Sustainability in dentistry: a necessary path

Abstract

Sustainability is no longer merely a global trend but a pressing necessity in all sectors, including dentistry. Since 2015, when the United Nations (UN) established the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), healthcare professionals have been encouraged to rethink their practices, pursuing not only clinical excellence but also environmental and social responsibility. In Dentistry, the pursuit of high-quality care is traditionally guided by Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD), which values research, training and the active participation of patients in the treatment decision-making process. However, it is increasingly recognized that the efficiency and effectiveness of services can no longer be assessed without considering the environmental impact of our actions and the rational use of natural resources.