How the dental industry is working to lighten its environmental impact.
Whether looking at an individual clinic or taking a macro-perspective that includes dental product manufacturers, providing dental care is a resource-heavy undertaking. But that might not always be the case.
Although some resources are required and some waste will be generated by both dental clinics and the companies making the products those clinics use, a new focus on sustainability throughout the dental industry is helping make it possible to provide top-tier oral health care while operating as efficiently as possible and significantly reducing waste.
When it comes to the practice level, there are numerous ways to reduce water and energy use. Replacing single-use plastics with compostable or biodegradable alternatives can also reduce a practice’s environmental footprint. Another approach to reducing dental waste is to prevent dental disease in the first place. This is one of the concepts underpinning the Sustainability in Dentistry program founded by the FDI World Dental Federation and Dentsply Sirona. The program includes online courses, sustainability resources, and an annual global sustainability award. With an approach focused on evidence-based oral care and prevention combined with guidance on steps to improve sustainability within a dental practice, this global effort aims to empower dental professionals to make a change that affects their practice. More details on the Sustainability in Dentistry program are available at fdiworlddental.org/sustainability-dentistry.
Sustainably Manufacturing Dental Products
It might be a buzzword and often good for public relations, but that doesn’t mean corporate efforts to make operations more sustainable aren’t also good for business. Dental manufacturers have been making major efforts to reduce their use of resources and to decrease waste and harmful emissions. Here are some sustainability success statistics from around the dental industry.
There was a 15% reduction in both water withdrawal at warehouses and manufacturing plants and scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.1
There were 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 gallons of water per year saved by operational changes that focused on efficient use of resources.2
There was a 74% mitigation of carbon impact from shipping parcels by next-day air through a partnership with United Parcel Service, making ground transportation possible.3
There were 4.7 tons less of plastic used each year after changing product packaging from plastic to regular and carton paper materials.4
A total of 72% of the energy used at company facilities in 2021 came from 100% renewable sources, including solar and hydroelectric power.5
Almost 50% less polymer is used to make an aligner today compared with aligners made in 2016. Additionally, 33% less resin is used to make 3D-printed models for aligner production.6
There were 1.2 million pounds less of carbon dioxide emissions released in 2023 when compared with 2022. This reduction is due to a new efficient air compressor system in a production facility.7
Making a dental practice more sustainable can take many forms, and any effort that makes a positive impact is worthwhile. Here’s a look at some dental products that might be able to help with those efforts.
Made from durable Swiss beech wood that is harvested from sustainably managed forests, Curaprox’s wooden toothbrush is designed to provide an effective toothbrush for daily oral care while reducing impact on the environment. The brush handle is biodegradable and compostable, and the compact, slightly angled brush head is designed for easy access to any part of the mouth. Each brush features 4440 tightly packed, ultrasoft filaments to provide a comfortable brushing experience that reaches every area within the mouth.
The Trap-Eze Plaster Plus is a specially designed, disposable sink trap that effectively captures plaster, wax, polishing compounds, abrasives, pumice, steel wool, and the latest environmental concern, microplastics. Dental practices commonly release microplastics into municipal wastewater from procedures such as removing and adjusting restorations or milling and grinding restorations. The amount of microplastics generated per procedure is small, but its generation occurs frequently. The sink trap slows the water discharge flow, allowing sediment to settle out of wastewater. It is reportedly easy to install and replace the trap, which is disposable.
Bio Nitrile Powder Free Biodegradable Examination Gloves
Bio Nitrile Powder Free Biodegradable Examination Gloves
Cranberry’s Bio Nitrile Powder Free Biodegradable Examination Gloves are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, ecofriendly dental products. The nitrile material features an additive that reportedly introduces microbial activity when the gloves are disposed of in a landfill, and up to 90% of the material breaks down in less than 1.5 years. The biodegradable properties do not affect the gloves’ performance, as they pass and exceed American Society for Testing and Materials standards for tensile strength and force at break.
Dental flosser brand Plackers has announced the launch of its new EcoChoice Compostable Dental Flossers. These dental flossers are 100% biodegradable, crafted from Danimer Scientific’s polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Danimer Scientific’s PHA is a biopolymer made from canola oil, natural silk floss, and coconut coating, according to the manufacturer. These flossers are designed to decompose after 26 weeks if composted. Flossers will join Plackers’ line of EcoChoice products. They are available exclusively through Amazon.
With strength and durability, these biodegradable microapplicators are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic applicators. Their bendable shape makes them flexible for easy use, and the brush tips are gluten free and lint free.
These applicators are biodegradable and compostable, come in recyclable packaging made from sustainable materials, and require less energy to produce than petroleum plastics.
Download Issue: Dental Products Report April 2024
