Possibilities:

• Smaller operatory size

• Cost effective to equip

• Space available for audio visual and digital dentistry equipment

• Hand-pieces at fingertips from the 12 o'clock position

• Assistant free to circulate

• Great for dentistry from 7 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions

• Dentist and assistant range of motion < 90 degrees

• Patients not threatened by the sight of hand-pieces

• Right / Left convertibility is excellent

Limitations:

Hand-pieces at dentist "non-dominant" hand

Comments:

Supplies are in an ideal position for assistant access, while hand-pieces are more accessible than in rear-delivery layouts, reducing the ergonomic challenges of two-handed function. Also, when properly configured, over-the-head layouts rapidly convert from right- to left-handed function.