We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Sustainability and General Dental Practice: An Overview.
Summary
This overview examines sustainability considerations in general dental practice, from single-use equipment and patient travel to oral hygiene products and treatment decisions. Researchers discuss how dentistry contributes to environmental waste, including plastic pollution from disposable items and packaging. The paper proposes practical options ranging from simple behavioral changes to larger investments for reducing the environmental footprint of dental care.
##Statement of the problem Sustainability recognises that the resources that we use are finite and that we should be cognisant of the way in which we use them and use them with care. ##Purpose of the study This paper aims to provide an overview of sustainability in a broad healthcare context and specifically from a dental perspective. ##Materials and Methods This publication discusses how the concept of sustainability can impact the decisions we make regarding the dentistry that we provide. We consider many relevant factors, including practice settings, travel and patient records, single-use equipment, oral hygiene, patient and treatments. ##Results and Conclusion Possible options for improving the sustainability of dental practice are proposed, ranging from “easy wins” to more significant investments in time and finance.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Impact of the dental sector on the environmental pollution: an overview
This review summarises the environmental impact of the dental sector, focusing on mercury from amalgam, microplastic release from resins and disposable materials, and high energy and water consumption. It evaluates green dentistry concepts and sustainable practice alternatives.
Towards Sustainable Orthodontics: Environmental Implications and Strategies for Clear Aligner Therapy
This review examines the environmental footprint of clear dental aligners, which are made from plastic polymers and generate significant waste since patients use multiple sets over treatment. The manufacturing and disposal of aligners contributes to microplastic pollution, and the paper suggests the dental industry should adopt more sustainable materials and recycling programs to reduce this impact.
Microplastics in Dentistry: A Review of Health and Environmental Risks
This narrative review examined the sources and health implications of microplastics in dental settings, identifying dental materials, procedures, and equipment as underrecognized sources of patient and clinician exposure. The review calls for greater awareness and standardized safety protocols in dentistry.
Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda
This article explores how sustainable practices in dentistry can reduce waste and environmental impact, in line with the UN's 2030 sustainability goals. While not directly about microplastics, the dental industry generates significant plastic waste from single-use items and disposable materials that can break down into microplastics. The push for greener dental materials and waste reduction could help decrease one source of microplastic pollution entering the environment.
Estamos usando bien el plástico en Odontología
This Spanish-language article examines the large amount of plastic waste generated by dental practices and calls on dentists and dental professionals to reduce their plastic footprint. It argues that the dental profession has a responsibility to address its contribution to microplastic pollution given the extent of plastic use in clinical dentistry.