b. The Dental Chair. The dental chair must offer complete support to the
patient in order to prevent fatigue. It must have a thin and narrow back to allow room
for the dental officer and assistant to perform procedures and also allow mobile
equipment to be placed nearby. It should also possess a low base that does not
interfere with leg room around the chair and should have dual controls for easy
adjustment. See figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2. Example of dental chair, light, and unit.
c. Operating Stools. Operating stools must be functional and not simply
objects to sit upon. The operating stool for the dental officer should have a broad base
for stability. See figure 4-3. It must be completely mobile for the dental officer to adjust
to a variety of patient sizes and restorative procedures. The operating stool must offer
good back and/or abdominal support. Similarly, the operating stool for the dental
specialist must have a broad base for stability and must be padded. It must also adjust
to a variety of patient sizes and restorative procedures. See figure 4-4.
MD0510
4-4