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Are We Using Plastics Correctly in Dentistry

Original title: Estamos usando bien el plástico en Odontología

RCOE: Revista del Ilustre Consejo General de Colegios de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de España 2020
Alex Garcia Ballesté, Juan Basilio Monné, Míchel Zabalza Cerdeiriña

Summary

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.

espanolEl crecimiento del uso de los productos plasticos durante los ultimos 50 anos ha sido exponencial y desmesurado. Los productos plasticos provocan un grave problema ambiental debido a su proceso de manufactura, a la gestion final del residuo, y a su lenta degradacion en microplasticos. En plena batalla a nivel mundial contra su uso indiscriminado por el grave problema ambiental y de salud publica que provocan; la odontologia y sus profesionales tienen la responsabilidad de no quedar al margen por la increible cantidad de residuos de este tipo que generan con su practica diaria. Se pretende dar a conocer el alcance del problema y cuantificar como y cuanto influimos en el los profesionales de la salud y en concreto los odontologos; asi como reflexionar acerca del por que de la importancia de moderar su uso y fomentar su reciclaje. EnglishThe increase in the use of plastic products during the last 50 years has been exponential and excessive. Plastic products cause a serious environmental problem due to its manufacturing process, final management of the waste, and due to its slow degradation in microplastics. Immersed in a worldwide battle against indiscriminate use due to the serious environmental and public health problem that they cause, dentistry and its professionals have the responsibility of not being apart, due to the incredible amount of this waste generated after their daily practice. It is intended to show the scope of the problem and quantify how and how much health professionals influence on it, specially dentists; as well as discuss about the importance in moderating its use and encourage its recycling.

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