Dental chairs (also known as dental treatment chairs or comprehensive dental treatment chairs) are the most essential equipment in a dental clinic and are widely used in clinical settings such as general dentistry, endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. The adjustability and patient comfort provided by dental chairs directly impact the dentist's efficiency and the patient's experience during treatment.
During dental treatment, dentists need to frequently adjust the chair height, backrest angle, headrest position, and leg rest angle according to the treatment site and procedural requirements—from the patient's seated position, to a semi-reclined or supine position once treatment begins, and back to the original position once treatment is complete. Our electric linear actuator system is a precision drive component specifically designed for all posture adjustments of dental chairs. By receiving commands from a foot switch or controls, the actuators precisely control the chair frame's vertical movement, the backrest's tilt, the headrest's extension and retraction, and the leg rest's elevation. The actuator system features a maintenance-free design, with no hoses, pumps, or compressors. Compared to traditional pneumatic or hydraulic solutions, electric actuators fundamentally eliminate the risk of air or oil leaks, while making the dental chair's position adjustments more precise, quiet, and controllable.
System configuration
● Linear actuator (seat height adjustment, backrest recline, headrest adjustment, leg rest elevation)
● Control box (optional)
● Controls / foot switch (optional)
Key features and benefits
Coordinated multi-actuator operation enables stepless adjustment of complex positions
The position adjustment of a dental chair involves a complex multi-axis coordinated system—multiple movements, such as chair height adjustment, backrest recline, headrest extension, and leg rest elevation, must be performed in unison. Our electric actuator system supports both independent control and synchronized operation of multiple actuators, allowing the dentist to complete the entire transition from a seated position to a treatment position with a single press of a button via the foot switch or controls. The backrest can recline to ≥90°, enabling the patient to transition smoothly from a seated position to a near-supine treatment position. Each movement can be adjusted steplessly and stopped precisely, meeting the postural requirements of various treatment scenarios.
Powerful thrust, effortlessly supporting the patient's weight
During treatment, the dental chair bears the patient's full body weight; furthermore, when the backrest is reclined, the center of gravity shifts significantly rearward, placing extremely high demands on the actuators' thrust and bending resistance. Our electric actuators provide ample thrust reserve (up to 10,000 N), effortlessly meeting the load-bearing requirements for patients of varying weights. Featuring a high-strength transmission structure, the actuators maintain smooth and stable movement even under heavy loads at the maximum backrest recline angle.
Compact design, aligned with the trend towards lightweight dental chairs
Modern dental chairs are evolving towards lighter and more compact designs, placing greater demands on the size and installation space of internal drive components. Our electric linear actuators are known for their ultra-compact design; with a short installation length and small footprint, they fit perfectly into the limited space within the dental chair base. This compact structure affords greater freedom in the industrial design of dental chairs, allowing the equipment to maintain powerful functionality while boasting a more elegant appearance.
High protection rating: confidently withstands medical disinfection and sanitization
Dental chairs operate in a medical environment subject to frequent cleaning and disinfection, meaning the actuators may come into contact with cleaning agents, disinfectants, and even patients' bodily fluids. Our electric actuators feature a high protection rating (IPX6 and above), providing full protection against the ingress of liquids and dust. The use of corrosion-resistant materials and a sealed structural design ensures stable and reliable performance even in environments subject to frequent cleaning and disinfection.
Silent operation, enhancing the patient experience
Dental chairs are often accompanied by varying degrees of tension and anxiety for patients, and any additional noise may exacerbate this unease. Our electric actuators maintain an extremely low noise level during operation—whether raising or lowering the chair frame, tilting the backrest, or adjusting the headrest, all movements are virtually silent, allowing patients to receive treatment in the most relaxed state possible.
Smooth motion ensures treatment safety
Adjustments to the dental chair's position must be carried out while the patient is seated; any jolts or wobbling may cause the patient distress or even injury. Our electric actuators provide constant-speed, jerk-free linear motion throughout the entire process. The chair frame rises and lowers smoothly, while the backrest tilts gently and controllably, allowing patients to transition from a seated position to the treatment position almost imperceptibly.
Built-in Hall sensors, empowering customers with precise control
Our actuators feature built-in Hall sensors that provide real-time feedback on the actuator's travel position and operational status via pulse signals. Customers' control systems can use this data to precisely monitor the real-time position of each component of the dental chair, enabling intelligent functions such as one-touch reset and position memory. The real-time feedback from the Hall sensors provides an accurate basis for standardizing and optimizing the treatment process.
Richmat's engineers provide end-to-end technical support—from requirements analysis and solution design through to product delivery. With our reliable medical-grade linear drive systems, we safeguard every precise diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patient comfort at all times.