Dentistry produces high amount of hazardous waste

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 3. March 2025

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BUDAPEST, Hungary: Research shows that healthcare systems contribute 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and dentistry plays a significant role in this footprint. From an investigation of the environmental impact of its own operations, Semmelweis University in Budapest has recently found that its Faculty of Dentistry produces a significant amount of hazardous waste each day. The findings emphasise the need for sustainable practices in dental care globally, from waste reduction to prevention.

Dr Tamás Demeter.

To assess the faculty’s environmental impact, the Sustainable Dentistry Working Group, which was established in 2021 at the university, carried out a comprehensive waste audit at the faculty’s education centre. The centre hosts approximately 400 staff members across seven departments and treats an average of 642 patients each day. Over three days, the researchers collected an average of nearly 60 kg of hazardous materials per day.

According to the data, personal protective equipment made up the largest share of this hazardous waste (47%), the largest portions of which were gloves (31%) and patient bibs (8%). Paper and wet wipes (22%), specialised dental waste (12%) and single-use plastic items (10%) were the next largest contributors.

Dr Tamás Demeter is a lecturer in the faculty’s Department of Preclinical Dentistry and co-leader of the Sustainable Dentistry Working Group. He explained in a press release that factors such as patient travel, staff commuting, procurement, energy use, and waste production and management significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of waste produced by the global healthcare sector is hazardous, requiring specialised disposal methods that are costly, energy-intensive and environmentally harmful. The researchers hope that their findings will help in identifying opportunities for reducing hazardous waste and encouraging more responsible use of dental supplies.

Prof. Krisztina Márton.

“Our calculations suggest that introducing reusable patient bibs and trays could reduce daily waste by over 7 kg. More efficient use of sterilisation packaging could further lower waste by 2.3 kg per day. Glove usage also requires special attention, particularly among dental students, where consumption was found to be exceptionally high,” Prof. Krisztina Márton, head of the Department of Preclinical Dentistry and also a co-leader of the Sustainable Dentistry Working Group, explained in the press release.

Because prevention plays a vital role in sustainable dentistry, the researchers emphasised the importance of eco-conscious practices highlighting the role of personal responsibility in promoting sustainability. “Previous research shows that the environmental footprint of electric toothbrushes far exceeds that of manual ones. Within the manual category, bamboo or plastic toothbrushes with replaceable heads have the least environmental impact,” Dr Demeter explained.

He continued: “As for supplementary oral care tools, water flossers are less recommended as they are electronic devices that, if misused, can push plaque deeper under the gum line instead of removing it. Interdental brushes or dental floss are better alternatives. For floss, compostable options are preferable to traditional nylon varieties, provided they do not fray.”

Dr Demeter also gave advice on toothpastes, recommending herbal toothpastes with ingredients derived from organic farming over conventional toothpastes, provided they have adequate fluoride content, among other criteria. “Conventional toothpastes often contain preservatives, texture enhancers and petrochemical by-products like microplastics. While these are not harmful in small amounts, they can irritate the oral mucosa if used improperly and harm ecosystems if they enter natural water sources. Opting for environmentally friendly alternatives is advisable,” he concluded.