The Path to Sustainable Oral Healthcare to Foster Sustainability in Dentistry

According to the World Health Organization (WHO),[1] climate change weakens essential elements for good health, such as livelihoods, equality, and healthcare access, which disproportionately impact vulnerable groups such as women, children, ethnic minorities, the underprivileged, migrants, and the elderly. Particularly, regions in developing/underdeveloped nations with inadequate health infrastructure struggle most in coping with health issues related to sustainability and climate change and in managing these challenges.[1] The United Arab Emirates hosted the 28th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change summit, Conference of Parties Commonly (COP28) in December 2023 and articulated 2023 as the "Year of Sustainability."[2] In addition to several communities and professions, the healthcare sector also plays a vital role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change being on the frontline of dealing with the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and the spread of diseases.