[Vision of the future of ergonomics in dentistry]

With respect to ergonomics in dentistry, more people are becoming aware of occupational hazards and paying more attention to the prevention of hazards. Dutch law on health and safety at work requires dentists to protect the health and safety of their employees and educational institutions to protect the health and safety of their students. In the meantime a summary has appeared of the ergonomic standards required for the working methods of dentists and for the development of future equipment. Further development of dental ergonomics must take place on the basis of a coherent vision of the future. In this regard it must be clear exactly what ergonomics is and what developments have already taken place. Aspects of particular interest are the prevention of occupational diseases, legal responsibility for protecting the health and safety of employees and students, education in dental ergonomics for dental and oral hygiene students, the academic development and research of dental ergonomics, using organizational models in daily dental practice, and the development of ergonomics at the European level.