Toward Sustainable Dental Practice; Comprehensive Guide and Application

Author : Abdulrhman albraithen

Abstract :Introduction: Green dentistry (or eco-dentistry) is an approach to dental care that minimizes environmental impact through: • Waste reduction (eliminating single-use plastics, mercury, and toxic chemicals) • Resource conservation (saving water and energy) • Biodegradable/eco-friendly materials (replacing conventional products) • Carbon footprint reduction (renewable energy, sustainable practices) It merges clinical excellence with environmental responsibility, ensuring patient care doesn’t come at the planet’s expense. Health Risks: • Mercury exposure → neurotoxicity, kidney damage. • PVC-based disposables → carcinogenic when incinerated. • Chemical disinfectants → water contamination. Objectives: Reduce Environmental Impact of Traditional Dentistry: • Mercury Pollution: Dental amalgam is the #1 source of mercury in wastewater. (340 tons/year globally, WHO). • Plastic Waste: A single dental clinic discards ~500kg of plastic annually. • Water Waste: Conventional vacuum systems use ~1,000 gallons/day/clinic. • Energy Use: Autoclaves and lights consume 30% more energy than necessary.Green Dental Technologies: A. Mercury Alternatives: • Bioactive fillings: Releases calcium/fluoride, mimics natural teeth. • Glass ionomer cements: Chemical-bonded, fluoride-releasing, no mercury. B. Zero-Waste Sterilization, by: • Reusable stainless steel cassettes (replace disposable wraps). • Autoclavable silicone suction tips (instead of PVC). C. Sustainable Clinics: • Solar-powered offices. • 3D-printed biodegradable surgical guides (plant-based resins)

Keywords :Green Dentistry: Sustainable Dental Practices for Health and Environmental Safety

Conference Name :International Conference on Advanced Esthetic Dentistry and Dental Treatments (ICAEDDT-25)

Conference Place Istanbul, Turkey

Conference Date 3rd Nov 2025