What are the most common types of dental chairs?

Table of Contents

More Posts

Send Us A Message

Share:

Have you ever wondered which dental chair suits your clinic best, but found the options overwhelming or unclear? With so many models claiming ergonomic superiority, advanced features, or bariatric support, it’s easy to get lost in technical jargon and marketing fluff.

This article breaks down the most common types of dental chairs—portable, pediatric, bariatric, and other dental chair models—so you can make informed decisions based on real-world functionality, patient needs, and procurement priorities.

For expert dental equipment supplier guidance, premium dental chair solutions, or a dental clinic for sale in Dubai, reach out to Skyline Med dental supply store—your trusted partner in clinical equipment excellence.

Find the Perfect Dental Chair for Your Clinic in Dubai!

Whether you’re looking for ergonomic comfort, advanced hygiene systems, or integrated surgical features, Skyline Med has the right KaVo dental chair to elevate your practice.

What Is A Dental Chair?

A dental chair unit is the primary piece of equipment and the workstation in a dental clinic, designed to help dentists perform dental treatments while ensuring patient safety and comfort during dental procedures.

The dental unit is a complicated piece of equipment that houses many components, such as the dental delivery system that holds the dentist’s instruments (e.g., drill and scaler) and keeps them within reach, the dental light, and the dental assistant’s instrument tray, which carries dental instruments and other usable tools (cotton pliers, or mouth mirror).

Another component of a dental chair is the foot control, which allows the dentist to adjust the chair’s height and tilt or the light temperature without touching any surface, thereby enhancing infection control and minimizing the risk of contamination.

Below are the main components of a dental chair:

  • The dental unit’s seat: Where the patient sits or lies. It should be comfortable and supportive.
  • The backrest: Supports the patient’s back and neck during dental treatments.
  • Armrests: They provide support for the patient’s arms and can be removable in some dental chair models.
  • The footrest: Allows patients to relax their legs and maintain a comfortable position.

Controls: The dental chair is usually equipped with control buttons or pedals that enable the dentist to adjust the chair and position the patient in the optimal posture.

Best-Selling Dental Chair's in the UAE:

8 of the most common Types Of Dental Chairs

Dental chairs vary extensively in design and purpose, ranging from pediatric dental chairs for children 10 years old and below to portable dental units that help dentists reach underserved areas or elderly people who cannot visit a regular dental clinic.

Other dental chair models include ceiling-mounted units, which free up much floor space, making them ideal for smaller clinics; electric chairs, driven by electric motors; and many other models.

Here is a list of the most common dental chair models:

  1. Pediatric dental chairs: For young patients up to 10 years of age.
  2. Portable dental chairs: For mobile clinics and hard-to-reach areas.
  3. Ceiling-mounted dental chairs are ideal for smaller clinics that have little free space.
  4. Electric dental chairs: For clinics that need precision and memory-saved positions.
  5. Bariatric dental chairs: For clinics working with overweight patients.
  6. Hydraulic dental chairs: They are ideal for general dentistry or clinics on a budget.
  7. Oral surgery dental chairs: Perfect for tooth extractions, dental implants, and other oral surgery operations.
  8. Orthodontic dental chairs: For clinics that require a chair that allows for patient comfort and excellent visibility.

1- Pediatric Dental Chair

A pediatric dental chair is a specialized, kid-friendly dental unit tailored for children between 3 and 10 years old. It ensures secure and comfortable positioning during dental procedures through its adjustable and foldable design.

These dental chairs typically feature bright colored, playful designs, reducing anxiety and elevating the dental treatment experience. Investing in pediatric chairs enhances treatment efficiency and promotes the reputation of pediatric dental clinics.

Pediatric dental chairs deliver measurable benefits for both dental clinics and families.

For Clinics:

  • Boosts workflow and dental treatment precision.
  • Enhances the professional image of the clinic.
  • The practice supports various services, including hygiene, orthodontics, and surgery.
  • Encourages preventive care and patient engagement.

For Parents:

  • It reduces anxiety with a playful design and a relaxing environment.
  • Improves cooperation and emotional comfort.
  • Offers safety features for extra security and stability.
  • Builds positive dental habits for children and trust in care.

A pilot study in 2024 found that pediatric dental chairs led to a 32% reduction in patient anxiety and a 27% improvement in treatment efficiency among children aged 4 – 10.

2- Portable Dental Chairs

A portable dental chair is a lightweight, transferable dental unit tailored to support dental procedures outside traditional clinics, such as in homes, mobile clinics, or remote areas.

These chairs typically include adjustable backrests (from 90° upright to 180° flat), swiveling headrests, and height adjustability ranging from 450 mm to 650 mm, guaranteeing flexibility and patient comfort.

Unlike standard dental chair models from well-known brandslike KaVo, Silverfox, Anthos, and Chirana, portable dental units emphasize mobility and cost-effectiveness. This makes them ideal for buyers seeking affordable dental chairs or pre-owned dental chairs for sale in stores with budget-conscious or infrastructure-limited settings.

