The treatment centre sits at the heart of every surgery, influencing everything from clinical workflows and ergonomics to patient comfort and confidence, making it one of the most important investments a practice can make.
But the treatment centre must also support and empower the clinician. Choosing a new centre requires considerable decision-making, balancing cost, effectiveness, accessibility and practicality. It must also meet a high standard for the patient to ensure a more agreeable experience. For those looking to upgrade or install a new treatment centre, the following considerations can help with your decision-making.
Time to upgrade
Firstly, choosing whether to replace or repair a dysfunctional treatment centre depends on the severity of the issue – a minor fault can be easily fixed but frequent breakdowns can lead to costly repairs, appointment delays and potentially lost revenue. In this case, upgrading your treatment centre is worth the investment, especially if it features sophisticated technology and an improved design to level-up the clinical workflow.
Patient comfort
A patient will spend most of their dental appointment sitting in the treatment centre, so a new one should meet a high standard of comfort. Reduced pressure points, a toe board tilt and adjustable arm rests put patients at ease when reclined or upright, ensuring a satisfying experience for both short appointments and longer treatments. Smooth movement controls allow patients to relax too, as opposed to sudden movements or jarring adjustments. Elsewhere, a digital screen connected to the treatment centre shows the patient that they are in a technologically forward-thinking practice, therefore improving their confidence in the clinician.
Excellent ergonomics
Whilst the patient is positioned comfortably, so too must the clinician be. The design of the treatment centre must enable an easy integration within your workflow whilst the ergonomics of the appliance are crucial for improving posture and supporting a consistent experience. 68-100% of dental professionals are affected by musculoskeletal disorders, particularly the lower back, shoulders, and neck, with working posture playing a role in influencing the risk of such disorders.[i] The treatment centre should therefore support you in an upright position. For instance, a dual articulating headrest with multiple adjustment points provides access to the patient’s oral cavity from any angle, whilst a thin flexible back enables your knees to stay underneath the headrest. This minimises the need to lean or stretch when assessing the patient, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders that develop from awkward posture and repetitive movements.[ii]
Image is everything
Cutting-edge equipment elevates practice image and improves treatment outcomes.[iii] The integration of a new treatment centre sharpens the aesthetic appeal of the practice – it is a symbol of modernity that won’t go unnoticed by patients. Well-designed treatment centres that appear sleek and comfortable communicate a high standard of patient care. Aligning the colour of the treatment centre with the surrounding environment further creates a cohesive setting that patients can relax in, especially as the centre is often the first thing noticed when entering the treatment room.
Expanded capabilities
Upgrading your treatment centre is an excellent opportunity to assess the clinical treatments you most consistently deliver, and how they can be better supported with the right technology. The addition of intuitive touchscreens and flexible systems allows you to perform a range of procedures that streamline the workflow and reduce chairside clutter. For instance, if you offer advanced endodontic treatment then having the assistance of the screen simplifies the process, offering rotary and reciprocating modes or even apex locator support. Being able to easily switch between treatment settings throughout the day provides a smoother, easier, and more predictable workflow.
Ongoing support
A treatment centre’s performance is dependent on regular maintenance and servicing. If overlooked, breakdowns and inefficiencies can occur, leading to delays and patient dissatisfaction. As treatment centres are a notable investment that are essential for practice functionality, it is important to keep them performing to the highest quality. When choosing one, consider the included warranty and the support you will receive – will it be a reliable service?
The A-dec 500 Pro treatment centre is a state-of-the-art option for clinicians looking for legendary reliability, quality outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, and is delivered, installed and serviced by the experienced team at Clark Dental. Featuring adaptable presets, a comfortable design and intelligent control, the A-dec 500 Pro supports precision and efficiency. Continual assistance from the Clark Dental team plus a 10-year warranty ensures a seamless integration and long-lasting outcomes.
A new dental treatment centre transforms the practice by enhancing both the patient experience and your clinical capabilities. As a large investment, factoring in comfort, ergonomics, cost and ongoing support can help you find the treatment centre best suited to your practice.
For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk
Author: Stuart Clark, Managing Director at Clark Dental
[i] Holzgreve, F., Preuß, J., Erbe, C., Betz, W., Wanke, E.M., Gerhard Oremek, Doerthe Brueggmann, Nienhaus, A., Groneberg, D.A., Maurer-Grubinger, C. and Ohlendorf, D. (2025). The Role of Chair Design in Dental Ergonomics: A Kinematic Assessment of Movement and Ergonomic Risk. Bioengineering, [online] 12(4), pp.353–353. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040353.
[ii] Kumar, M., Pai, K.M. and Vineetha, R. (2020). Occupation-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. Medicine and Pharmacy Reports, 93(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.15386/mpr-1581.
[iii] Gracco, A., Stefani, A.D. and Bruno, G. (2023). Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: a Public Health Perspective. Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: a Public Health Perspective, [online] 20(7), pp.5364–5364. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075364.
