Knowledge, Implementation, and Perceived Barriers to Eco-friendly Dental Practice among Dental Practitioners in Puducherry

Abstract

Introduction: Implementation of eco-friendly, sustainable dental practices among dental practitioners will reduce the environmental hazards being contributed by the health sector. However, the concept is not completely understood, and dentists lack adequate knowledge. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, practices, and perceived barriers to eco-friendly dental practices among dental practitioners in and around Puducherry. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, we collected data from 124 dental practitioners in and around Pondicherry. Data regarding knowledge, practices, and perceived barriers to eco-friendly dental practices was collected using a questionnaire comprising three sections. Data were tabulated as frequency distribution. Results: Although 82.3% of the participants were aware of the damage caused by dental practices to the environment, they (52.4%) were not aware of the concept of eco-friendly dental practices. There was a high level of positive enthusiasm among the participants (94.4%) to implement eco-friendly dental practices in the future; 43.5% of them identified more than three possible factors that they consider to be a hindrance to its implementation.

Keywords

• dental waste
• environmental pollution / prevention and control
• practice management
• recycling
• sustainable development