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Parts of the dental chair
Also called: headrest, backrest, armrest, foot control
Headrest, backrest, seat, armrests, base and controls.
The chair has an adjustable headrest, a backrest that tilts, a seat and leg rest, armrests (often one lifts or swings out), a base that raises and lowers it, and controls on the chair or a foot pedal. Many chairs have preset buttons for seating, working and exit positions.
How to spot it
- The lifting armrest on the side the patient enters, and the control pad or foot switch.
What it is used for
- Adjust the headrest so the patient's head is supported and the clinician can see the arch being treated.
Safety and care
- Barrier the headrest and controls, or clean and disinfect them between patients.
Related
Sources: Boyd LD, Mallonee LF, Wyche CJ. Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, 14th ed. Jones & Bartlett, 2024, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)