Sustainable dentistry e-learning resource launched

Two dentists within Kent, Surrey and Sussex have developed a new sustainable dentistry resource, which has been released on 24 March to coincide with NHS Sustainability day. Dr Devika Vadher and Dr Divya Verma, who work with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare as Sustainable Dentistry Scholars (part-time roles funded by Health Education England’s Kent, Surrey and Sussex team), developed the resource, which provides an introduction to climate change and explores the main principles of sustainable practice and their application in dentistry.

It encourages clinicians and managers to make sustainable choices and identifies practical tools and resources to support sustainability. The material can be accessed by the dental team free of charge on the e-LfH website which provides 24/7 access to nationally quality-assured materials on a wide range of topics in health and social care including dentistry.

Dr Verma said:

there is no doubt that climate change will impact health, the delivery of healthcare and access to services in the UK. As health practitioners, who are concerned with the well-being of patients, it is imperative that we consider the environment whilst providing healthcare. Although it can seem insignificant, every action we take is helping to make a difference and there is great potential at the moment to bring about change and empower dental teams to integrate sustainability in their practice as well as create change makers in dentistry for the future.