The working group is led by Prof. Dr. Krisztina Márton and Dr. Tamás Demeter
The ecological crisis is no longer a future threat, but has become an inescapable part of our present, destabilising our health and the fundamental systems of our entire society. It is caused by the human biosphere-altering activities and our current cultural beliefs. The health sector, although its primary purpose is to heal, is nevertheless a major burden on our environment and ecosystems. The carbon footprint of dentistry accounts for about 3% of the total healthcare sector footprint, while the health sector globally is responsible for 5% of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the seriousness of the problem, researchers, initiatives and organisations have emerged the focus on the environmental impact of healthcare and dentistry and its mitigation strategies only in the recent years.
Our working group was formed on Earth Day, 22 April 2021, to investigate the environmental impact of different dental materials, technologies and interventions and to raise awareness among professionals. Furthermore, we aim to make dentistry more ecological and environmentally friendly, emphasising the importance of striving for sustainability in this field. In order to achieve this, we are also committed to comprehensive education and awareness-raising, i.e. reviewing current and previous mainstream beliefs and attitudes in the light of the latest international research
Research areas and activities:
– Investigating attitudes towards environmental awareness and sustainability in dentistry
– Investigating the effectiveness of environmentally friendly oral care products
– Investigating the possibilities and alternatives for reducing the use of single-use devices in dentistry
– Investigation of waste from healthcare and dental activities, waste pathways and waste management awareness; conducting waste audits
– Comparison of the ecological footprint of different dental interventions
– Information, awareness raising, advice, education, social media content
Working group members:
– Prof. Dr. Krisztina Márton, Head of Department
– Dr. Tamás Demeter PhD, senior lecturer
– Dr. Csilla Erdei, assistant lecturer
– Imola Monos 5th year dental student, TDK student
– Dóra Irinyi 5th year dental student, TDK student
– Anett Lehotai 5th year dental student, TDK student
– Emese Mester Environmental Engineer, Clinical Dental Hygienist
TDK conference participation 2022: Virág Palotai and Kinga Volford.
TDK conference participation 2024: Dóra Irinyi and Imola Monos
TDK conference participation 2026: