Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Dentists Regarding Green Dentistry - Across-sectional study in Eastern Province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental practitioners regarding green dentistry in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 22.05.2023 to 21.05.2024.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 140 dental practitioners using a self-administered, 13-item questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp and email. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 21), with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: The results revealed that 92.14% of participants were aware of the concepts in green dentistry. Surprisingly, despite the high level of awareness, environmentally harmful practices, including the widespread use of single-use disposables 94.29% of practitioners used disposable suction tips, and 82.86% used disposable drapes. Though digital radiography was adopted by 79.3% of respondents, sustainable practices such as water-saving faucet sensors (45.71%) and plant oxygenation (26.43%) were less implemented.
Conclusion: The study highlights a gap between awareness and the implementation of green practices in clinical settings. These findings emphasize the need for targeted educational initiatives and policy interventions to reduce disposable waste and encourage more sustainable practices in dental clinics.