A dental practice severely impacts the environment, from the material waste generated by procedures to the consistent use of water and electricity. Its impact is greater than that of general healthcare: across Europe, general medical practitioners produce 100kg of waste per year whilst general dental practitioners produce 260kg per year, indicating the need for more sustainable solutions to manage waste in dentistry.
One of the products found in dental waste is mercury, which comprises 50 per cent of the dental amalgam used in restorative dentistry. Amalgam waste is generated from overproduction, drilling, and removing old fillings. Disposing of it properly is essential for the safety of the environment, wildlife, staff and patients, making it a legal, ethical and professional duty.
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