rotational CareGlide feature allows easy access for special needs patients
- Accommodates patient weight up to 525 lbs. (650 lbs. total with delivery unit and light)
Learn more about the Forest 6400 Dental Chair.
Conclusion
In specialty dental practices, every detail matters–from ergonomics and accessibility to patient comfort and accessories. Customizing your dental chair can help you design the setup that will optimize your practice’s efficiency and the comfort of your patients. By choosing features that match your workflows and patient needs, you’ll extend the lifespan of your investment and improve the daily experience for both staff and patients.
If you’re exploring a new chair for your specialty dental practice, schedule a call with a DSX expert today. We’ll help you configure a chair that supports your goals, now and in the future.