SUSTAINABLE DENTISTRY: TRANSFORMING ORAL HEALTHCARE FOR A GREENER FUTURE

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Mustafa N.

GEVHER NESİBE 17 th INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL SCIENCES CONFERENCE, Ankara, Türkiye, 11 - 13 Ekim 2026, cilt.5, sa.15, ss.123-135, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Cilt numarası: 5
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.123-135
  • İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract

Growing environmental concerns have highlighted the need for healthcare systems to

adopt more sustainable practices. Dentistry contributes to environmental pressures through

the consumption of energy, water, plastics, pharmaceuticals, dental materials, and

laboratory resources. Sustainable dentistry therefore requires environmentally responsible

approaches across clinical practice, prevention, procurement, waste management, and

education. This study aims to explore key environmental sustainability challenges in

dentistry and identify practical strategies for developing greener oral healthcare practices.

A narrative review was conducted to examine the emerging literature on sustainability in

dentistry, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, dental materials, single-use plastics,

waste generation, antibiotic use, nitrous oxide, preventive oral healthcare, prosthodontic

procedures, and digital technologies. The findings indicate that sustainable dentistry can be

promoted through preventive care, efficient resource utilization, responsible material

selection, waste reduction, and environmentally conscious clinical decision-making.

Prosthodontic procedures generate substantial environmental impacts due to the use of

metals, ceramics, polymers, gypsum, and wax. Digital dentistry offers opportunities to

reduce material consumption and improve workflow efficiency. Sustainable procurement,

appropriate waste segregation, reduction of unnecessary single-use products, responsible

pharmaceutical use, and stronger collaboration between dental practices and laboratories

can further reduce environmental pressures. Sustainable dentistry requires a whole-system

approach that integrates environmental responsibility with high-quality patient care.

Keywords: Sustainable dentistry; Environmental sustainability; Dental waste

management; Greenhouse gas emissions; Digital dentistry