Appropriate height of dental chairs for effective administration of chest compressions by female dentists

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate height of a dental chair for the administration of effective chest compressions by female dentists. Materials and methods We asked 19 female dentists to perform metronome‐guided chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions per minute for 2 min on the floor and on a dental chair. We set the height of the dental chair to 76, 73, 70, 67, and 64 cm. We measured the compression depth and proportion of compressions performed at an adequate depth. We then compared the quality of chest compressions between the tall and short (relative to the average body height) groups of participants. We also asked the participants to specify their preferred compression height or condition for chest compression administration. Results The participants recorded their maximum chest compression depth (35.0 ± 8.8 mm) at a height of 67 cm. There was no significant difference in chest compression depth between the tall and short groups, irrespective of the compression height. The maximum depth of chest compressions was achieved at a height of 67 cm (from the floor to the compression surface) in both groups, with no significant difference. The participants most frequently identified 67 cm as the most suitable height for the administration of chest compressions. Conclusion For female dentists, a height of 67 cm is considered suitable for the administration of chest compressions in the standing position, regardless of physique.

Keywords

• cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• chest compression
• dental chair
• female dentist