FDI works towards making dentistry more sustainable
The World Dental Federation (FDI) launched a Toolkit for Sustainable Dentistry, to help dental practices understand what actions they can take to ensure their work is environmentally sustainable.By providing dentists and dental teams with the tools and strategies to implement greener practices, as well as track progress, the FDI hopes to contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the profession in a tangible way.
The toolkit was developed further to the release of a Consensus Statement on Environmentally Sustainable Oral Healthcare earlier this year, which outlines the challenges and solutions to improving sustainability in dentistry. It also recognises that the oral healthcare sector has a responsibility to provide environmentally sustainable care without compromising patient welfare.
“Dentists and dental teams can play an active role in reducing the environmental impact of dentistry while safeguarding optimal patient care. This online Toolkit for Sustainable Dentistry is a step towards helping dental practices adopt measures to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Prof Ihsane Ben Yahya, FDI President.
“I hope that our work today will have a positive impact on our future generations so that they can enjoy a healthy life and planet,” she said.
The toolkit was developed as part of FDI's Sustainability in Dentistry project, and consists of an interactive platform that guides users to drive their activities towards more sustainable practices by providing them with practical solutions. Dentists and their teams can undertake different sets of challenges and subsequently earn bronze, silver, or gold recognition awards for their practice.
The interactive challenges will give dental teams the tools to raise awareness, implement changes and become more environmentally sustainable. Dental organizations and practices, all around the world, are encouraged to register and make eco-friendly choices as a team to showcase their commitment to our planet. – APO