Dentistry is a profession dedicated to promoting and enhancing oral health and well-being.
To accomplish these goals, dentists use an immense variety of materials and equipment. Unfortunately, among them we can list substances like heavy metals, biomedical waste and plastic that present potential challenges to the environmental issue. It may seem far-fetched, but dentistry has a huge impact on our planet due to the large amount of waste generated by various dental procedures. In addition to that, most of the clinical steps require the use of a massive amount of water and electricity. For these reasons, the concept of a more eco-friendly dentistry is spreading around the dental world and is attracting every day a larger number of practitioners and industries involved in the field.
“Green dentistry" is a high-tech approach that reduces the environmental impact of dental procedures and encompasses a service model for dentistry that supports and maintains wellness. Indeed, reduce waste, change patterns of consumption and limit the amount of adverse chemicals entering the breathable air of a dental office are realistic and achievable goals. Recycling separately the paper and the plastic halves of the autoclave bag, using digital radiographs instead of traditional film-based x-rays, adopting nontoxic, biodegradable surface disinfectants and cleaners and switching to LED operatory lights instead of halogen lights, are only some of the effortless methods to reduce dentistry “carbon footprints”. An eco-friendly dental practice shouldn’t be a merely “feel good‟ endeavor.
The scientific world already demonstrated an over-whelming evidence of global climate changes and the finite capacity of our planet’s eco-system to absorb further depletion and degradation. Considering that most dental offices are privately-owned small businesses that have no financial advantage and no found or grants to invest in environmentally-friendly practices, the choice to move towards a “green dentistry” is essentially left upon the consciousness of the private dentists.
For this reason, more research is needed to find cost-effective environmental alternatives for dental practice in order to reduce the impact on our planet.
Editorials 31 December 2021
Dear readers,The approach of New Year is usually a festive period and, for some of us, an occasion to look back and sum up our impressions of the year that we are about to leave behind. We can...
Editorials 08 October 2021
Dear Dentistry33 readers,After a long period without the possibility of meeting collogues and friend in person, I am finally pleased to present you the 22nd Annual Congress organized by the Italian...
Editorials 04 August 2021
It has been approximately one and a half year since the Covid-19 pandemic changed the course of the world and influenced the lifestyle of many people, regardless of their background and profession....
Editorials 09 March 2021
During these times in which all the world is asked to wear masks, we truly understand how much our smile is important. Smiling to give a good impression to the person we’re just introduced to,...
Editorials 23 December 2020
Dear Colleagues,December 2020 marks the end of a very unexpected and difficult year for the entire planet. Covid-19 pandemic literally modified our lives and our habits starting from the very...
Dr. Andrea Shepperson talked about her background in dentistry and her new book, “Managing Tooth Wear,” available starting this month.
The HEALTHYTOOTH project studies the therapeutic potential of different enzybiotics against pathogens that cause caries.
A team from the AINIA technology center is investigating potential ingredients and bioactive compounds for cosmetic products and personal hygiene products capable of fighting the bacteria that cause...
Endodontics 28 March 2023
The purpose of this study was to identify possible associations between classification, treatment, and one-year outcome of external cervical resorption (ECR) lesions using the Heithersay and Patel...
Increasing Prevalence of Dental Problems or Untreated Tooth Decay Coupled with the Rising Geriatric Population Drives Growth
The rising incidence of tooth decay or dental caries, and other dental problems such as mouth sores, tooth erosion, gum diseases, and others along with increasing awareness regarding oral health...
USA 28 March 2023 - 31 March 2023
The Summit draws key leaders in the dental industry for three days of thought leadership, innovation, and networking. This year's event will feature more than 1,000 attendees from across the dental...