Dental Chair Warranties: Who Really Has Your Back?

Dental Chair Warranties: Who Really Has Your Back?

Let’s talk about one of the most overlooked but mission-critical decisions when planning your new dental office: your dental chair warranty.

Yep, we’re going there. Not the flashiest part of your startup journey, but stick with me—this might just save you a few thousand dollars (and a few sleepless nights).

When I work with dentists launching their practices, we always take a strategic approach to equipment decisions. It’s not just about comfort, esthetics, or even price. One of the most underrated factors? Warranty coverage.

Why Dental Chair Warranties Matter

Your dental chair is the single most-used piece of equipment in your practice. It's where clinical efficiency, patient comfort, and your reputation all intersect. And since many equipment loans run 5+ years, it only makes sense to have a warranty that matches that timeline.

So, who’s offering the best protection? Let’s break it down.

Top Dental Chair Warranties Ranked (from Best to Worst)

1. Pelton & Crane – 5-Year Warranty

   Pelton tops our list. Their dental chair warranty runs the full five years, which is ideal for doctors financing their equipment. That’s five years of parts and labor—basically the lifespan of most dental loans.

   Upholstery is still only covered for a year (as with all brands), but the long-term coverage on core functionality? That’s gold.

2. Marus – 5-Year Warranty

   Marus ties for first place on paper, but there’s a caveat: market share. While their coverage is great, their smaller footprint in the market could mean slower support, fewer service reps, and more wait time when you need help fast.

   If you’re in a market with limited technician availability, this might be worth considering.

3. Forest Dental – 5-Year Warranty

   Another 5-year contender! Forest is a solid choice, particularly if you like the underdog. They’re gaining traction, but keep in mind their support network isn’t as deep yet.

   Still, if you want comprehensive warranty protection and are willing to work with a newer player, Forest is one to watch.

4. Midmark – 2-Year Warranty

   Midmark delivers a lot in design and reliability, but the dental chair warranty falls short at only two years. If you’re financing your equipment longer than that, you’ll be uncovered for a significant chunk of time unless you purchase extended protection.

5. A-dec – 1-Year Warranty

   The shocker on this list. Despite being a well-known and often respected brand, A-dec lands in last place with a surprisingly brief warranty. One year. That’s it.

   If you assumed A-dec would be at the top, you’re not alone—we did too before digging into the fine print.

Why This Matters When Opening a Dental Practice

Your startup is an investment. Every piece of equipment is part of that investment. A strong dental chair warranty isn’t just about covering repairs—it’s about safeguarding your uptime, minimizing stress, and aligning protection with your financial timeline.

When evaluating equipment warranties, consider:

• How long is your loan?

• How available are technicians in your region?

• How critical is the chair to your daily production? (Hint: extremely.)

• Do you want to deal with chair issues during your first few years of patient care and practice growth?

Smart Practice Startup = Strategic Equipment Decisions

As a startup dentist, you don’t need to know every plumbing spec or electrical outlet detail. But choosing equipment with the right warranty? That’s something you can control—and it has real financial and operational impact.

We help our clients weigh these types of decisions every day—balancing cost, protection, and practical realities for first-time practice owners. If you’re trying to decide between brands or need help building a rock-solid equipment plan, we’d love to be a sounding board.

Bottom line? Don’t buy the chair without the warranty to match your plan.

Let’s make sure your practice opens on solid ground—and stays that way.

– Stephen Trutter