Typically, portable dental chairs integrated features include LED lighting, spittoons, and dental handpiece connectors. This design, often with carry bags or wheels, enables quick setup and efficient transportation, making these dental units ideal for professional dental care regardless of the location, such as mobile dental clinics that travel to rural or underserved communities.

Mobile dental programs using portable chairs increased access to care by up to 40% in underserved populations, including rural schools, elder care facilities, and homeless shelters, according to a Dentistry Journal, MDPI research in 2019.

Ceiling-Mounted Dental Chairs

A ceiling-mounted dental chair is a modern treatment system that carries the main dental chair components, such as the dental motor, LED operating light, and the monitor, onto an overhead ceiling unit instead of being attached directly to the chair itself. This layout frees up to 30–40% of floor space, creating a cleaner and more accessible operatory for both patients and the dental professional.

Ergonomically, this design minimizes neck and back strain, elevating the practitioner’s line of sight. Additionally, the LED operating light often illuminates at 30,000–50,000 lux with controlled color temperatures between 3,000 K and 5,500 K, reducing eye strain and enhancing clinical precision.

Key features include:

  • Space Efficiency: Overhead mounting saves more floor space for more effortless movement and a cleaner layout.
  • Ergonomic Support: The chair reclines between 90° and 180°, and features a tiltable headrest, providing extra patient comfort.
  • Flexible Design: Dental instruments and monitors are mounted on articulated arms (70–150 cm reach) for precise positioning.
  • Workflow Optimization: Digital consoles with preset configurations facilitate adjustability and improve procedural efficiency.

4- Electric Dental Chair

An electric dental chair is a modern, motor-driven dental unit designed to help the dentist optimize the height, tilt, backrest, and headrest of the dental chair, and other equipment (such as the adjustable armrests) precisely and smoothly without affecting workflow, reducing musculoskeletal strain for the practitioner, and allowing the patient to lie comfortably.

Electric dental units typically feature a foot pedal or handheld control, such as a touchpad, which enables the dentist to control electrical power to dental tools, like scalers or drills, streamlining workflow and supporting aseptic metrics.

Some electric dental units may feature memory presets, enabling the dentist to recall any preferred position (e.g., entry or exit positions, surgical position, child position, and positions for elderly and disabled people), saving time and improving dental treatment efficiency.

This motorized precision supports a variety of procedures – from routine cleanings to advanced surgeries, such as root canal treatment and dental implant surgery. 

5- Bariatric Dental Chairs

A bariatric dental chair is a purpose-built dental unit commonly used in hospitals and dental clinics, tailored for overweight patients, typically bearing up to 1000 lbs or 454 kg.

This dental chair contains heavy-duty frames, such as stainless steel 410S, ensuring durability and ease of fabrication, or heavy-duty aluminum (e.g., aluminum alloy). Moreover, bariatric dental chairs feature wider seats (800 mm or 31.4 inches) and the ability to endure much higher weights than standard dental chairs, which typically have a weight limit of 140 kg only, offering a safer and more stable treatment for bariatric patients and enabling the practitioner to operate without the risk of equipment failure.

Here is a breakdown of the bariatric dental chair key features:

  • Wider seats and extra cushioning ensure comfort for overweight patients.
  • Durable materials and rust-resistant components support heavy weight and daily use.
  • Customizable backrests, headrests, armrests, and legrests improve positioning, promoting relaxation and ease of access during procedures.
  • Slip-resistant surfaces, safety belts, and gripable armrests ensure secure patient movement.

6- Hydraulic dental chairs

A hydraulic dental chair operates using pressurized fluid (hydraulic oil) to adjust the dental chair’s height, typically between 450mm and 800mm (17.7 and 31.4 inches), backrest angle from 180 degrees (fully reclined) to 90 degrees (upright), and headrest with a tilt angle up to 45 degrees.

The hydraulic oil system of the dental chair includes a hydraulic pump with a flow rate of 0.5 to 1.5 L/min, control valves, cylinders, and a reservoir, enabling the dental professional to position the patient precisely and comfortably, typically taking almost 5 seconds to raise the hydraulic dental chair from the lowest to the highest position.

Below are the key benefits of the hydraulic dental chair:

  • Hydraulic dental chairs help reduce patients’ anxiety and enhance comfort throughout dental procedures due to their smooth and quiet movements.
  • Hydraulic dental units reduce the risk of failure and enhance overall performance due to their robust mechanical system, which incorporates minimal electronic components.
  • These dental chairs promote ease of use thanks to their integrated intuitive and straightforward adjustment controls.
  • They elevate patients’ comfort and the dentist’s ergonomic posture by allowing for a wide range of motion and flexible positioning.

7- Oral Surgery Dental Chairs

An oral surgery dental chair is a specialized dental unit designed to enhance precision, safety, and comfort during dental procedures. These chairs feature advanced technology, such as surgical lights and magnification systems, improving the visibility of the oral cavity during dental treatments.

Additionally, oral surgery dental chairs support fluid management using integrated water and suction systems, enhancing irrigation and hygiene during dental procedures.

The extended adjustability of these dental units, including a height range of 53 cm (21 inches) to 94 cm (37 inches), allows dental professionals to customize the dental chair to suit patients’ sizes and surgical needs.

