Introduction
Have you ever thought about how your mouth can impact the environment? This blog looks at how individual, professional, and organizational responsibilities and policies can impact the only planet we have to live on. Climate change is an escalating crisis with increasingly destructive effects. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic, the urgency for decisive action to prevent further devastation has never been greater. Allowing climate change to progress unchecked will lead to relentless environmental degradation and a significant decline in the quality of life on our planet (Batsford et al., 2022).
The increase in temperature is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels. Over the last decade, global surface temperatures have risen by 1.09°C, a trend that has been consistent with the broader warming observed since the late 19th century. This rise is linked to increased levels of atmospheric CO2, which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect. This warming has also led to other environmental changes, such as the accelerated melting of polar ice and rising sea levels (Batsford et al., 2022).
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According to an article published in the British Dental Journal in 2022, travel accounts for over 60% of Britain’s carbon footprint for National Health Services (NHS) dental services. Millions of people commute to work daily, contributing highly to environmental pollution. Dental professionals, patients, and the dental industry travel daily, contributing to air pollution. Commuting in dentistry impacts the environment, but some steps can be taken to mitigate this issue.
Environmental Impact of Commuting
The carbon footprint of commuting related to dentistry comes from multiple sources, including dentists, office staff, patients, and the impact of dental product development and disposals, procurement, and shipping. On the provider and staff side, the commute is job-centered – we come to work and earn a wage to support our daily lives. There is more at stake for patients, especially when considering the differing access to dental care. Areas with limited access to dental care, a high population rate, and low median average household income are considered dental deserts (CDPH, 2021). In these dental deserts, the population-to-provider ratio is 5,000 to 1 or worse (HRSA, 2024). To compare, the population-to-provider ratio for the U.S. population is 1,666.7 to 1 (ADA, 2023).
The challenges faced in dental deserts are further compounded for underinsured individuals. To put this into perspective, consider Medicaid coverage for dentistry. Medicaid offers a broad range of dental services for children, but coverage for adults varies by state and service. Further compounding this issue is that only 1 in 3 licensed dentists in the U.S. accept Medicaid (ADA, 2022). Individuals living in these dental deserts must travel further to receive routine dental care, which increases their carbon footprint if they drive especially long distances.
The average consumer car emits around 4.6 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, or about 400 grams of CO2 per mile (EPA, 2024). The further one must commute to receive dental care, the greater one’s carbon footprint will be. From 1990 to 2022, there have been an average of roughly 3,800 patient visits per dentist (ADA, 2022). The recommended number of visits to the dentist per year is two. For patients who require comprehensive work, their treatment plan may require them to return multiple times. These repeat visits represent an increased carbon footprint and can result in lost wages and productivity.
Call to Action
To address air pollution caused by commutes to dental appointments, we should implement prevention strategies for oral disease through education and community-based interventions and integrate sustainable practices. The American Dental Association (ADA) advocates for strategic measures to increase dental access and reduce environmental impact. Key strategies include implementing policy-driven interventions to improve adult dental access, particularly in locations with inadequate care (ADA, 2022). Teledentistry can reduce the necessity for transportation. The ADA has suggested increasing the funding for mobile healthcare units and supporting telehealth technologies (ADA, 2022).
Promoting the deliberate positioning of dental clinics near public transportation lines could also effectively diminish the environmental impact of patient and staff commuting. Further civic activities aimed at enhancing bicycle lane infrastructure and campaigns promoting cycling can also contribute to reducing the environmental impacts of driving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the environmental impact of commuting in dentistry is notable, with significant implications for healthcare providers and patients. With the rise in global surface temperatures over the last decade and the accelerating rise of sea levels, the urgency to adopt sustainable practices in all sectors, including dentistry, has become even more critical, providing an opportunity to rethink and reshape our approach to dental care. Dental professionals and patients play a role in this dynamic, often unknowingly contributing to the carbon footprint through regular travel, exacerbating the impact of climate change. Addressing the dual challenges of reducing the carbon footprint associated with commuting and enhancing access to dental care is crucial. Adopting strategies like promoting public transportation and infrastructure, optimally locating dental clinics near public transit, and broadening Medicaid to cover adult dental services are critical for minimizing the ecological footprint of dental commutes. The ADA advocates for strategic measures such as policy-driven interventions, improved access to adult dental care, and the integration of Teledentistry. The integration of Teledentistry can play a significant role in mitigating environmental impacts and reducing the need for travel through remote consultations, which allow regular follow-ups, consultations, and patient education; prioritizing preventive oral healthcare can lessen the need for frequent visits, further reducing travel-related emissions. These measures contribute to lowering carbon emissions and improving access to dental services, especially in underserved communities. The dental sector can set a precedent by implementing these changes, illustrating how intentional and thoughtful actions can promote environmental sustainability while improving public health outcomes. Through collective effort and commitment, we can create a future where dental care is not only about healthy smiles but also about a healthy planet.
Earn an Online Postgraduate Degree in Community Oral Health
Like what you’re learning? Consider enrolling in the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC’s online, competency-based certificate or master’s program in Community Oral Health.
References:
- American Dental Association. (2024). U.S. dentist demographics.
- American Dental Association. (2024). Dentists in Medicaid.
- American Dental Association. (2022). ADA demonstrates commitment to improving dental care for patients with disabilities. ADA News.
- American Dental Association. (2022). My view: Sustainable dentistry. ADA News.
- Batsford, H., Shah, S., & Wilson, G. J. (2022). A changing climate and the dental profession. British Dental Journal, 232(9), 603–606.
- Health Resources and Services Administration. (2024). Shortage areas. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (2021). Los Angeles County dental deserts: One pager.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Greenhouse gas emissions from a typical passenger vehicle.
