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Available online at ajdhs.com 

Asian Journal of Dental and Health Sciences 
Open Access to Dental and Medical Research 

Copyright  © 2024 The  Author(s): This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the CC BY-NC 4.0 
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use provided 

the original author and source are credited  

 

 

Portable Dental Chair Innovation in Improving Operator Comfort 

Rahmaisynta Putri Rindharso *, Bedjo Santoso, Lanny Sunarjo, Endah Aryati Eko Ningtyas 

Master of Applied Dental Therapist Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang, Indonesia 

Article Info: 
_____________________________________________ 
Article History: 

Received   19 March 2024     
Reviewed  28 April 2024 
Accepted   21 May 2024 
Published 15 June 2024 

_____________________________________________ 
Cite this article as:  

Putri Rindharso R, Santoso B, Sunarjo L, Aryati Eko 
Ningtyas E, Portable Dental Chair Innovation in 
Improving Operator Comfort, Asian Journal of 
Dental and Health Sciences. 2024; 4(2):14-16 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22270/ajdhs.v4i2.77   
_____________________________________________ 

*Address for Correspondence:   

Rahmaisynta Putri Rindharso, Master of Applied 
Dental Therapist Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang, 
Indonesia 

Abstract 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Objective: to produce a suitable portable dental chair innovation and its effective application in 
improving operator comfort.  

Materials and Methods: This study was an R&D type with a pre-experimental design. Sampling 
was done using purposive sampling with a total of 30 Dental Therapists across all primary health 
centers in the Banjarbaru City. The independent variable was the Portable Dental Chair innovation, 
and the dependent variable was operator comfort.  

Results: The use of portable dental chair innovation provides convenience in dental health services 
regarding operator comfort, which is sometimes suboptimal, as well as limitations in features for 
complex dental care. Technical and logistical issues such as equipment damage and lack of resource 
availability can also be challenging. Therefore, innovation in the production of portable dental 
chairs is crucial. Technological advancements can improve ergonomics, efficiency, and equipment 
quality, addressing the increasing market demand for mobile and flexible dental care. Thus, this 
innovation not only provides solutions to existing problems but also expands access to quality 
dental care for more people, resulting in a positive impact on overall dental health sector. 

Conclusion: Portable Dental Chair Innovation is suitable and effectively applied to improve 
operator comfort. 

Keywords: Dental Therapists, Portable Dental Chair, operator comfort 

 

INTRODUCTION 

Oral health services are efforts aimed at improving oral health, 
preventing and treating diseases, and restoring oral health for 
individuals, families, groups, or communities comprehensively, 
integrative, and qualitatively. Optimal oral health services 
require adequate equipment, one of which is a portable dental 
chair. A portable dental chair is a type of dental unit that can be 
moved, easily stored, folded, and carried according to needs, 
suitable for providing dental health services in remote areas or 
areas that are difficult to reach by health facilities. Dental health 
services using portable dental chairs are mainly chosen 
because of the mobility and flexibility they offer, allowing 
dental health service providers to easily carry and use this 
equipment in various locations, such as primary care in remote 
areas. Another advantage is the more affordable cost of 
obtaining and maintaining portable dental chairs compared to 
larger and more advanced fixed dental chairs. Portable dental 
chairs may not provide all the comfort features offered by fixed 
dental chairs but still serve as an efficient solution in situations 
where mobility, flexibility, and the ability to provide dental care 
in different locations are priorities. 

