Dental solid waste management and associated environmental impacts in Australia: A mini-review

Over the past century, global warming has become a major environmental issue. The healthcare sector, particularly the dental industry, has been responsible for generating significant amounts of solid waste, and consequently creating greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming. This mini-review collates evidence on the current global literature and Australian policy landscape on Australian dental solid waste management and associated environmental impacts. It involved a rapid literature review of global academic and grey literature and Australian policies on the management of dental solid waste. Seven academic articles, eight grey literature articles and three Australian policies were included for review. Key findings were tabulated and thematically coded into headings adapted from the 2018 Australian National Waste Policy framework for solid waste management. Solid waste generation should be reduced through actions such as oral health promotion and caries prevention activities, digitisation of dental administrative processes and streamlining of clinical processes. Waste management system design is important, including waste segregation and proper design of disposal and recycling systems. Knowledge sharing and staff education can help activate behavioural change towards the management of solid waste. Focusing on environmental sustainability, product stewardship and reducing single-use plastics and packaging can also improve solid waste management. Not all waste can be avoided in dentistry, and dental organisations should have alternative strategies to manage solid waste. Strong leadership and governance to support solid waste management strategies can ensure that organisations approach solid waste management at the highest level possible, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change.