Drivers, opportunities and best practice for sustainability in dentistry: A scoping review

To undertake a comprehensive scoping review of the literature to address the research question ‘What is the current state of environmental sustainability in general dental practice?’ To provide an effective baseline of data that will consider the drivers, opportunities and recommendations for the im...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of dentistry 2021-09, Vol.112, p.103737-103737, Article 103737
Main Authors: Martin, Nicolas, Sheppard, Madison, Gorasia, GaneshParth, Arora, Pranav, Cooper, Matthew, Mulligan, Steven
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air conditioning
Air pollution
Alternative energy sources
Bedrock
Behavior
Best practice
Carbon footprint
Dental materials
Dentistry
Disease prevention
Drivers
Emissions
Environmental impact
Health care
Legislation
Literature reviews
Logistics
Opportunities
Oral hygiene
Patients
Scoping review
Supply chains
Sustainability
Toothbrushes
Waste management
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Summary:To undertake a comprehensive scoping review of the literature to address the research question ‘What is the current state of environmental sustainability in general dental practice?’ To provide an effective baseline of data that will consider the drivers, opportunities and recommendations for the implementation of sustainable practice. The scoping review was conducted for all published literature in the English language that addresses this topic up to the 31st April 2021. The method of the PRISMA-ScR (PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews was followed. 128 papers included in this scoping review consisted of: Commentary [Letters, editorials, communication and opinion] (n=39); Research (n=60); Literature reviews (n=25); Reports [Policy and legislation] (n=4). Each included record was analysed for emerging themes that were further classified according to their general relevance. The scoping review is considered over two manuscripts, with this second paper focusing on the opportunities, recommendations and best practice to develop and engage with sustainable practice. Drivers, opportunities and recommendations for best practice to achieve environmentally sustainable goals in oral health care: The lack of public and professional awareness is the greatest driver to engage with a positive change of behaviour and attitudes. Awareness through education is key at all levels and this should be the bedrock of future strategies. Reduction in staff and patient commuter travel through a reduction of the incidence of preventable oral diseases, improved patient care logistics and IT. Reducing waste and increase recycling opportunities, especially for SUPs. Engagement with legislation and policy makers. Engagement with key stakeholders across the dental materials/products supply chain for the management of manufacturing, distribution, procurement, clinical use and waste management.
ISSN:0300-5712
1879-176X
DOI:10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103737