Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda

The growing impact of the climate crisis has raised significant concerns due to its profound effects on public health and ecological stability. This article explores how the implementation of sustainable practices in dentistry can contribute to a more efficient, safe and environmentally responsible...

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Main Authors: Matilde Guerra, Mariana Morgado, Yago Leira, Tiago Leitão, João Botelho, José João Mendes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Oral Health
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/froh.2025.1549020/full
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author Matilde Guerra
Mariana Morgado
Yago Leira
Tiago Leitão
João Botelho
José João Mendes
author_facet Matilde Guerra
Mariana Morgado
Yago Leira
Tiago Leitão
João Botelho
José João Mendes
author_sort Matilde Guerra
collection DOAJ
description The growing impact of the climate crisis has raised significant concerns due to its profound effects on public health and ecological stability. This article explores how the implementation of sustainable practices in dentistry can contribute to a more efficient, safe and environmentally responsible approach, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. A key focus is on waste reduction, which is achieved through the promotion of oral health and disease prevention, thereby minimising the waste and carbon emissions associated with dental care. In addition, the responsible use of resources such as water and energy and the use of environmentally sustainable dental materials play a critical role in reducing the environmental footprint of dentistry. Key measures such as the recycling of single-use plastics are essential to curb pollution and reduce the uptake of microplastics by marine ecosystems and humans. Education and awareness of sustainability is also essential. This can be promoted by integrating sustainable principles into the curriculum of dental courses and within scientific committees. Promoting these practices among emerging health professionals and researchers will drive the development of innovative alternatives that further reduce the environmental impact of the field.
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record_format Article
series Frontiers in Oral Health
spelling doaj-art-eae0b84a27624ca4820de2022af370a82025-08-20T03:28:25ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Oral Health2673-48422025-07-01610.3389/froh.2025.15490201549020Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agendaMatilde Guerra0Mariana Morgado1Yago Leira2Tiago Leitão3João Botelho4José João Mendes5Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, PortugalEgas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, PortugalPeriodontology Unit, Faculty of Odontology and Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, SpainEgas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, PortugalEgas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, PortugalEgas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, PortugalThe growing impact of the climate crisis has raised significant concerns due to its profound effects on public health and ecological stability. This article explores how the implementation of sustainable practices in dentistry can contribute to a more efficient, safe and environmentally responsible approach, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. A key focus is on waste reduction, which is achieved through the promotion of oral health and disease prevention, thereby minimising the waste and carbon emissions associated with dental care. In addition, the responsible use of resources such as water and energy and the use of environmentally sustainable dental materials play a critical role in reducing the environmental footprint of dentistry. Key measures such as the recycling of single-use plastics are essential to curb pollution and reduce the uptake of microplastics by marine ecosystems and humans. Education and awareness of sustainability is also essential. This can be promoted by integrating sustainable principles into the curriculum of dental courses and within scientific committees. Promoting these practices among emerging health professionals and researchers will drive the development of innovative alternatives that further reduce the environmental impact of the field.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/froh.2025.1549020/fullenvironmental impactdentistrysustainabilitysustainable developmentdental materials
spellingShingle Matilde Guerra
Mariana Morgado
Yago Leira
Tiago Leitão
João Botelho
José João Mendes
Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda
Frontiers in Oral Health
environmental impact
dentistry
sustainability
sustainable development
dental materials
title Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda
title_full Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda
title_fullStr Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda
title_full_unstemmed Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda
title_short Integrating sustainability in dentistry: a pathway towards achieving the UN 2030 agenda
title_sort integrating sustainability in dentistry a pathway towards achieving the un 2030 agenda
topic environmental impact
dentistry
sustainability
sustainable development
dental materials
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/froh.2025.1549020/full
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