It’s been some time since I reflected on what it means to provide sustainable dentistry. Though it remains an important subject for all of us, I have noted a lack of new developments or ideas in the field of late. So, have we gone as far as we can to deliver green dental care without compromising safety and quality standards? Or do we need to think outside the box a little more?
The basics
Starting with some of the basics, there are small steps that all businesses can apply to improve their green credentials. These include switching off lights, heating, air conditioning or equipment when not in use, installing low energy light bulbs, replacing plastic water cups with paper or reusable alternatives, and using electronic patient forms instead of paper. Ensuring correct waste disposal is also important, which involves more than simply separating recyclable materials. By segregating all waste effectively – as per the HTM 01-07 best practice guidelines[i] – we can ensure that all items are safely treated in the least energy-intensive way possible, further minimising our carbon footprint. Similarly, it’s beneficial to prioritise working with suppliers who share a passion for sustainability, whether they demonstrate this with recycled packaging or low emission transport of goods, for instance.
Some other actions that require a little more time and/or investment include adequately insulating buildings and installing double glazed windows, as well as reducing water usage. The implementation of green energy sources like solar panels or choosing a supplier with renewable energy sources is another option. In addition, replacing furniture and cabinets when necessary with materials taken from sustainable sources will further help to protect the environment.
Fighting public enemy number one
The reduction of plastic use has been the focus of many green campaigns in recent years. We have significantly diminished the use of plastic bags in retail, plastic straws are out and so is plastic single-use cutlery. It seems that Gen Z is one of the biggest generations driving sustainable life, especially when it comes to retail.[ii] They are also thought to be influencing others to make more sustainable purchasing decisions, so this trend may yet go further.[iii]
Minimising the use of plastic in dentistry has always been a bigger challenge. Especially with the increase in single-use items due to the pandemic, turning the tables without affecting patient safety is not straightforward. Where possible, many practices already utilise reusable instruments made safe via a meticulous decontamination and sterilisation process. The use of a reverse osmosis water system instead of bottled water can further decrease plastic use.
Packaging is probably the biggest area that we can make a difference. It’s been estimated that 36 per cent of all plastic produced is used in packaging and around 85 per cent of this ends up in landfill.[iv] Consider working with suppliers who employ more sustainable packaging or recycled/recyclable materials where available.
Time to think bigger
The big ideas propelling sustainability in other sectors could offer inspiration for progress within dentistry too. For example, the concept of a circular economy might lead to a world where more dental instruments or equipment can be treated, recrafted and repurposed for other tasks.
However, the field in which I foresee the most potential is technology. In particular, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is paving the way for more streamlined, and efficient processes throughout the dental practice. Taking insight from other industries, it might not be long before AI-driven technology is helping practices optimise their energy consumption, reduce emissions and make more sustainably-focused decisions. Importantly, all of this will be achieved while the standard of patient care is elevated.
Thinking more laterally, AI could improve every step of the supply chain. This will allow dental practices to substantially reduce their carbon footprint and their impact on the planet. Initial studies[v] postulate that AI could enhance supply chain efficiency within medical networks and improve waste management, while simultaneously enhancing financial sustainability.
On a wider scale, AI could facilitate more eco-friendly manufacturing processes, improve logistics or enable a more efficient energy grid nationwide. In fact, there’s little doubt that AI will have an enormous impact on our sustainability as a society. One report[vi] I came across suggested that by better combining the powers of AI and decarbonisation, we could reduce global greenhouse emissions by 1.5 to 4 per cent in the next few years alone.
More to come
To return to the earlier question, have we reached the end of the sustainable dentistry journey? Not at all. The difference seems to be that the next steps are much bigger in nature than anything we have taken so far and will, therefore, require an industry-wide approach.
Dr Michael Sultan Bio:
EndoCare, led by Dr Michael Sultan, is one of the UK’s most trusted Specialist Endodontist practices. Through the use of the latest technologies and techniques, the highly-trained team can offer exceptional standards of care – always putting the patient first. What’s more, EndoCare is a dependable referral centre, to which dentists from across the country send their patients for the best in specialist endodontic treatment.
[i] NHS England, (2022). Health Technical Memorandum 07:01 Safe and sustainable management of healthcare waste. (Online) Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/B2159iii-health-technical-memorandum-07-01.pdf [Accessed April 2024]
[ii] First Insight. The state of consumer spending: Gen Z shoppers demand sustainable retail. April 2021. https://www.firstinsight.com/white-papers-posts/gen-z-shoppers-demand-sustainability [Accessed April 2024]
[iii] First Insight and Baker Retailing Centre at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The state of consumer spending: Gen Z influencing all generations to make sustainability-first purchasing decisions. March 2022 https://www.firstinsight.com/white-papers-posts/gen-z-influencing-all-generations-to-make-sustainability-first-purchasing-decisions [Accessed April 2024]
[iv] UN Environment Programme. Our planet is choking on plastic. https://www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution/#:~:text=Approximately%2036%20per%20cent%20of,landfills%20or%20as%20unregulated%20waste. [Accessed April 2024]
[v] Ammi, C., Kondrateva, G. & Baudier, P. (2024). Healthcare Sustainability: The Role of Artificial Intelligence Acceptance by Medical Staff. Journal of Innovation Economics & Management, https://doi.org/10.3917/jie.pr1.0159
[vi] Microsoft in association with PWC. How AI can enable a sustainable future. https://www.pwc.co.uk/services/sustainability-climate-change/insights/how-ai-future-can-enable-sustainable-future.html [Accessed May 2024]
