The dental chair is the heart of every operatory, essential for patient comfort, safety, and efficient care. Knowing how to maintain your chair, detect issues early, and follow manufacturer guidelines can help prevent downtime and extend its lifespan.
This guide covers essential maintenance steps, repair considerations, and professional care practices that every dental team should follow.
Key Takeaways
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Clean, inspect and lubricate dental chairs regularly to keep them operating smoothly.
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Establish a preventive maintenance schedule to detect minor issues early and avoid costly repairs.
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Always use qualified service technicians for electrical or hydraulic repairs to ensure safety.
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Use OEM-quality parts to maintain equipment performance and extend lifespan.
Why Dental Chair Maintenance Matters
Dental chairs endure daily mechanical and electrical stress. Even minor issues, such as slow hydraulics or worn upholstery, can disturb your workflow or compromise infection control.
Routine maintenance not only reduces the likelihood of breakdowns but also:
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Extends the equipment’s service life.
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Prevents safety hazards from electrical or mechanical faults.
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Maintains patient comfort and positioning accuracy.
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Supports compliance with infection control protocols.
Common Dental Chair Issues and Their Causes
Detecting common equipment issues early can help prevent downtime and costly repairs. Hydraulic or motor failure often results from fluid leaks, worn seals, or motor burnout. When this occurs, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection and repair to prevent further damage.
If the chair is not moving or becomes stuck, the cause is usually electrical, such as a blown fuse, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning control switch. Start by checking the power source, and if the issue persists, contact a qualified service technician.
Noisy operation typically points to loose bolts, worn bearings, or insufficient lubrication within the chair’s moving parts. Regularly tightening connections and applying proper lubrication can restore smooth, quiet function.
Torn or cracked upholstery tends to develop from repeated use or exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals. Replacing it with durable, easy-to-clean materials not only maintains comfort but also preserves infection control standards.
Lastly, a non-responsive foot control is often due to cable wear or connector problems. Routine inspection of cables and switches helps identify faults early and ensures reliable performance during procedures.
Preventive Maintenance Checklist
A consistent preventive maintenance schedule helps identify wear before it turns into costly downtime. Below is a practical maintenance checklist for dental teams:
Daily
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Wipe chair surfaces with non-corrosive disinfectants.
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Check for leaks around the base and hydraulic lines.
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Ensure movement controls function smoothly.
Weekly
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Lubricate joints and moving parts (if manufacturer allows).
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Inspect handpiece hoses and electrical cords for damage.
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Use an evacuation system cleaner to clean filters and suction lines connected to the chair.
Monthly
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Test all safety features (auto-return, emergency stop).
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Inspect hydraulic fluids and refill if required.
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Examine upholstery seams for early wear.
When to Call a Professional Technician
Not every issue should be handled in-house. Electrical faults, hydraulic system leaks, or motor replacements should be left to qualified dental equipment specialists.
Professional service technicians can:
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Perform diagnostic testing to detect hidden faults.
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Calibrate chair movement and pressure systems.
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Replace OEM parts safely and correctly.
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Provide preventive maintenance reports for compliance.
Safco Dental Supply has partnered with UptimeServices to provide you on-site repair services, so you can minimize downtime and maximize your efficiency!
Extending the Life of Your Dental Chair
Simple habits can significantly improve the chair’s longevity:
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Train staff on proper chair usage and cleaning techniques.
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Avoid harsh chemicals that degrade upholstery and seals.
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Keep weight limits in mind to protect hydraulic components.
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Use a quality chair cover during long downtimes to protect it from dust.
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Record service dates to maintain a clear maintenance log.
Combining consistent care with professional servicing ensures your chair remains dependable and compliant for years.
When replacement parts are needed, it’s best to source manufacturer-approved or compatible components. Using off-brand or mismatched parts can affect safety and function.
Explore Safco Dental Supply’s diverse online catalog to pick the right supplies for your practice’s needs!
FAQs
How often should dental chairs be serviced?
Ideally, chairs should receive professional preventive maintenance every six months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Can dental staff perform basic maintenance?
Yes, tasks like daily cleaning, visual inspection, and lubrication can be safely handled by dental staff. More complex repairs and maintenance should be performed by qualified technicians.
What is the average lifespan of a dental chair?
With consistent care and maintenance, most chairs can last up to 10–15 years before a replacement is needed.
Where can I find replacement chair parts or repair services?
Through partnership with UptimeServices, Safco offers professional dental equipment repair services tailored to your needs. Contact our team for help diagnosing issues and finding the right solution for your chair.
