Sustainability is a commitment to balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations to ensure the longevity of resources for future generations. When we apply this concept to dentistry, it becomes a powerful force for positive change in oral and environmental health.
Embracing sustainable dentistry means recognizing the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic instability while incorporating responsible resource management, waste reduction, and pollution prevention. It involves a commitment to the triple bottom line of environmental, social, and economic impacts, as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.1
The impact of health-care practices on the environment
The health-care industry, including oral health care, contributes significantly to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, transportation requirements, and the generation of medical waste and pollution.2 The sheer scale of these impacts cannot be ignored, and every individual, including oral health-care professionals, must recognizes their role in mitigating these effects.
Empowering change through sustainable practices
As oral health-care professionals, we can pioneer transformation by making informed choices that reduce energy consumption, promote sustainable lifestyles, and advocate for pollution-reducing strategies. By leveraging our influence in the workplace, we can drive substantial positive impact through sustainable practices.
Fostering a synergistic approach to sustainable oral health
Improving oral health is not just about treating dental issues—it's about promoting overall health and environmental well-being. By focusing on preventive programs and sustainable disease prevention, oral health providers (OHPs) can lead the charge in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, water use, pollution, and waste production while providing high-quality oral health-care services.3,4
The interconnected relationship between oral and systemic health
Recognizing the link between oral and systemic health allows for a more holistic approach to patient care.5 OHPs are uniquely positioned to engage with patients in the detection, screening, and identification of risk factors for both poor oral and systemic health, driving efforts to prevent oral and systemic diseases, and ultimately improving overall health while reducing environmental impact.
Antimicrobial stewardship in oral health care
Depending on the type of antibiotic, a significant portion of the administered dose is excreted in a biologically active form. This emphasizes the impact of increased antibiotic use in human health care and agriculture, not only fostering the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance but also leading to the contamination of water and soil with antibiotic residues.6 The misuse and overprescription of antimicrobial drugs contribute to antimicrobial resistance. OHPS must adhere to evidence-based antibiotic stewardship guidance and protocols to minimize the development of antibiotic resistance and prevent severe environmental consequences.7
Incorporating oral health into universal health-care coverage
Including dental care in universal health coverage (UHC) is good for dental and general health, and it supports environmental sustainability.8 Public health guidelines should focus on preventing dental problems and promoting good oral care. This approach has three key benefits: it reduces individual diseases, saves public health costs, and benefits the environment. Integrating dental care into UHC involves providing essential dental services through easily accessible and well-trained providers. The World Health Organization recommends a primary health-care approach because it's the most effective and inclusive way to achieve UHC.9
Dental health is closely linked to overall well-being and is affected by the same risk factors as other health conditions. Since more than half of the world's population struggles with untreated dental problems, including dental care in UHC can improve dental and general health. By investing in basic UHC and using a primary health-care approach, countries can enhance health promotion, prevent diseases, and maximize the health of their populations.10 This focus on early prevention and wider access to primary services also positively affects environmental sustainability.
Transforming oral health care for a sustainable future
The journey toward sustainable dentistry is about much more than adopting eco-friendly practices; it is a transformative approach to health care that prioritizes the well-being of people and the planet. By embracing sustainable principles and practices, we can lead the way in revolutionizing the oral health-care industry, ensuring a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come.
References
1. Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations. March 2023. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
2. Sijm-Eeken M, Jaspers M, Peute L. Identifying environmental impact factors for sustainable healthcare: a scoping review. Int J Environ Res Publ Health. 2023;20(18):6747. doi:10.3390/ijerph20186747
3. Ghoneim A, Ebnahmady A, D'Souza V, Parbhakar KK, Helen H, Gerbig M, Singhal S, Quiñonez C. The impact of dental care programs on healthcare system and societal outcomes: a scoping review. BMC health services research. 2022;22(1):1574. doi:10.1186/s12913-022-08951-x
4. Martin N, Hunter A, Constantine Z, Mulligan S. The environmental consequences of oral healthcare provision by the dental team. J Dent. 2024;142:104842-104842. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104842
5. Barranca-Enríquez A, Romo-González T. Your health is in your mouth: A comprehensive view to promote general wellness. Frontiers in Oral Health. 2022;3:971223. doi:10.3389/froh.2022.971223
6. Hanna N, Sun P, Sun Q, et al. Presence of antibiotic residues in various environmental compartments of Shandong province in eastern China: its potential for resistance development and ecological and human risk. Environment Int. 2018;114:131-142. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2018.02.003
7.Llor C, Bjerrum L. Antimicrobial resistance: risk associated with antibiotic overuse and initiatives to reduce the problem. Therapeutic advances in drug safety, 2014;5(6):229-241. doi:10.1177/2042098614554919
8. Wang TT, Mathur MR, Schmidt H. Universal health coverage, oral health, equity and personal responsibility. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2020;98(10):719-721. doi:10.2471/BLT.19.247288
9. Universal Health Coverage (UNC). World Health Organization. October 5, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc)
10. Oral Health. World Health Organization. March 14, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
