Sustainability has been simply defined as preserving to meet the needs of the current generation, without compromising the needs of the future generation. As society faces global challenges, there has been a shared concern from a myriad of health industries of the larger impact of the global footprint on patient care, but the damage caused to the environment. Dentists mirror this frustration, as everyday practice relies on the use of various equipment to provide the best quality of care to their patients. This has been reflected from the shocking increase in the overall carbon footprint, from 27 tonnes to 35 tonnes as shown in the recent study. This further reinforces the growing demand to adopt sustainable practices in every-day work culture, to limit the use of: waste, hazardous materials, whilst encouraging an eco-friendly environment. Hence, today dentists are working as a team to collaborate as a workforce and transform it to align with the beauty of a sustainable, greener world. 

What role does modern dentistry play in embracing daily sustainable practices?

Modern day dentistry plays a crucial role in adopting this element of social responsibility when making small changes and efforts to address the large amount of waste generated in the dental industry. Many dental practices are therefore exploring methods to address this from a local scale in their dental practice. This may include reducing their waste and energy consumption by ensuring to use minimal resources when needed. This is along with also recycling materials and disposing of hazardous materials that may have implications of affecting patient safety in the practice. Besides recognising the importance of waste management and the use of eco-friendly materials, practitioners are also innovatively exploring dental technology as a way to enhance sustainability. This may include the use of 3D printing, an intraoral scanner to further limit the consumption of energy, and a device referred to as dental amalgam separators, which prevent the release of Mercury to the environment. Exposure to mercury vapour can be problematic to a patient’s oral health, as it can cause unwanted side effects. Hence, nurturing a keen attitude towards the growing advancements in dentistry, has proven far beneficial, of meeting both patients expectations whilst maintaining sustainability in the surrounding environment. 

The future of green dentistry

Certainly, there are many challenges faced by dentists when calling for a greener future - whether that be making changes to their daily environment, like switching materials which are proven healthier but safer to both patient care and environment. Dentists today are looking to take a holistic approach, recognising that both demands and expectations must be met, as we rapidly move towards a greener future. One approach that can be taken, is by promoting the use of ‘green products’. This approach refers to having a suitable balance of encompassing eco-friendly materials to deliver a minimally invasive procedure to a patient. Whilst green dentistry aims to holistically conserve both the environment from reducing waste, pollution and hazardous materials from the innovative advancements in technology, it can be largely burdening to exercise this shift towards an eco-friendly environment at once all over the dental industry, such as: moving away from materials, such as dental amalgam, which has been used for over 150 years that can have both positive and negative effects. Hence, from nurturing a green dentistry, it is pivotal for dentists to take both small-steps and remain accountable for their carbon footprint, impacting both the wider environment. 

Written by Masooma

Moderated by Adelene

References:

The growing importance of sustainability in UK dentistry - Dentistry (August 31st, 2023) [Online]. Available at: https://dentistry.co.uk/2023/08/15/the-growing-importance-of-sustainability-and-esg-impact-in-uk-dentistry//

Green revolution: the future of dental practices - Dentistry (June 24th, 2024) [Online]. Available at: https://dentistry.co.uk/2024/06/25/the-green-revolution-what-does-the-future-look-like-for-practices/