How to Choose the Best Dental Chair

Dental Chair Buying Guide

Choosing the right dental chair is a big decision. It’s the center of your operatory, affects how you work every day, and shapes your patient’s experience. Whether you’re looking at dental chairs for sale or trying to figure out the best dental chair for your budget, this guide walks you through what really matters.​ 

Comfort Comes First

A dental chair needs to be comfortable for everyone; your patients, you, and your team.

For your patients:

• Look for a chair with good cushioning and support.
• An adjustable headrest helps you position patients of all sizes, especially kids.
• Moveable armrests make it easier for patients to get in and out.

For you:

• You want to sit close enough to work comfortably without straining.
• A narrow backrest gives you better access during procedures.
• Mechanical positioning makes it easy to adjust while keeping your posture safe.

The right chair helps you stay comfortable and productive, plus keep your patient at ease. 

Think About Functionality

Today’s chairs offer more than basic up-and-down movement. When you’re ready to buy a dental chair, consider what features matter most. Look for:

• Easy-to-use controls, buttons, touchscreens, and foot pedals
• Programmable settings to save your favorite chair positions
• Smooth, reliable movement

Don’t get distracted by extra features you may never use. The most important thing is a chair that works every time you need it. A good chair should last at least 10 years. Before you buy, check reviews or ask other dentists about their experience.

How It Looks Matters Too

Patients notice your equipment. A clean, modern-looking chair builds trust from the moment they sit down. Luckily, most chairs let you choose colors, fabrics, and finishes to match your space.

If you’ve already invested in custom cabinetry, pick a chair that blends with your room design. Matching your dental chair with your cabinetry creates a professional, put-together look.

💡 Tip: Over time, chair upholstery wears out. Instead of replacing the whole chair, you can refresh it with an affordable dental chair upholstery kit.

Dental Chair Layout and Setup

Your chair doesn’t work alone. Think about how it fits with the rest of your operatory.

Some dental chairs for sale come in complete packages, with a mounted light, delivery system, and suction unit. These are easy to install because everything connects in one place.

Other dentists prefer more flexibility. You might want a free-standing chair with a cabinet-mounted delivery system or a ceiling-mounted light. This setup keeps tools out of sight, which can lower patient anxiety. It also gives you more open space around the chair.

If you plan to upgrade or customize later, buying the chair and equipment separately might make more sense. Careful planning helps you avoid costly changes down the road.

Looking for savings? Sometimes pairing a used dental chair with new equipment gives you the best balance of price and performance.

New vs. Used Dental Chair: What’s Better?

You can save 40–60% by buying a used dental chair, but not all used chairs are equal.

Avoid buying chairs that haven’t been refurbished. A good refurbished chair is fully disassembled, cleaned, updated with new tubing and parts, reupholstered, and repainted before being reassembled and tested.

When buying used:

• Make sure it comes with a warranty (at least 1 year from a reputable seller).
• Check what’s been replaced or repaired.
• Ask if you can add modern delivery systems or lighting.

A refurbished chair can work just as well as a new one, especially if you’re also upgrading your delivery system or lights.

Check the Warranty and Support

Before you commit, ask about:

• Warranty: New chairs usually come with a 5-year warranty. Used chairs should have at least 1 year, with options to extend.
• Service network: Does the seller offer local installation and repair? Will they provide phone or online support if you need help?

A warranty is only as good as the support behind it. Make sure help is available when you need it.

What About Dental Chair Cost?

Dental chair price varies a lot depending on brand, features, and whether it’s new or used.

Here’s a rough idea:

• New dental chair cost: $7,000 – $15,000
• Used dental chair cost: $3,000 – $8,000

Extra features (like built-in delivery systems, special upholstery, or integrated lights) will raise the price. But don’t buy more than you need. Focus on what supports your daily work.

And remember, your chair is a deductible business expense. Under current tax laws, you can deduct up to $1 million in equipment purchases in the same year.

Dental Chair FAQs

Hydraulic vs. Electromechanical - What’s the Difference?

Hydraulic chairs use pumps to move. They’re quieter and smoother. Electromechanical chairs use motors for each movement. They can be more precise but may be noisier.

Most dentists choose hydraulic because it feels smoother when raising and lowering patients.

Can One Chair Work for Left- and Right-Handed Dentists?

Yes. Look for a chair with a radius-mounted or swing-mounted delivery system. This lets you switch sides easily. Some cabinet-mounted delivery systems can also be set up for either left- or right-handed dentists.

Should I Buy a Dental Chair and Equipment Together?

It depends. A complete operatory package can save time and simplify installation. But buying the chair and equipment separately gives you more flexibility, especially if you’re working with custom cabinetry or planning to expand later.

If you’re already looking at dental chairs for sale, ask the seller if they offer bundle discounts or custom setups.

Final Thoughts

A dental chair is more than a piece of equipment, it’s where you care for your patients every day. Take the time to find a chair that fits your practice, your space, and your budget.

When comparing dental chair prices or deciding whether to buy a dental chair new or used, balance cost, comfort, function, and service. Don’t just focus on features. Look for a chair that will last and help you work well.

Need help choosing? DuraPro Health / Dental Planet can guide you through options and recommend the best dental chair for your setup.