How Can We Kickstart a Circular Plastics Economy in Dentistry?

First and foremost, to accelerate the adoption of the circular plastic economy in dentistry, it is crucial to engage with stakeholders. Collaborating with dental suppliers, manufacturers, and associations will allow you to advocate for sustainable practices and encourage the development of eco-friendly alternatives.

Here are some more proactive steps you can take:

• Communicate with suppliers: Engage in dialogue with your suppliers to encourage the availability of environmentally-friendly products and packaging options. Request information on their efforts to reduce plastic waste and support sustainable manufacturing practices, shift your business away from suppliers who aren’t making an effort environmentally.
• Join professional associations: Participate in dental associations and organisations that prioritise sustainability. By collectively advocating for a circular plastic economy, you can amplify your voice and drive industry-wide change.
• Educate patients: As trusted oral health providers, you have the opportunity to educate your patients about the importance of reducing plastic waste. Empower them with knowledge about sustainable oral hygiene practices, such as using bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable floss, or refillable mouthwash containers. You could even offer incentives to patients to get them using these alternatives.
• Share best practices: Sustainability is not the time for competition; we are all in this together. Collaborate with fellow dentists and share your experiences and successes in implementing environmental initiatives. By learning from one another, we can collectively enhance our environmental impact.