Role of Dentistry in Ecosustainable Development in Latin America

Abstract

Background: Climate change is the global variation in the climate on earth due to natural causes and pollution, gas emissions and carbon dioxide. Dentistry must actively participate to be eco-sustainable. Purpose: To analyze the role that Latin American dentistry should play to promote eco-sustainable development. Methods: An exploratory review of the literature was conducted in the databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and Google Scholar. The search terms were sustainable development, Latin America, environmental medicine, environmental responsibility, dentistry, and oral health. Results: A framework for sustainable development is first established based on the analysis of three pillars (environment, economy and society) and the objectives of sustainable development. Second, the need to enact policies and recognize the importance of this issue by the dental profession and its impact on the environment is emphasized. Third, fundamental elements for eco-sustainable dentistry are listed. Fourth, a model of good practices for the dental office is introduced. Conclusions: In Latin America, the commitment of the dental profession is to work institutionally and individually to provide eco-sustainable oral health. In the current context, the joint work of public and private institutions is required. Dentistry must modify the factors that support current behaviors and practices. Concrete actions must be implemented towards sustainability in oral health care, based on scientific evidence to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink care policies, waste management, distribution logistics, education, research and production of eco-sustainable materials.