Dentistry as a profession has a significant environmental impact, contributing to the global environmental emergency and having a substantial impact on human health. With funding from the “Green Mary Sustainability Fund” and support from Green at Barts Health a team of 18 student and staff volunteers at the Institute of Dentistry organised a dental sustainability event
Background and aims
Dentistry as a profession has a significant environmental impact, contributing to the global environmental emergency and having a substantial impact on human health. With funding from the “Green Mary Sustainability Fund” and support from Green at Barts Health a team of 18 student and staff volunteers at the Institute of Dentistry organised a dental sustainability event. This took place on Wednesday 8th June 2022 and aimed to raise awareness of the environmental impact of dentistry and was the first of its kind.
Attendance and feedback
A range of exhibitors attended from leading dental companies, allowing them to display various elements and initiatives, encouraging sustainable dental care. The event was also supported by the student volunteering group “Barts Community Smiles”, with undergraduate dental student volunteers hosting four educational stands on topics including the impact of travel and waste management. Staff members were encouraged to make personal pledges to reduce their environmental impact, thinking about changes that could be made within their departments to improve sustainability.
The event was well-attended with over 150 attendees from various departments of the Royal London Hospital. Staff groups included dentists, dental care professionals, medical staff, domestic staff and dental students. Overall, 99% of attendees would like to see similar events promoting sustainability, with 97% of them feeling that they learnt something new regarding their environmental impact.
Student volunteers who helped at the showcase enjoyed volunteering at event, “volunteering at the sustainability showcase was super fun! Not only do you learn a bit more about ‘the greener future’ of dentistry, but it also opens up opportunities to work with sustainable healthcare brands and plenty of freebies!”
Moving forwards
As the climate emergency continues to have widespread impacts, it is essential that staff and students are aware of the environmental impacts of dentistry. Drastic steps need to be taken to implement more sustainable practices on a policy, environmental and local level. Increasing awareness of the environmental impact of dentistry is one step towards a more sustainable dental profession and planet.
Haleema Rabeea
Final Year Dental Student, The Royal London Dental Hospital and Queen Mary University of LondonVolunteer committee: Joelle Booth, Bethany Revert, Himani Chhabra, Haleema Rabeea & Zahra Shehabi The Royal London Dental Hospital and Queen Mary University of London