Ergonomics. Reducing mental and physical fatigue in the dental operatory.

The work output and the mental and physical fatigue generated by a dental procedure is affected by the length and type of operation, physical facilities, the amount of cooperation given by the patient, operating techniques, and the effective teamwork and rapport of the operatory dental team. Fatigue is also generated by stresses that arise outside of the office and which, when superimposed over the normal operating stresses of the office, can have a cumulative effect of decreasing output and increasing mental and physical fatigue for the dentist, the assistant, and the patient. Probably the three most important means to compensate for both routine and nonroutine physical and mental stresses of any type or origin are: (1) learn to cope with or resolve the origin of the stress; (2) develop a pattern of healthy living; (3) cultivate job satisfaction.