Sustainability is not just a passing trend; it is a vital responsibility that dental clinics must embrace to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future. Implementing eco-friendly practices in dental offices may seem daunting, but there are numerous simple and cost-effective changes that can be made immediately. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of eco-friendly dentistry, its significance, and provide actionable tips for dental professionals to adopt sustainable practices in their clinics.

Understanding Eco-Friendly Dentistry

Eco-friendly dentistry, also known as environmentally friendly dentistry, green dentistry, or sustainable dentistry, aims to minimize the environmental impact of dental practices while maintaining high-quality care and infection control. The FDI World Dental Federation recognizes sustainability as a core principle of dentistry, emphasizing the ethical practice of oral health with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

The Role of Dentistry in Climate Change

While climate change is a global issue that requires collective action, dental clinics can make a significant contribution by addressing their carbon footprint. Patient and staff travel to and from practices have been identified as a major contributor to the dental industry's carbon footprint. Energy consumption and procurement also play a role in greenhouse gas emissions. By recognizing their responsibility and taking action, dental professionals can make a positive impact on the environment.

Actionable Tips for Eco-Friendly Dentistry

1. Reduce:
- Embrace paperless practices by digitizing patient records and radiography.
- Improve water and electricity management by opting for green energy or generating renewable power.

2. Reuse:
- Invest in reusable products, such as stainless-steel trays, to minimize waste.

3. Recycle:
- Implement proper waste management and recycling protocols for materials like paper and aluminum.
- Choose autoclavable items, like metal air/water suction tips, to reduce single-use waste.

4. Rethink:
- Switch to biodegradable single-use products, such as refuse bags and washable bibs.
- Educate patients about alternative options like bamboo toothbrushes and biodegradable floss.
- Encourage patient and staff travel via public transportation or consider participating in a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Explore the use of teledentistry to minimize unnecessary travel and appointments.

Successful Examples of Green Dentistry

Several dental practices have already embraced sustainable dentistry and serve as inspirations for others. These include:
- Beaconsfield Dental in Melbourne, Australia, using biodegradable barriers, and sustainable chemicals, and participating in waste minimization activities.
- Cologne-based dentists Drs. Stefan Dietsche and Reiner Wichary, implementing eco-friendly measures such as using cornflour cups and renewable energy sources.
- Dr. Ali Farahani from Stratford, Ontario, Canada, has been practicing eco-friendly dentistry since 2007 and actively promotes water and landfill conservation.

The Broader Perspective

While individual efforts in dental clinics are crucial, collaboration among dentists, associations, and the wider industry is essential for meaningful change. Manufacturers and companies play a vital role in producing sustainable dental products. Associations can provide resources and guidelines, while governments can introduce regulatory frameworks. By working together, the dental community can drive positive change and protect the environment.

Sustainability in dentistry is a pressing need that dental clinics must address. By implementing simple yet effective measures like reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling, and rethinking consumption habits, dental professionals can contribute to a greener future. Let us embrace eco-friendly practices and join the global effort to create a sustainable world for generations to come.

Information was taken from this article in Dental Tribune International  (click for link)