How to Choose Medical and Dental Chairs and Stools for Your Practice
Explore our comprehensive guide to choosing the right dental chairs, medical chairs and clinical stools below. The use case for each model described in this guide is for information purposes only. Call us now for more information on our dentist chairs and medical seating.
Why Clinical Seating and Posture Matters
Choosing the right dental chair or medical chair isn't just about finding something comfortable. It's about preventing long-term injury, improving performance and ensuring you're in the best possible position to preserve your health.
Poor quality clinical seats and stools contribute to back pain, shoulder strain, and repetitive stress injuries (RSI) that affect thousands of healthcare professionals every year in the UK.
With over 70 years of manufacturing dental and medical seating, Murray Equipment is well placed to offer advice on choosing the right seating for your needs. This guide explains the key features to consider when selecting seating for dental or medical environments, helping you make an informed decision that will benefit your health and productivity for years to come.
Need advice or a quote for medical seating?
Why Choose Murray Equipment?
NHS Trusted Supplier
Direct supplier to NHS trusts across the UK
Made in the UK
Hand-crafted at our Chichester factory
ISO 9001 Certified
Quality management systems you can trust
5 Year Guarantee
Complete confidence in every chair
Best Medical Seating for Specific Roles
Dental Seating
- Forward tilt capability for patient access
- Low back rest for mobility
- Restraint castors for stability
Surgical Seating
- High cylinder with foot ring
- Restraint castors
- Adjustable back rest for freedom of movement
GP Seating
- High back rest for consultation comfort
- Standard height range
- Smooth mobility castors
Laboratory Seating
- Height adjustment for bench work
- Back support for extended sitting
- Easy-clean materials for chemical resistance
Medical Seating Features to Look For
Height Adjustment Options
- Best for: General dental work, consultation rooms, laboratory use
- Best for: Surgical procedures, tall operators, elevated workstations
- Note: Includes adjustable foot ring for proper leg support
- Best for: Paediatric work, low examination tables
Foot Height Control
Proper foot support is essential for maintaining good posture during extended procedures. They can adjust the height range of seats via the foot, instead of a hand level.
These optional extras are available in our seating products, which can:
- Enable height adjustments to suit individual practitioners
- Provide stable support during precise work
- Reduce leg fatigue during long procedures
Foot height controls can be fitted as standard on all models.
Seat Tilt Facility
Our dental stools and medical chairs come with dynamic tilting seat pads which enable optimal pelvic movement and positioning, helping to promote a good natural spinal position.
On all our models (with the exception of the SGEM-GT) the back rest and seat pad can be independently adjusted and used in a locked or free floating position.
Forward tilt benefits:
- Opens hip angle for better circulation
- Reduces lumbar spine pressure
- Improves access to work area
Backward tilt benefits:
- Relaxed positioning for consultation
- Reduced back muscle tension
Back Rest Options
Choose the right back support for your working style and clinical needs.
Back Rest Height Adjustment
This is raised and lowered manually to achieve the correct lumbar support position, before being locked into place.
Use a high back rest for long procedures, administrative work and consultations to achieve the best possible spinal support.
Consider a lower back rest for active procedures requiring more mobility to enjoy more freedom of movement.
Back Rest Rake Adjustment
This spring-loaded adjustable feature which moves with and supports the operative as they move back and forth. Alternatively, this can be locked into position. The customisable angle adjustment allows clinicians to find their optimal back support position without manually reconfiguring everything.
Base Configuration
Material & Hygiene Features
- Impregnated with antibacterial agents during manufacture
- Prevents bacterial growth and infection risk
- Meets NHS infection control standards
- Wipe-clean surface
- Breathable materials
- Latex-free
Restraint Locking Castors
These act on vinyl flooring in a similar way to a normal free-wheeling castor would act on a carpeted floor.
All our stools / chairs are fitted as standard with Restraint Castors or Static feet.
However, we have a full range of locking castors.
What Seating Do We Recommend?
Not sure which features you need? Our seating experts can visit your practice to assess your requirements and recommend the optimal product or products for your environment, daily procedures, workspace layout, and any underlying pain points or comfort issues.
Whether you're after a dental operator chair, exam chairs for a consultation room, or a full set of clinical stools, we can help you choose the best fit.
