It’s no secret that dental operatory light affects everyone and everything around us. But light might have a more significant effect on you than you realise. The quality of light that we work under greatly changes energy levels, moods and even our quality of life.Lighting can positively impact function (task lighting) or esthetics (ambient lighting). Understanding the options available is key in achieving the best affect from lighting and their improved energy benefits in the process. The quality of light you work under can have an enormous effect on your energy levels, your mood, and your quality of life. If you leave your dental practice feeling exhausted at the end of the day, the problem might be lighting. The good news is: With just a few dental office design fixes, you, your staff, and your patients can feel better in no time.
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Before we delve into specific models and types of dental office operatory lights, you’ll need a firm understanding of the different types of lighting and how they work in conjunction with each other. In almost all dental offices, there’s ambient lighting and task lighting.
THE WORST LIGHTING MISTAKES
Many dental offices make this huge mistake, and it’s an easy one to make: they only use ambient lighting within the space which is usually fluorescent. Multiple lighting sources not only have health benefits but there are many psychological benefits too.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DENTAL OPERATORY LIGHTS
When it’s time to choose your operatory lights, there are two main features that need to be considered: brightness and flexibility.
BRIGHTNESS
Many Ophthalmologists will recommend a ratio of 10:1 when referring to operating to ambient light ratios. This is relatively standard in this field of work and should be adhered to. But what does this mean? Well, if your operating light outputs 5000 lumens, the ambient light should be around 500 lumens. Of course, different lights will come with different intensities, so some lights may need to be adjusted to reach the correct ratio.
FLEXIBILITY
An often overlooked, but crucial element of operatory lighting is flexibility. Having flexible lighting is important for getting different angles well lit and avoiding blinding yourself, your patients or your assistant’s in the process. Operatory lights can be mounted just about anywhere.
We hope these pointers have helped you identify the right light for you. While we have identified why certain dental led lights such as wall mounted dental light should be avoided, there is no universal best light, as it comes down to personal preference. There is a trade-off between weight and light intensity when choosing your dental surgical light.
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