Eco-friendly dentistry: Awareness and its implementation among private dental practitioners of Mangalore taluk of Karnataka, South India – A cross sectional study

Introduction and Aim: Promotion of optimal usage of non-toxic materials, alternative energy sources, reusable products, minimising paper waste and negligible carbon footprints has brought eco-friendly dentistry in limelight. The aim of the study was to evaluate the awareness and practice regarding eco-friendly dentistry among private dental practitioners of Mangalore Taluk, South India. Materials and Methods: A total of 104 Dental practitioners with a qualification of BDS/MDS, practicing dentistry were randomly participated in a study after obtaining institutional ethical clearance. A total of 30 item closed-ended self-designed validated questionnaires were provided among participants. Assessment of knowledge and practice of the participants were carried out under four sections 1) Radiographic waste management, 2) Biomedical waste management, 3) Amalgam management, and 4) Eco-friendly dental practice. Knowledge, attitude and practice of eco-friendly dentistry among all the dental practitioners were assessed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact/chi -square test. Results: Present study did not find any statistically significant difference in attitude, knowledge and practice among BDS and MDS dental practitioners, among male and female practitioners and among practitioners with and without 10 years of experience. 57% participants agreed to the fact that lack of awareness is a major barrier to implement eco- friendly dentistry at practice. Conclusion: Conducting CDE programs, workshops, and seminars can bring change and foster a favourable attitude among dentists about transitioning from conventional to green dentistry. Governmental policies can be framed towards eco-friendly dental practice in order to implement green dental practice compulsorily by all the dental practitioners.