Transforming Lives: The Game-Changing Chair Revolutionizing Dental Care!
Imagine struggling to find a dentist who can accommodate your needs, not because of your oral health, but simply because of your weight. For nearly 10% of U.S. adults facing severe obesity, this is a painful reality that keeps them from receiving essential dental care.
Introducing a revolutionary chair at Eastman Institute designed specifically for bariatric patients, breaking the mold of traditional dental care.
But let’s be real—it’s not just about finding a dentist with the right equipment. Many individuals with obesity also grapple with additional health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Unfortunately, not all dental professionals are equipped or trained to handle patients with such diverse medical complications.
That’s where the Eastman Institute for Oral Health shines. Established in 2019, their Specialty Care Clinic is a groundbreaking solution aimed at removing these barriers. By collaborating with patients’ healthcare providers, their skilled dentists offer tailored treatment for a variety of complex medical conditions, including obesity, cancer, and HIV.
One of the clinic’s standout features? A specially designed dental chair that welcomes wheelchair users and patients who exceed the 450-pound limit of standard chairs.
This innovative chair, crafted in England, underwent several iterations before achieving its final form.
This adaptable dental chair has been designed to accommodate both wheelchair users and bariatric patients, ensuring comfort and accessibility.
Gone are the days when patients had to endure treatment while seated in their wheelchairs, straining their necks and causing discomfort for the dentists. The new design focuses on supporting both the patient and the dental professional, allowing patients to remain seated comfortably while the chair’s adjustable backrest provides optimal positioning during treatment.
Initially, designers envisioned a fixed device built into the floor. However, the need for a more versatile, non-permanent solution led to the creation of the Compact Wheelchair Recliner in 2007, which could support much greater weights. The innovative minds at Design Specific didn’t stop there; they further enhanced the chair with the Bariatric Bench and a supportive headrest, ensuring comfort for those who don’t use a wheelchair.
This state-of-the-art chair allows wheelchair users to experience dental treatment with unmatched comfort.
The finished product is equipped with features like a larger backrest and safety switches to protect users’ hands and feet. When EIOH acquired this chair, only 75 existed in the entire U.S. Today, that number has doubled, with design modifications allowing it to support individuals weighing up to 1000 pounds.
Since its inception, Eastman’s Specialty Care Clinic has become a beacon of hope for patients with complex medical needs, drawing individuals from miles away eager to receive expert care.
Take, for example, Michael Pedroncelli, who endured months of dental pain but was repeatedly turned away due to his weight. After discovering EIOH through an online search, he didn’t hesitate to make the three-hour drive for a chance at relief.
“It’s been a fantastic experience from the moment I called Eastman Dental,” he shared.
Dr. Nadia Stephens was able to alleviate Michael’s dental pain, overcoming the barriers he faced at other clinics.
Under the skilled hands of Dr. Nadia Stephens, the assistant director of Specialty Care and a recognized authority on bariatric dental care, Michael finally found the help he desperately needed.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve—efficiently and with dignity,” Dr. Stephens emphasized. Recently, she spoke at the International Conference on Obesity and Chronic Diseases in London, advocating for coordinated training among medical and dental professionals to effectively serve bariatric patients through an interdisciplinary approach.
During her visit, Dr. Stephens toured the Design Specific manufacturing facility, gaining insights into the latest advancements in dental chair technology.
“We are thrilled that our clinic has made a significant impact on those who previously struggled to access dental care,” added Dr. Stephens. “As the population grows older and demand increases, we are dedicated to training the next generation of dental professionals to provide exceptional care for this unique community.”
