Ergonomics in Dental Practice

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity". The aims of occupational health are- the prevention of diseases and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations. Occupational health and ergonomics (human engineering) are relatively new concepts. It simply means: "fitting the job to the worker". The object of ergonomics is "to achieve the best mutual adjustment of man and his work, for the improvement of human efficiency and well-being". Dental professionals commonly experience musculoskeletal pain during the course of their careers. While the occasional backache or neck ache is not a cause for alarm, if regularly occurring pain or discomfort is ignored, the cumulative physiological damage can lead to an injury or a career-ending disability. The concept of changes in dental practice by using new technologies and proper care by dentist give greater comfort and better occupational health. The aim is to discuss the ergonomic aspects in the dental profession and prevent of ergonomic risks and problems in Dental Practice.