The Ergonomic Design of Dental Assistant Chairs
Companies such as A-Dec, Brewer, and Beaverstate design dental assistant chairs to alleviate discomfort and initiate muscular health while performing day-to-day procedures. How exactly do they design this comfort? Why do they choose the design elements for these chairs, and how should a dental assistant sit in these chairs to optimize their work?
Table 1: Comparison of Prices
| Stool Model | Collins Dental Price | Dental Planet Price |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy 2065 Assistant Stool by Galaxy | $431.00 | $459.68 |
| Galaxy 2025-R Assistant Stool by Galaxy | N/A | $605.25 |
| Denver Dental Assistant Saddle Stool | $815.00 | $834.10 |
| Virtu Dental Assistant Stool w/Back | $1,000.00 | $1,043.10 |
| Mirage Assistant Stool Model AS-1101 by TPC | N/A | $402.80 |
Table 2: Comparison of Features
| Stool Model | Seat Adjustments | Backrest | Footring | Arm Rest | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy 2065 Assistant Stool by Galaxy | 3-way | Body | Yes | Yes | High-resilience foam, powder coated |
| Galaxy 2025-R Assistant Stool by Galaxy | 4-way | Contoured | N/A | Yes | High resilience foam |
| Denver Dental Assistant Saddle Stool | Dual-level | Saddle | N/A | Yes | Closed cell foam, standard vinyl |
| Virtu Dental Assistant Stool w/Back | Active Tilt seating | Mesh | N/A | Yes | Mesh, fiber-reinforced frame |
| Mirage Assistant Stool Model AS-1101 by TPC | 6-way lumbar support | N/A | Yes | Yes | Firm upholstery foam |
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Although the topic of chairs may seem like a minor issue when handling patients, dental assistants have an essential job in the office to assist their primary dentists with tasks during procedures, checkups, and other assisting duties. Dental assistants must be able to be focused and on-hand at their dentist’s need, as chairside assisting plays a key role in the success of practice because it gives the patient awareness of how their care is being treated and helps initiate four-hand technique for detail-orientated treatments. For dental assistants, lots of preparations are needed for their dental assistant role and posture is one of the essential parts of any dental job.
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A dental assistant that leans into their patients during procedures will typically experience extreme amounts of strain along the lower and middle muscles of the back. Dental assistants who have years of experience in this field will tend to need an early retirement because of the strain assisting has on the body. For undergraduates, examinations for their careers involve posture correction to keep in line with specific dental protocols. When patients sit in a dental chair, their position within the chair should be between 60 and 90 degrees to give the dentist and dental assistant complete access. The feet should be flat along the ground, and if the chair sits too high, the chair should be adjusted using its levers to get close to the patient as needed.
When dentists and dental assistants don’t sit in proper positions, they become more at risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Dental assistant chairs in their design should accommodate these requirements as much as possible, including their backrests, levers, and seat cushioning. All aspects of dental assistant chairs are crucial to the practice’s success, even if they seem like a minor facet to the countless objectives dentists pays attention to when running their appointments.
To properly judge the quality of dental assistant chairs, these chairs should accommodate these features:
Proper Weight Distribution – The relationship between the backrest and the seat of an assistant chair must aid with synchronized movement during daily routine proceedings. Designs that feature backrests and seats need to contribute towards a neutral position. Thus, companies that produce materials such as seating foam and cushion gel tend to promote more comfort during seating.
Contoured Arm Rests – The armrest allows for the assistant to rest their arms while the dentist performs procedures. It keeps the arms at a steady level within the 60 to 90-degree range and should be seen as a guide for dental assistants when positioning themselves around the patient.
Lumbar Support – Lumbar support can play a part in how dental assistant positions themselves during procedures by affecting the middle parts of the back. Dental assistant chairs should cater to the spine’s natural curvature by either conforming to it or keeping a straight, consistent connection between the backrest and seat.
Adjustable Levers – Levers help determine the height the dental assistant needs to be to assist in treating the patient. Levers for adjustment should be at an easily accessible position from where the feet lay and not construct movement from the chair.
