[Ergonomics and health risks for the dentists: overview]

Ergonomics and the dentists' health risks: a literature overview. As an introduction to dental ergonomics the changing attitudes during this century in ergonomics and dental ergonomics are summarized. During the last decade dental ergonomics have focused its attention mainly on the considerable health risks in the dental profession. Several studies indicate that there is still a large gap between the theoretical knowledge of work organisation, working postures and health risks on the one hand and its application in the dental practice on the other hand. Therefore it is useful to take again a closer look at the preventive measures that can contribute to less physical and psychological strain in the daily practice.