The use of portable dental chairs provides convenience in 
dental health services, one of which is the sometimes 
suboptimal comfort for operators, as well as limitations in 
features for complex dental care. Technical and logistical issues 
such as equipment damage and resource availability can also be 
challenging. Therefore, innovation in the production of 
portable dental chairs is crucial. Technological advancements 
can improve ergonomics, efficiency, and equipment quality, 
addressing the increasing market demand for mobile and 

flexible dental care. Thus, this innovation not only provides 
solutions to existing problems but also expands access to 
quality dental care for more people, resulting in a positive 
impact on the overall dental health sector. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS 

In this study, the participants were 30 dental therapists from all 
primary health centers in Banjarbaru City. Data collection 
duration was one month. Questionnaires were printed and 
distributed directly to dental therapists and summarized using 
tables with ratings using a Likert scale. The questionnaire was 
created by researchers considering the purpose of this study. 
The main focus of this research is the innovation of making 
portable dental chairs that can improve comfort for operators. 
The questionnaire includes operator comfort, ergonomic 
support, ease of equipment accessibility, and the strength of 
materials of the portable dental chair innovation. Data collected 
from respondents through completed questionnaires were 
kept confidential and anonymous. 

PRODUCT RESULTS 

Researchers innovated the production of portable dental chairs 
that are easily transportable, equipped with adjustable 
headrests, footrests, and body rests, as well as tables and lamps, 
while still focusing on operator comfort to support the effective 
and efficient provision of dental health services. 

1. Equipment Specifications 

a. Overall chair height = 93 cm 

b. Chair height from the bottom = 47 cm 

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Putri Rindharso et al                                                                                                                 Asian Journal of Dental and Health Sciences. 2024; 4(2):14-16 

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c. Chair width = 39 cm 

d. Length of chair to footrest = 85 cm 

e. Backrest height = 43 cm 

f. Headrest designed to be soft and adjustable 

g. Table length = 48 cm 

h. Table width = 30 cm 

2. Attributes of portable dental chairs are as follows: 

a. Frame made of round iron pipe material 

b. Portable/foldable 

c. Cushioned with foam on the head, back, seat, and footrest 

d. Foam covered with synthetic leather fabric 

e. Additional small table on the left side 

f. Lightweight yet sturdy and easy to carry 

RESULTS:  

This study is an innovation study of making portable dental 
chairs with equipment testing using expert validation 
questionnaires. Expert validation was conducted to obtain data 
used as the basis for testing the feasibility of using portable 
dental chair innovations. Expert validation was carried out by 
experts consisting of 4 individuals, namely dentists, dental 
nurses, psychologists, and electromedical experts. Expert 
validation was conducted to obtain data used as the basis for 
testing the feasibility of using portable dental chair models. The 
feasibility test results by experts can be seen in the following 
table: 

Table of Results of Expert Validation Test on the use of Portable 
Dental Chair Model  

Number Respondent *Score Criteria 

1 Expert 1 95% 

Very 

Suitable 

2 Expert 2 77,5% 

3 

4 

Expert 3 

Expert 4 

80% 

87,5% 

Mean 85%  

The table above shows that the assessment results through the 
Likert scale show an average score of 85% with the criteria 
Very Suitable, indicating that the portable dental chair model 
can be tested as a product.  

Table of Interclass Correlation Coefficient Test Results by 
Experts on the use of Portable Dental Chair Model Variable 
Average Category p-value Portable Dental Chair 0.904 High 
0.001. 

Variable Mean Category p-value 

Dental Chair Portable 0,904 High 0,001 

*Interclass Correlation Coefficient Test 

The table above shows that the test results of the equipment 
feasibility by expert validators averaged 0.904, indicating a 
high category with a p-value of 0.001, indicating that the 
Portable Dental Chair is highly suitable in supporting dental 
health service activities. The study was conducted on 30 dental 
therapists working in all primary health centers in Banjarbaru 
City. Research results:  

 

Table of Equipment Use Test on Operator Comfort Aspect Variable Statistics Conventional school chair Portable Dental Chair p-value 
Operator Comfort. 

*Mann Whitney test  

  

The table above shows that the operator comfort aspect 
towards the use of conventional school chairs in dental health 
services was 5.90, whereas in the use of portable dental chairs, 
it was 13.7 with a delta Δ value of 7.87. The statistical test 
results show that the p-value is 0.000 (< 0.05), meaning that the 
use of Portable Dental Chairs has a more effective compared to 
conventional school chairs. 

