FDI Announces Virtual Summit on Sustainable Dentistry

The FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) is gearing up for the second edition of its highly anticipated Virtual Summit on Sustainability in Dentistry. Scheduled from June 18th to 20th, this three-day event aims to showcase sustainable practices within the dental profession and explore strategies to reduce its environmental impact.

Recognizing Environmental Challenges

FDI acknowledges the significant environmental challenges faced by the dental industry and its contribution to the global ecological footprint. Through its Sustainability in Dentistry project, launched in 2021, the organization has been actively documenting and celebrating the commendable efforts of stakeholders, including national dental associations and dental practitioners worldwide, in mitigating the environmental impact of dentistry.

FDI Sustainability in Dentistry Summit 2023

Summit Highlights

The virtual Summit on Sustainability in Dentistry will serve as a platform for presenting case studies, sharing best practices, and providing informative resources to foster a more sustainable approach to oral healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about FDI’s Sustainability in Dentistry project and its various resources, including a Massive Open Online Course, a Pledge for Sustainable Oral Healthcare, and a Sustainability Toolkit.
• Gain insights from success stories and initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of dental practices.
• Engage with industry leaders and experts to explore innovative solutions for sustainable dentistry.

Industry Collaboration

The Summit has garnered support from industry partners and supporters committed to promoting sustainability within the dental profession. Dentsply Sirona, a co-founder of the FDI Sustainability in Dentistry initiative, emphasizes the importance of this event:

“The FDI Sustainability in Dentistry Summit is an important event for our industry. This event provides valuable insights, knowledge and motivation to dental professionals around the world to advance sustainability. As a co-founder of the FDI Sustainability in Dentistry initiative, we at Dentsply Sirona urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to come together, learn and take action for a more sustainable future,” said Andreas Frank, EVP, Chief Business Officer at Dentsply Sirona

Call to Action

Haleon, another founding partner, highlights the significance of personal responsibility in driving meaningful change towards sustainable dentistry:

“As a founding partner of the FDI Sustainability project, Haleon believes that sustainable dentistry is better dentistry. We are dedicated to making our business more sustainable and partnering with industry to support the meaningful change needed. Personal responsibility is at the heart of this mission. We believe that even small changes in practice can yield significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. Join the summit to benefit from impactful case studies, best practice guides and valuable resources,” said Gareth Rudduck, Head of Conscious Consumption for Oral Health at Haleon.

Sunstar, a supporter of the initiative, echoes the sentiment, stating:

“We are thrilled to be part of this industry-wide project to improve sustainability practices within the dental profession. While we are on our own journey to become more sustainable, we remain committed to reducing our environmental impact and supporting oral care professionals in their own sustainability transformation,” comments Atsushi Kinoshita, Executive Director for Sustainability Transformation at Sunstar.

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Open Invitation

FDI President Dr. Greg Chadwick extends an open invitation to all stakeholders, emphasizing the event’s importance and the commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for dentistry:

“We are delighted to bring back the Sustainability in Dentistry Summit this year, reaffirming our dedication to shaping a more sustainable future. Environmental responsibility is critical in dentistry, a commitment we owe to our planet and future generations. We invite all stakeholders to engage in this enlightening three-day event and join us in fostering a healthier, eco-conscious approach to oral healthcare.”

The Virtual Summit on Sustainability in Dentistry promises to be a catalyst for positive change, equipping dental professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to embrace environmentally conscious practices within their field.