Have you considered how lighting affects the atmosphere in your clinic?
Though it is an afterthought for many dental fitouts, lighting is a simple and cost-effective way to improve your interior design and patient experience. It can help you set the scene with a welcoming tone, influence how patients perceive your practice, and improve your productivity.
In this article, we look at lighting techniques you can use to enhance your clinic environment and performance.
Dental lighting solutions
Lighting in your dental practice is essential for providing proper visibility and creating a comfortable environment for both patients and dental professionals. There are three key categories of lighting to include:
Natural light
No matter how much electric lighting you have in your dental practice, there is no substitute for natural light. Natural light can create a relaxing atmosphere for patients, which can play a part in reducing dental anxiety.
Your access to natural light will depend on the orientation of the building but you can be strategic with your layout. Glass doors and skylights increase the amount of daylight that enters the building and rearranging furniture can also be highly effective. For a windowless room, consider opting for natural light bulbs.
Design tips to maximise natural light
- Position treatment areas near windows.
- Install skylights and glass walls in windowless areas.
- Rearrange or remove any furniture, blinds, or curtains that block sunlight.
- Install light-filtering window treatments to control glare and maintain privacy.
Task lighting
Task dental lighting helps you to see what you are doing. In a dental clinic, this includes lighting for examination chairs, dental instruments, and workstations where visibility is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Unfortunately, task lighting in dental clinics is often harsh and fluorescent, which can create a cold and unwelcoming environment. To achieve a balance of functionality and ambience, use less task lighting in waiting rooms and reception areas. Patients and staff will respond better when the lighting is varied throughout the building.
Where high visibility is required, replace old-style fluorescent fittings with LED lights. They’re energy-efficient, last longer, and provide high-intensity illumination. For rooms that need light every once in a while, consider motion sensors. For corridors, we recommend using strip lighting down low to light the way without being overbearing.
Design tips to maximise task lighting
- Switch to LED task lighting.
- Provide concentrated lights for treatment areas.
- Install motion sensors in bathrooms.
- Use dental overhead lights that can be moved or turned off when not in use.
- Choose lighting with appropriate brightness levels and colour rendering.
Soft lighting
Ambient lighting and accent lighting are what make your practice feel warm and inviting. With the right balance of task lighting and soft lighting, you can dramatically change the mood in your clinic.
Soft lighting creates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere for patients. If a waiting room or reception area feels dull, shades, sconces, and pendant lights help to create highlights and shadows that add variation. Wall lights, table lamps, and floor lamps also make your waiting area feel welcoming and familiar.
The optimal colour temperature for soft lighting is a warm 2,700 to 3,000 kelvin because it helps to offset any harsh task lighting in the room.
Design tips to maximise soft lighting
- Diffuse harsh lights with shades.
- Use a mixture of wall sconces, recessed lighting, and pendant lights.
- Use soft cove lighting.
- Choose warm-toned accent lighting.
Lighting design tips
Below, we’ve outlined our top lighting strategies to use in your dental clinic fitout.
Lighting placement
Plan your lighting carefully to ensure the placement and orientation of each fixture are suitable for your needs. Make sure to position each light to avoid shadows and glare, and use a balance of task lighting, natural light, and soft lighting.
Clean light fixtures
As part of a medical environment, your dental lighting must be clean. You should dust your lighting regularly and replace bulbs to ensure they always provide plenty of light.
Incorporate lighting controls
Dimmers and sensors help to adjust the lighting intensity based on specific tasks or the time of day. This improves your clinic’s energy efficiency and visibility.
Assess your lighting regularly
Even if you choose state-of-the-art lighting when you first install it, you should regularly assess and update it to incorporate innovative technologies and improve energy efficiency.
Consult your dental fitout experts
Seek advice from a professional lighting designer or dental equipment supplier to ensure your lighting is up to the task. They will ensure you comply with relevant regulations and recommend lighting products to suit your specific needs. At Dentec, our experts work with you to ensure your clinic is optimised for functionality and the patient experience.
Download our free digital catalogue with all our top picks for dental equipment in NZ ›
We’ll help you balance soft lighting, natural light, and task lighting, including the latest dental light solutions from Faro. As the preferred choice for dental professionals worldwide, Faro provides unparalleled ergonomics and performance and reduces eye fatigue.
To get started, download our helpful guide to setting up a dental practice, browse our range of Faro clinical lighting, or contact the team today.
