How to Make Old Dental Chairs More Comfortable (for You and Your Patients)

Do Your Patients Complain About Your Chairs? Here’s How to Fix It Without Spending Thousands

Do you ever struggle to get your patients to lean back far enough so you can see what you’re doing? Do they fidget, squirm, or tell you your chair is “too hard” or “uncomfortable”?

If you’re working in a practice with older patient chairs—or mobile chairs—it’s not always possible to invest in brand-new equipment. I’ve worked with so many offices in this exact situation. The clinicians are doing their best to get perfect patient positioning, but the chair simply won’t allow it.

The Problem With Older Patient Chairs

Older chairs are often:

• Not fully adjustable – making it harder to position patients where you need them.

• Lacking lumbar and cervical support – leaving patients without proper head, neck, and low back support.

• Hard and uncomfortable – which means patients are more likely to complain or resist leaning back.

  
  

When patients aren’t comfortable, they move more, they don’t stay in the position you need, and your posture suffers as a result. This means more twisting, leaning, and working in awkward positions—leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain over time.

Why Comfort Matters for Clinicians

A chair that doesn’t support the patient isn’t just uncomfortable for them—it’s a problem for you.

When patients are properly supported, they:

✅ Lean back without complaint

✅ Stay still and cooperative during the procedure

✅ Allow you to work in a neutral, ergonomic posture

Better patient support means less strain on your own body, fewer repetitive injuries, and a more efficient appointment.

A Simple, Affordable Solution

The good news?

You don’t need to spend thousands on new chairs. By adding a supportive headrest or upgrading to a full chair overlay system, you can transform any chair—yes, even a mobile chair—into a more ergonomic and comfortable setup.

These cushions provide targeted support for the head, neck, lower back, and knees, making it easier to position patients exactly how you need them, while they remain relaxed and still.

✨Like I always say: “A comfortable patient is a compliant patient.”

Check out this quick video to see these in action:

Ready to Upgrade Your Chair Without Replacing It?

💡 Get 10% off any headrest with code CUSHION (limited time only)

💡 Or get a FREE headrest with the purchase of any full chair overlay pad or system!

Your body will thank you—and so will your patients!