Exploring perceptions of environmental sustainability in dentistry among students at a tertiary health care centre in Kerala, India: A mixed-method study
1
Public Health Dentistry, Amrita School of Dentistry- Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ernakulam, India
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Environmental sustainability in dentistry (ESD) has emerged as an important public health concern due to the environmental footprint of oral healthcare services, including waste generation, resource consumption, and reliance on single-use materials.1 This study aimed to explore dental students’ awareness, attitudes, and perceptions regarding environmental sustainability in dentistry in a tertiary healthcare setting in India.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods study was conducted among dental students. The quantitative component involved administration of a validated, structured questionnaire through an online platform to assess awareness, attitudes, and perceived relevance of ESD. The qualitative component included open-ended responses and in-depth insights exploring students’ experiences, perceived challenges, and suggested strategies for promoting sustainability in dental education and clinical practice.
RESULTS:
Quantitative data were obtained from 187 dental students. Nearly 77% were unaware of the environmental impact of routine dental practices. Awareness of ESD practices was largely restricted to waste segregation and reduction of plastic use. Qualitative findings from seven in-depth interviews indicated that limited availability of sustainable materials and lack of institutional policies were key barriers. Despite these challenges, students expressed strong willingness to adopt sustainable practices, highlighting curriculum integration and faculty role modelling as important facilitators.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite positive attitudes towards environmental sustainability, dental students reported limited preparedness to translate these attitudes into practice. Integrating ESD into dental curricula may play a critical role in promoting environmentally responsible oral healthcare and advancing sustainable health systems.
Environmental sustainability in dentistry (ESD) has emerged as an important public health concern due to the environmental footprint of oral healthcare services, including waste generation, resource consumption, and reliance on single-use materials.1 This study aimed to explore dental students’ awareness, attitudes, and perceptions regarding environmental sustainability in dentistry in a tertiary healthcare setting in India.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods study was conducted among dental students. The quantitative component involved administration of a validated, structured questionnaire through an online platform to assess awareness, attitudes, and perceived relevance of ESD. The qualitative component included open-ended responses and in-depth insights exploring students’ experiences, perceived challenges, and suggested strategies for promoting sustainability in dental education and clinical practice.
RESULTS:
Quantitative data were obtained from 187 dental students. Nearly 77% were unaware of the environmental impact of routine dental practices. Awareness of ESD practices was largely restricted to waste segregation and reduction of plastic use. Qualitative findings from seven in-depth interviews indicated that limited availability of sustainable materials and lack of institutional policies were key barriers. Despite these challenges, students expressed strong willingness to adopt sustainable practices, highlighting curriculum integration and faculty role modelling as important facilitators.
CONCLUSIONS:
Despite positive attitudes towards environmental sustainability, dental students reported limited preparedness to translate these attitudes into practice. Integrating ESD into dental curricula may play a critical role in promoting environmentally responsible oral healthcare and advancing sustainable health systems.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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