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1. Galaxy 2065 Assistant Stool
by Galaxy
Product Description
The Galaxy 2065 Assistant Stool offers essential support and ergonomic design for dental assistants, featuring the same comfortable seat as the Galaxy 2060 doctor stool. Built with high-resilience foam for long-lasting comfort, it’s perfect for long hours of work.
Product Overview
This stool includes a 3-way adjustable seat height ranging from 23” to 30”, allowing for customized positioning. It features a footring for a secure footrest, a body support arm for optimal positioning, and an optional ratcheting mechanism. The powder-coated base and light gray casters provide smooth, easy movement in any dental operatory.
Key Features
- Ergonomic seat design for extended comfort
- 3-way adjustable seat height: 23”–30”
- Optional ratcheting mechanism for customized positioning
- Body support arm for stability
- Footring for added foot support
- High-resilience foam cushioning
- Powder-coated base with light gray casters for easy mobility
Common Applications
- General dental operatory use
- Daily support for dental assistants
- Extended procedures requiring consistent seating comfort
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Galaxy 2065 Assistant Stool
Seat Height: Adjustable from 23” to 30”
Material: High-resilience foam
Optional Mechanism: Ratcheting available upon request
Base: Powder-coated with light gray casters
Body Support: Included
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Users appreciate the comfortable design and the smooth adjustability that allows for effortless movement. The footring and body support arm are frequently highlighted as valuable ergonomic features.
Customer Pricing
- Collins Dental Price: $431.00
- Dental Planet Price: $459.68
2. Galaxy 2025-R Assistant Stool
by Galaxy
Product Description
The Galaxy 2025-R Assistant Stool offers a blend of ergonomic design and enhanced features for improved support and comfort during dental procedures. With a three-point contoured backrest and a cutout seat design, it promotes better circulation and adaptability during long hours of use.
Product Overview
This stool includes an adjustable armrest for optimal positioning and features a 4-way adjustment system that allows for precise customization of seat tilt, seat height, backrest tilt, and backrest height. Constructed with high-resilience foam for the backrest and seat, the stool ensures exceptional comfort and durability. The seat height can be adjusted between 23” and 30”, and a ratcheting mechanism is available upon request.
Key Features
- Three-point contoured backrest for flexible support
- Cutout seat design enhances blood flow and circulation
- Adjustable armrest for added comfort and positioning
- 4-way adjustment: seat tilt, seat height, backrest tilt, and backrest height
- High-resilience foam for long-lasting comfort
- Optional ratcheting mechanism available upon request
- Seat height range: 23”–30”
Common Applications
- Dental assistant use during various dental procedures
- Daily operatory seating with enhanced ergonomic support
- Extended treatments requiring adaptable seating positions
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Galaxy 2025-R Assistant Stool
Seat Height: Adjustable from 23” to 30”
Material: High-resilience foam
Backrest: Three-point contoured
Seat Design: Cutout for improved circulation
Adjustment Mechanism: 4-way (seat tilt, seat height, backrest tilt, backrest height)
Optional Mechanism: Ratcheting available upon request
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Users praise the contoured backrest and cutout seat design for increased comfort and circulation during long procedures. The adjustable features allow for personalized seating, making it a popular choice in busy practices.
Customer Pricing
- Dental Planet Price: $605.25
3. Denver Dental Assistant Saddle
Stool by Crown Seating
Product Description
The Denver Dental Assistant Saddle Stool by Crown Seating is designed to promote healthy posture and all-day comfort. Its distinct saddle-shaped seat reduces pressure on the tailbone while enhancing balance and support during extended dental procedures.
Product Overview
This stool features a conformed, compact shape that maximizes reach and mobility for dental assistants. It includes dual-level adjustment for both height and tilt, allowing for personalized positioning. The stool is constructed with closed cell foam for premium cushioning and features a ratcheting arm for added ergonomic support. Standard vinyl upholstery ensures easy cleaning and maintenance.
