Plastic Free July: Turning the Tide on the Tsunami of Dental Waste

Hello there!  I'm Davinder Raju, a dentist and owner of an eco-friendly dental practice and who is passionate about making our profession greener. As the founder of Greener Dentistry Global, I can see our industry's environmental impact firsthand. But I'm not just here to point out problems – I'm here to offer suggestions for a different way of delivering oral healthcare, one that takes into account one of our often forgotten stakeholders: the planet.

Each month, I'll be sharing insights on how we can make dentistry more sustainable. And what better time to start than Plastic Free July? So, let's dive in and examine the significant impact of single-use plastics (SUPs) in our field.

The Scale of the Problem

Brace yourselves – the numbers are staggering:

- Over 20 SUPs are used for the average dental procedure. That's right, twenty!

- An estimated 352 million gloves are used annually for routine adult primary care procedures in the UK alone. And that's a conservative estimate.

At my practice, we believe in a holistic approach to dentistry that extends beyond patient care and encompasses environmental stewardship. Our commitment to providing healthcare shouldn't come at the cost of harming our planet. This belief drives us to constantly seek ways to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of dental care.

Environmental Impact

The dental industry's plastic waste is contributing to a global crisis:

- Only 9% of plastic waste globally is successfully recycled.

- 50% ends up in landfills, 19% is incinerated, and 22% leaks into the environment.

- Dental items like toothbrushes (256 million discarded annually in the UK) and toothpaste tubes are challenging to recycle due to mixed materials.

These sobering statistics reflect broader environmental challenges. While dentistry isn't solely responsible, we can reduce our contribution. By adopting sustainable practices and innovative solutions, we can minimise our environmental impact and potentially set a positive example for other healthcare sectors.

Progress in Recyclable Packaging

The dental industry is taking significant steps towards sustainability, particularly in the area of recyclable packaging. Colgate, for example, has made notable strides:

- They've developed recyclable tubes made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), the same plastic used in milk bottles.

- However, many UK councils still don't accept these tubes in household recycling bins due to the mixed-material nature of traditional toothpaste tubes.

- Alternative recycling options are available through TerraCycle's free recycling program for Colgate products and Boots stores, which accept hard-to-recycle items, including toothpaste tubes.

It's a start, but we need to push for more widespread adoption and easier recycling options.

Challenges in Dental Practice

1. Infection control requirements necessitate single-use items for patient safety.
2. Fear of litigation through a lack of understanding of regulations can discourage exploration of reusable alternatives.

While these challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. The dental industry is increasingly exploring innovative solutions that balance patient safety with environmental responsibility. By staying informed about advances in sustainable dentistry and carefully evaluating our practices, we can find creative ways to reduce our environmental impact without compromising the quality of care we provide.

Steps Towards Sustainability

Here's how we can take action:

Audit your practice: Identify areas where plastic use can be reduced without compromising patient safety.

Educate patients: Recommend eco-friendly oral care products and proper disposal methods.

Explore alternatives: Look for autoclavable options. With the correct processing (washer disinfectors and vacuum autoclaves), these alternatives can be reused, just like your handpieces, which you would process the same way and not discard after use.

Advocate for change: Engage with dental suppliers and governing bodies to prioritize sustainability within dentistry.

Remember, adopting sustainable practices isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business, too. As society becomes more environmentally conscious, patients increasingly seek businesses that align with their values. Implementing and promoting sustainable practices can differentiate your practice in a competitive market.

That's why I founded Greener Dentistry Global, an online platform offering a unique sustainability accreditation programme for dental practices. We're here to help you navigate the path to greener dentistry step by step.

So, this Plastic Free July, let's commit to reducing our plastic footprint and exploring innovative solutions for a greener future in dentistry. Together, we can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly profession.

Stay tuned for more monthly insights on sustainability in dentistry! As we navigate this greener journey together, remember that while change isn't always easy, it's certainly worthwhile. With our collective expertise and dedication, we can create a more sustainable future for dentistry.

Posted by Gemma