Designing a squat dental practice from the ground up is an exciting opportunity to create a space that is efficient, compliant, and welcoming. Among the many considerations, lighting is one of the most critical elements, with wide-reaching impacts on clinical accuracy, patient comfort, staff wellbeing, and operational efficiency. A well-designed lighting scheme goes far beyond aesthetics; it supports infection control, energy conservation, and regulatory adherence.
This article explores five key takeaways for integrating effective lighting solutions into the design of a new squat dental practice, along with emerging innovations such as disinfecting lights that are reshaping how healthcare spaces are lit and sanitised.
1. Prioritise Clinical Task Lighting in Surgeries
In dental surgeries, precision is paramount. Proper clinical lighting supports this by offering high luminance and colour accuracy, ensuring oral tissues are rendered accurately and procedures can be performed safely and efficiently.
Dental task lighting typically includes overhead LED panels and chair-mounted operating lights. The ideal lighting setup in a surgery should have a colour temperature between 5000K and 6500K, mimicking natural daylight. A high Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90 ensures tissues and instruments are clearly distinguishable.
Key considerations:
· Use ceiling-recessed LED panels with anti-glare diffusers to provide uniform ambient lighting.
· Opt for adjustable and articulated operating lights integrated with the dental chair to minimise shadows and allow directional control.
· Ensure fixtures are sealed and easy to clean to comply with infection control standards.
Ergonomics should not be overlooked. Adequate lighting reduces eye strain for clinicians and assistants, particularly in practices where long procedures or microscope work are common.
2. Layer Lighting in Reception and Waiting Areas
The reception and waiting areas form the public face of the dental practice and should feel professional, comfortable, and calming. A layered lighting approach is the most effective way to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Layered lighting consists of:
· Ambient lighting: General illumination using LED downlights or ceiling fixtures.
· Accent lighting: Decorative fixtures such as wall sconces or pendant lights that add warmth and visual interest.
· Task lighting: Desk lamps or LED strip lights for staff performing administrative duties.
Dimmer controls are particularly useful in these spaces, allowing lighting levels to be adjusted based on time of day or to create a more relaxed evening atmosphere. Colour temperatures in these zones should generally range from 3000K to 4000K to encourage relaxation without being too warm.
Lighting can also play a role in branding and patient reassurance. For example, backlit signage, illuminated logo walls, or bespoke LED feature lighting can reinforce brand identity and professionalism.
3. Comply with HTM 06-01 and CIBSE Guidelines
Lighting in healthcare settings must meet rigorous technical and safety standards. For UK dental practices, HTM 06-01 (Healthcare Lighting and Electrical Services) and the CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) guidelines provide detailed benchmarks for lighting performance.
Examples of required illuminance levels include:
· Dental surgeries: 1000 lux at the working plane
· Reception desks: 300-500 lux
· Corridors and circulation areas: 100-200 lux
· Toilets and utility rooms: 200 lux
Lighting must be uniform, flicker-free, and colour consistent throughout the space. Emergency lighting, clearly marked exit signs, and illumination for escape routes must also be incorporated in compliance with BS 5266.
To ensure compliance, it is advisable to work with M&E consultants and lighting designers experienced in healthcare environments from the outset of the design phase.
4. Incorporate Natural Light – But Control It
Natural light is proven to boost mood, reduce stress, and support circadian rhythms. In a dental setting, it also enhances aesthetics and lowers the reliance on artificial lighting. However, natural daylight must be carefully managed to avoid glare, overheating, and visual discomfort.
Best practices include:
· Positioning surgeries and staff areas where they can benefit from diffuse northern light.
· Using solar control glass, window films, or internal blinds to manage brightness and heat gain.
· Installing roof lights or clerestory windows to bring in daylight while preserving privacy.
· Avoiding direct sunlight in treatment areas to prevent visual distractions or compromised visibility.
A hybrid lighting approach — combining artificial and natural sources — allows flexibility and energy savings, especially when combined with daylight sensors that adjust lighting levels automatically.
5. Embrace Smart, Sustainable, and Disinfecting Lighting Technologies
With growing emphasis on sustainability and infection control, new lighting technologies offer solutions that go far beyond illumination.
a. Smart Lighting Controls Modern LED systems offer dimming, zoning, and colour tuning options. Integrating lighting with a Building Management System (BMS) enables:
· Automated on/off based on occupancy sensors.
· Scene setting for clinical versus cleaning modes.
· Energy monitoring and diagnostics.
These controls can extend the lifespan of fixtures and reduce energy consumption significantly, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
b. Disinfecting Lighting Solutions An emerging innovation in healthcare environments is the integration of disinfecting lighting. These are LED fixtures that emit specific wavelengths of visible or ultraviolet light capable of killing or deactivating bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces and in the air.
Types include:
· UV-C lighting: Destroys microorganisms but must be used in unoccupied rooms due to safety concerns.
· 405nm visible light (also called HINS-light): Safer for use in occupied spaces and effective for continuous background disinfection.
Applications in dental practices:
· Disinfecting ceiling panels in surgeries or decontamination rooms.
· Upper-air UV-C systems in waiting areas to reduce airborne pathogens.
· Automated overnight disinfection cycles programmed into lighting systems.
While these systems are not a substitute for manual cleaning protocols, they provide a powerful supplemental layer of infection control — particularly relevant post-pandemic.
When considering these solutions, consult lighting manufacturers and infection control specialists to ensure the selected technology aligns with HTM requirements and CQC expectations.
Final Thoughts
Lighting plays a central role in the success of any dental practice design — and even more so in a squat setup where every design decision sets the tone for years to come. From the clinical requirements of a dental surgery to the comfort of a waiting area and the hygiene demands of a post-COVID world, lighting must be functional, flexible, and future-ready.
By focusing on high-quality task lighting, layered ambient schemes, regulatory compliance, controlled natural light, and embracing emerging technologies like disinfecting LEDs, dental practice owners can create a modern, efficient, and safe environment for staff and patients alike.
Whether you’re planning your first squat practice or refreshing an existing space, investing in the right lighting strategy is not just smart design — it’s essential healthcare planning.
If you’d like to discuss your dental lighting solutions in more detail, whether you’re considering a refurbishment of an existing practice or a brand new squat practice, please get in touch with us. Call 020 8820 0853, email us or simply complete our contact form and we’ll be right back in touch.