The elevated safety and comfort of the oral surgery dental chair, with its powder-coated seat base and scratch-resistant aluminum alloy frame, allow for future upgrades and long-term durability while ensuring patient safety and relaxation throughout dental treatments.

Here are the key benefits of oral surgery dental chairs:

  • The integrated digital imaging, radiography, and intraoral cameras of the oral surgery dental unit provide accurate diagnosis and real-time visuals, enhancing surgical precision.
  • The ergonomic design of the dental chair, including a padded seat and a robust frame, helps patients remain relaxed during extended procedures, minimizing anxiety and discomfort.
  • These chairs’ safety controls, such as an emergency stop button, and the patient restrains (e.g., nylon webbing or polyester seatbelts), provide a secure and safe dental clinic treatment.

8- Orthodontic Dental Chairs

Orthodontic dental chairs are designed to meet the unique demands of orthodontic procedures, such as brace placements and corrective treatments. As orthodontic care became increasingly precise, the demand for dental chairs that combine comfort, flexibility, and digital compatibility continued to rise. The demand for orthodontic dental units is reflected in the global market, which is expected to grow to 2 billion USD by 2033, driven by a projected 6.5% CAGR from 2026 to 2033, highlighting the rising global demand.

The ergonomic design of these dental chairs includes multiple adjustable settings, such as a seat height that can be raised to 95 cm (37 inches) and removable armrests to facilitate getting into and out of the dental chair. These dental chairs’ features enhance patient comfort and practitioner posture.

Here is a breakdown of orthodontic dental chair benefits:

  • Padded upholstery and ergonomic contours help patients stay relaxed and supported during extended orthodontic sessions.
  • The adjustable height, tilt, and orientation of the dental chair enable orthodontists to position patients precisely, making it easier to access different areas of the mouth (e.g., oral cavity).
  • The dental unit’s instrument holders reduce setup time and keep tools within reach, helping procedures run smoothly.
  • The orthodontic dental chair is compatible with digital imaging systems, LED lighting, and CAD/CAM tools, improving treatment accuracy and minimizing manual adjustments.
Dentists in Dubai, Upgrade Your Practice Today!

Skyline Med offers every type of dental handpiece under one roof, ensuring top quality and trusted brands (Kavo, CoXo, NAK) for your clinic.

Buying A Dental Chair In The UAE: Key Factors to Consider and Guided Tips

Choosing the right dental chair that suits your clinic’s needs, such as functionality, ergonomic support for healthy and comfort treatment, workflow efficiency, space and layout compatibility, durability s, and budget, is a crucial decision that not only affects your dental clinic’s long-term performance and treatment efficiency but also influences patient comfort and the dental staff’s posture, workflow, and overall satisfaction.

Here is a list of key considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Prioritize ergonomic features, such as customizable seat height (typically 35-95 cm), a reclining backrest (often between 0° and 90°), and movable or removable armrests for easy entry, exit, and positioning, all of which enhance both patient and practitioner comfort during dental treatments. 
  2. Look for memory foam cushioning that adapts to the patient’s body to reduce back and neck strain, even during longer procedures, as well as a dental stool that can tilt forward between 10-15°, swivel 360°, and has an optional foot ring to support a healthy posture and facilitate movement for the dentist.
  3. Opt for a durable dental unit built from robust materials, such as medical-grade aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or reinforced polymers, to ensure stability, longevity, and reduced maintenance costs.
  4. Select upholstery materials that elevate infection control – vinyl, PU leather, silicone leather, and ultraleather each offer higher levels of hygiene, reduced contamination, and disinfectant resistance.
  5. Evaluate the dental chair’s total value beyond its initial price by considering integrated features, such as programmable memory settings, touchless controls, and a customizable control panel.
  6. Ensure strong after-sales support, including technical assistance, scheduled maintenance, and warranty coverage to minimize downtime and enhance workflow. Choosing a reliable dental equipment supplier with responsive customer service and transparent pricing helps you avoid hidden costs and guarantees long-term satisfaction.

Conclusion

Modern dental chairs are more than seating—they’re precision-engineered systems designed to enhance clinical efficiency, patient comfort, and infection control. From ergonomic foot controls to adjustable lighting and seamless integration with advanced equipment, each component plays a vital role in elevating the dental experience.

For clinics seeking reliable upgrades or turnkey setups, Skyline Med offers expert guidance, premium dental chair solutions, and even opportunities to acquire a dental clinic for sale in the UAE. Contact us at Skyline Med to ensure your practice is equipped for excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the technical name for a dental chair?

The technical name for a dental chair is dental unit or dental treatment center.

What are the cheapest dental chairs to buy?

One of the cheapest dental chairs to buy is SILVERFOX Dental Unit 8000B-CRS0

Renowned for its high cost-performance ratio, it is a favorite in mid-range markets. The brand is known for its durability and ergonomic designs, all at a fraction of the cost of other brands.

The Author’s Profile

  • Name: Malik Abu Shamaa

  • Profession: Biomedical Engineer

  • Experience: 7 years 

  • Expertise: Certified KaVo Expert

Equip Your Clinic with Trusted Devices

Recommended Products from Skyline