Key Features
- Saddle-shaped seat design reduces tailbone pressure
- Promotes natural posture and balance
- Dual-level adjustment: height and tilt
- Closed cell foam for excellent cushioning
- Ratcheting arm adjustment for enhanced positioning
- Compact size for maximum reach during procedures
- Standard vinyl upholstery for easy cleaning
Common Applications
- Dental assistant seating during clinical procedures
- Long treatment sessions requiring ergonomic support
- Practices seeking enhanced comfort and mobility
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Denver Dental Assistant Saddle Stool
Model Number: C130A
Seat Design: Saddle-shaped
Adjustment Mechanism: Dual-level (height and tilt)
Cushioning: Closed cell foam
Upholstery: Standard vinyl
Manufacturer: Crown Seating
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Users love the stool’s saddle design for improved posture and comfort. Many highlight its compact size and ease of adjustment as essential features for daily use in the operatory.
Customer Pricing
- Collins Dental Price: $815.00
- Dental Planet Price: $834.10
4. Virtu Dental Assistant Stool
w/Back by Crown Seating
Product Description
The Virtu Dental Assistant Stool by Crown Seating combines cutting-edge ergonomic design with innovative materials to enhance support and comfort. Featuring a mesh backrest and fiber-reinforced frame, it offers dynamic support that moves with the body while providing a cool and comfortable seating experience.
Product Overview
This stool integrates Crown’s patented ZenWave technology, allowing smooth, pressure-free movement that aligns the body naturally. Its Active Tilt seating plate pivots to maintain posture and promote proper alignment. The free-flowing mesh backrest and expanded seat provide comprehensive support to alleviate back and leg strain, improving circulation. With an adjustable height range from 24.5” to 31”, this stool ensures optimal positioning for any dental assistant.
Key Features
- Mesh backrest with fiber-reinforced frame for dynamic support
- ZenWave technology for effortless, balanced movement
- Active Tilt seating plate encourages natural body alignment
- Free-flowing backrest and expanded seat for full support
- Mesh design enhances airflow to keep users cool
- Adjustable height range: 24.5”–31”
Common Applications
- Daily use by dental assistants in clinical settings
- Long procedures requiring adaptive, ergonomic support
- Practices seeking high-performance, breathable seating
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Virtu Dental Assistant Stool w/Back
Backrest: Mesh with fiber-reinforced frame
Seat Design: Free-flowing and expanded
Technology: ZenWave and Active Tilt
Height Adjustment: 24.5” to 31”
Upholstery: Mesh and vinyl components
Manufacturer: Crown Seating
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Users appreciate the stool’s mesh backrest for its breathability and dynamic support. The ZenWave and Active Tilt features are frequently praised for promoting proper posture and reducing fatigue during long procedures.
5. Mirage Assistant Stool
Model AS-1101 by TPC
Product Description
The Mirage Assistant Stool Model AS-1101 by TPC offers practical comfort and versatility for dental assistants. Featuring firm upholstery foam and a sturdy five-leg base, it ensures stability and support throughout the workday.
Product Overview
With a six-way lumbar support system, this stool allows height, back, and seat adjustments for easy positioning during chairside assistance. An adjustable foot ring promotes proper foot placement, while smooth-rolling casters make it easy to move on carpet and tile. The adjustable armrest can be positioned for right or left use, adding to its overall versatility.
Key Features
- Six-way lumbar support for customized comfort
- Height, back, and seat adjustments for optimal positioning
- Firm upholstery foam for long-lasting support
- Five-leg base (24” diameter) for enhanced stability
- Adjustable foot ring for secure foot placement
- Armrest adjustable for right or left use
- Casters designed for easy movement on carpet and tile
Common Applications
- Dental assistant seating during clinical procedures
- Operatories requiring versatile and mobile seating
- Daily dental tasks needing ergonomic support
Technical Specifications
Product Name: Mirage Assistant Stool Model AS-1101
Base Diameter: 24” (five-leg)
Lumbar Support: Six-way adjustable
Seat Adjustments: Height, back, and seat
Foot Ring: Adjustable
Upholstery: Firm foam
Casters: Suitable for carpet and tile
Armrest: Adjustable (right or left)
Manufacturer: TPC
Customer Ratings
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (Based on verified reviews)
Customer Feedback
Users value the stool’s adjustability and smooth-rolling casters for easy mobility. The six-way lumbar support is frequently highlighted as a key feature for long-term comfort and positioning.
Customer Pricing
- Dental Planet Price: $402.80
