If you’re a left-handed dentist or you’re designing a practice where both left and right-handed dentists work, you already know how limiting traditional operatories can be.

But here’s the truth: your operatory shouldn’t have to force you into compromise. In this post, we’ll answer nearly every question you’ve had about creating an operatory that’s truly convertible, comfortable, and high-performing, whether you’re right or left-handed. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to build rooms that everyone can love practicing in.

How Did This Become Such a Big Problem?

I first recognized the importance of right/left adaptability in dental school, observing the left-handed ghetto that had been created for left-handed students. 

Later, as a consultant for a large group practice, I asked how they handled left-handed dentists. Their answer stunned me:

 “We don’t hire them.”

 At that point, I knew I would be responsible for coming up with the best solutions for this issue.

After decades of helping practices create operatories that maximize comfort, convenience, and performance, I discovered something surprising: Making a treatment room truly ambidextrous isn’t nearly as complicated or expensive as most people think.

But there’s a catch: you can’t get there with conventional equipment.

Let’s walk through the three keys that make a right/left convertible operatory not only possible but powerful.

Key #1: Delivery 

Handpiece placement is where most frustration begins. If your delivery system is mounted on the side, the room instantly becomes right- or left-hand dominant. You might think over-the-patient delivery solves this, but it doesn’t. You’ll still need access to your supplies, tech, and instruments, which aren’t easily reachable from both sides.

That’s why the universal solution is over-the-head workstation delivery.

• The handpieces are in a central location, equally accessible from either side.

• The ADA even identifies this as a unique delivery location.
  

• Your dominant hand no longer dictates your operatory’s design.

You can explore our videos and resources on over-the-head workstation delivery in the links below. There’s a lot to learn about why this system changes everything.

Key #2: Side Cabinets 

Side cabinets might seem harmless, but they’re one of the biggest obstacles to true ambidexterity. If you try to stock both sides for left- and right-handed use, you double your cost and your clutter.

That’s why workstation-centered delivery is so powerful:

• It centralizes storage, so everything is accessible from either side.

• It standardizes stocking and cabinetry, ensuring that any dentist feels at home in any room.

• It creates fairness, so no one is forced to “make do” with a setup that doesn’t fit their body or workflow.

The EP Workstations make left-right conversions a breeze, allowing any member of your team to work in any op at a moment's notice. When every dentist works the same way, training, efficiency, and ergonomics all improve. 

Key #3: Chair, Lighting, and Technology

Once delivery and storage are right, the rest of the puzzle falls into place.

The Patient Chair

Without attached handpieces or lights, you can choose the comfort level you want and add dual controls so both doctor and assistant can work fluidly.

Lighting

Ceiling track lighting offers full flexibility, but most systems are expensive, repair-prone, and non-upgradable. That’s why we engineered solid, affordable track frames that can be upgraded as lighting technology evolves.

Technology and Monitors

This is where things get interesting. There’s no single “perfect” solution, but several great options.

1. Assistant-Managed Monitor:

   In a right-hand-dominant room, a left-handed dentist can operate from the left side while the assistant manages the monitor and points out visuals. It works beautifully and keeps workflows simple.

2. Dual Screens:

   Probably the best solution overall. It adds redundancy, yes, but with today’s affordable monitors and computers, it’s a small price for total flexibility.

3. Tablets:

   Let’s be honest, I hate this option. The patient ends up holding the tablet while you point and explain. It’s awkward, unergonomic, and unnecessary.

4. Toe-Wall Monitor:

   In rooms without windows at the toe end or when the side wall is the outside wall, you can mount a large monitor there. It’s perfect for ambient effects, X-rays, and consultations. A clean, professional solution.

5. Ceiling-Mounted, Fold-Down Monitor:

   Avoid fixed monitors. They’re either too high, forcing you to crane your neck, or too low, risking patient collisions.

   Thankfully, motorized mounts now solve this economically and elegantly.

What Happens When You Get It All Right?

Take it from  Dr. BJ Stewart of Norco Family Dental on how Design Ergonomics’ Universal Workstation makes switching setups between left- and right-handed providers seamless.

When these pieces come together, you get a treatment room that can switch between right and left-handed dentists in minutes without sacrificing productivity, comfort, or performance. With patented workstation designs and proven operatory layouts, you can finally create spaces that:

• Support every clinician, no matter their dominant hand.

• Boost ergonomics and reduce stress.

• Make your practice more inclusive, efficient, and future-ready.

Because in the end, your operatories should serve you, not the other way around.

Ready to Design Operatories That Work for Any Dentist?

If you’re ready to design no-compromise, right/left convertible operatories, check out our lefty-dentist YouTube playlist or reach out to our team to start planning your own ambidextrous treatment rooms.

Every dentist, right or left-handed, deserves a workspace where they can do their best work.