Light and lighting in the dental office.

For any task, the eye can respond effectively if there is enough light, if that light is properly distributed, if the appropriate color correction is provided, and if visual contrasts are balanced. Dental offices differ in the types of work performed, the number of people engaged in various tasks, and the types of patients treated. Each office and each room can be planned according to the guidelines herein suggested as long as a rational analysis is applied to the result desired and the tasks being accomplished. The authors suggest that all concerned with office design, the architect, the contractors, and even other illuminating engineers be asked to read this article before integrating their efforts, for the dental office presents some variations not frequently encountered by these people. The need for conservation of our energy sources mandates wise use of all our energy expenditures. There is another resource conservation need that is sometimes overlooked--the effective use of talented people such as the dentist and his staff. The employment of adequate illumination design heeds both demands while giving a rewarding pleasantness and enjoyment of the work environment.