# Dental Solid Waste Analysis: A Scoping Review and Research Model Proposal
###### Abstract  
In the face of 21 st-century environmental challenges, including climate change, migration pressures, and waste disposal issues, certain healthcare sectors, notably dentistry, pose a significant global environmental footprint with concerns about carbon emissions and waste production. This scoping review searches the paradox that healthcare, while dedicated to safeguarding health, inadvertently contributes to environmental degradation through waste accumulation and disposal. The analysis of the relevant literature emphasizes the imperative for an environmentally sustainable approach to dental waste measurement, disposal methods, and comprehensive education for stakeholders. Aligned with the World Conference on Sustainable Development and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda, the study adhered to PRISMA-ScR systematic review guidelines and the Institute of Medicine's recommendations. The study utilized Medline/PubMed and international organization websites for data retrieval, employing Boolean operator queries in Medline. The systematic literature analysis identified six cross-sectional studies (2004-2023) highlighting variations in dental waste composition due to the lack of standardized identification methods. This heterogeneity underscores the need for a proposed research model, emphasizing comprehensive methodologies and healthcare staff training in waste management, thus transforming the analysis into a scoping review. The study advocates for environmentally conscious dental practices, contributing to broader sustainable healthcare goals through sharing of a research protocol for dental solid waste management. Environmental impact; waste production; dental waste; carbon footprint; dental services; sustainability; dental practice; research model +
Footnote †: journal: Medical  
to significant carbon dioxide and waste production and disposal issues [4]. Specifically, as mentioned by WHO, the total amount of waste generated by healthcare activities is approximately 85% general, nonhazardous waste [5]. The remaining 15% is considered hazardous material that may be infectious, toxic, or radioactive. It is further estimated that 16 billion injections are administered worldwide annually, but not all needles and syringes are disposed of properly. To add more, a healthcare waste that is incinerated or burned in open space may release dioxins, furans, and particulates [5]. Sustainability, on the other edge, entails human activities meeting present needs without compromising the needs of future generations, achieving a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being [6]. In dental clinical practice, sustainability involves providing ethical, high-quality care using efficient materials, emitting low carbon dioxide, and producing less waste [7]. For example, adopting a digital working protocol with the use of a digital scanner and a digital X-ray machine can contribute to this goal by applying new technology [8]. The three pillars of sustainability, social equity, economic sustainability, and environmental preservation, emerged from the 2005 World Conference on Sustainable Development [9]. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, outlines 17 goals across social, economic, and environmental categories specifically identifying the problem of waste accumulation and disposal [8; 9; 10]. Additionally, the FDI World Dental Federation published a statement in 2017 highlighting sustainability in dentistry [7]. In particular, the paper states that, by promoting good oral health habits and facilitating access to health services for all people, we contribute substantially to the health and well-being of populations worldwide. We may also help achieve environmental goals as well as foster inclusive, productive, and healthy living environments. According to the statement, whenever possible, dentistry should then limit energy, water, and paper consumption, emissions to the air and discharges to the water, as well as the improper disposal of environmentally harmful materials.