La sustentabilidad ambiental en la práctica odontológica. Revisión de literatura

Abstract

Introduction: Sustainability involves the long-term preservation of natural resources and the reduction of pollution. Dentists have the potential to contribute to environmental conservation by practicing recycling and proper disposal of contaminated products after dental procedures. To promote sustainable dentistry, it is necessary to foster an environmental culture in academic settings and establish protocols for handling contaminated materials and fluids. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine environmental sustainability in dental practice. Methodology: A descriptive literature review with a cross- sectional cohort design was conducted focusing on the topic of sustainability in dentistry. Various digital research databases including Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Research Gate, SciELO, Latindex, and grey literature were searched for articles published within the last five years. Fifty articles were obtained, and after excluding 20 irrelevant papers, the remaining 30 articles were analyzed to extract relevant information. Conclusions: Dental sustainability is aimed at protecting the environment, through proper waste management, protection of natural resources, reduction of paper and plastics, recycling, and proper use of energy and water. Sustainable dentistry is affected by inadequate management of dental waste, both on the part of students and professionals in the field.