Ari Tri Wanodyo Handayani  

Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Jember University, Indonesia

Ristya Widi Endah Yani 

Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Jember University, Indonesia

Hestieyonini Hadnyanawati  

Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Jember University, Indonesia

Surartono Dwiatmoko 

Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Jember University, Indonesia

Kiswaluyo  

Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Jember University, Indonesia

Elyda Akhya Afida Misrohmasari 

Departement of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Jember University, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/stoma.v23i1.60014

ABSTRACT 

Human life and the environment are interrelated and mutually influence each other. Environmental degradation is largely caused by waste-related issues. Dental practice contributes to environmental pollution through medical waste, energy consumption, water usage, and carbon emissions. The concept of green dentistry has been introduced to reduce the environmental impact of dental waste. Green dentistry emerges as an innovative approach that integrates sustainability principles into oral health services, aiming to minimize ecological impact without compromising the quality of care. This article aims to elaborate on the concept, implementation, impacts, challenges, and strategies for applying green dentistry in clinical dental practice. The writing method employed is a narrative review. The findings indicate that green dentistry can be implemented through dental waste management, the use of digital technologies, energy and water efficiency, and the selection of eco-friendly materials. Such implementation has been shown to reduce pollutants while simultaneously improving long-term cost efficiency. Nevertheless, several challenges remain, including the high initial investment required, limited resources in small clinics, and a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals. Proposed strategies include education, government regulatory support, and collaboration with industry, which are essential to encourage broader adoption and innovation. In conclusion, the implementation of green dentistry represents a strategic step toward creating dental practices that not only prioritize patient health but also support global environmental sustainability. 

Keywords: Dentistry, Environment, Green dentistry, Sustainability.