McGill University champions sustainable denistry.

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 5. November 2024

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MONTREAL, Canada: As the world increasingly comes to terms with the immense impact produced upon the environment by industrial capitalist societies, the dental industry has also been forced to reckon with its own ecological effects. Whereas some of these efforts have focused on phasing out environmentally harmful materials like amalgam, new studies coming out of McGill University in Canada are advocating for an all-embracing approach. The institution is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable dentistry, aiming to reshape how dental care can reduce its environmental impact.

Spearheaded by Dr Christophe Bedos, an associate professor at McGill’s Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, the initiative seeks to calculate and minimise all the carbon emissions associated with dental practice—from the manufacturing of latex gloves to patients’ commutes. “I want to spark a global reflection,” said Dr Bedos in a university press release. “We need to engage the broader dental community to set tangible targets that drive real, sustainable change.”

Acknowledging that even routine dental visits contribute to carbon emissions, Dr Bedos’s team has scrutinised various aspects of dental care to identify the greatest polluters. Surprisingly, transportation emerged as a major factor, patients’ trips to and from the clinic accounting for nearly a third of emissions. “Everything we do leads to emissions,” Dr Bedos emphasised. “Imagine you’ve had a tooth removed; why not follow up over Zoom instead of coming back to the clinic?” he asked.

Alongside this reimagined patient experience, the project examines electricity usage, water consumption, single-use plastics and other factors having an impact on the environment. With the assistance of Synergie Santé Environnement, a Quebec-based non-profit organisation, and funding from McGill’s Sustainability Projects Fund, the team aims to develop a comprehensive carbon assessment to inform future policy recommendations for the faculty. Potential changes could include virtual appointments, better material sourcing and reduced plastic waste.

Dr Bedos shared insights from the initiative in a masterclass on 25 October, advocating for systemic shifts in how dentistry addresses climate challenges. The idea of making dentistry more sustainable came to him three years ago after realising the urgent need for climate action. He considered the lack of research in the field and began to ask himself how he could link his work on social inequalities in dentistry with the climate crisis.

In addition to his role at McGill, Dr Bedos co-directs the Quebec-based Network for Oral and Bone Health Research, where he has prioritised decarbonisation in dental care. His goal extends beyond McGill’s clinics to encourage policy shifts that support sustainability in the dental industry at large.

“We need governments and industries to step up,” Dr Bedos urged, noting Canada’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. He explained: “It’s not just about immediate solutions; we need to think about what kind of world we want to leave behind.”