DISCUSSION:  

Discomfort in healthcare services, including discomfort 
experienced by healthcare professionals during examinations 
or treatments without comfortable chairs, is indeed an 
important issue. The physical health and comfort of healthcare 
professionals not only affect the quality of care provided to 
patients but also impact their mental and physical well-being. 
Comfortable chairs not only allow healthcare professionals to 
work more efficiently and with better concentration but also 
can help prevent injuries or fatigue caused by non-ergonomic 
positions over long periods. Furthermore, the physical comfort 
of healthcare professionals can also affect their job satisfaction, 

which in turn can influence staff retention and the quality of 
service provided. 

Based on the information gathered and field interviews 
conducted, it was found that one of the obstacles in dental 
healthcare services is the lack of dental chairs that provide 
comfort for operators. To date, there have been no innovations 
from health centers or schools in creating healthcare tools that 
support operator comfort. The desired solution is a portable 
dental chair equipped with a headrest, table, light, and 
adjustable footrest to make operators feel comfortable. 
Innovative tools in the form of portable dental chairs are highly 
necessary to support healthcare activities, given the 
importance of comfort in preventing back injuries in operators 
performing counselling, examinations, and procedures. 
Therefore, the researchers developed a tool innovation to 
improve operator comfort in the form of a portable dental chair 

Data collection through expert validation conducted by several 
experts in the fields of health and technology revealed that the 
average tool feasibility test result from expert validators was 
0.904, indicating a high category with a p-value of 0.001, 

Variable Statistic  

Conventional school chair Dental Chair Portable p-value 

Operator Comfort 

a. Mean+SD 5,90+1,561 13,77+1,736 0,000 

b. Delta Δ 7,87  



Putri Rindharso et al                                                                                                                 Asian Journal of Dental and Health Sciences. 2024; 4(2):14-16 

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showing that the Portable Dental Chair is highly feasible in 
supporting dental healthcare activities. Validation by experts 
was carried out to determine the level of suitability of a tool 
effectively. Tool assessment can be reviewed and evaluated by 
experts in their respective fields according to predetermined 
indicators. The statistical test results show that the p-value is 
0.000 (<0.05), meaning that the use of the Portable Dental Chair 
provides a more effective level of operator comfort compared 
to conventional school chairs in dental healthcare services. 

In dental healthcare services, operator comfort is crucial to 
maintaining optimal service quality. Portable dental chairs that 
support operator comfort play a crucial role in ensuring that 
service procedures can be performed with high efficiency and 
accuracy. Operators often have to work in awkward positions 
and require high focus for extended periods. Therefore, in this 
study, portable dental chairs have provided ergonomic support, 
such as soft cushions and proper supports for the back, arms, 
and head, to help reduce fatigue and tension that may occur 
during service procedures. According to a study by Al Wazni et 
al. (2015) 8, ergonomic chair designs can minimize the risk of 
injury and improve operator comfort 

The lightweight and easily movable mobility of portable dental 
chairs can assist operators in providing dental care in various 
locations or different environments. This can reduce physical 
and mental fatigue on operators. According to a study 
conducted by Monametsi et al. (2019) 9, high mobility in 
portable dental chairs can improve the efficiency and comfort 
of operator work in dental healthcare services in remote areas. 

CONCLUSION:  

Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the 
innovation of portable dental chairs is feasible and its 
application effectively improves operator comfort. This is 
evidenced by the average result of expert validation tests of 
0.904, indicating tool feasibility in the high category with a p-
value of 0.001. The innovation of portable dental chairs is more 

effective in improving operator comfort compared to 
conventional school chairs, as evidenced by a p-value of 0.000 
(<0.05). 

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https://doi.org/10.31963/elekterika.v4i1.2806
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06788-4
https://doi.org/10.3390/dj7030075

