Green dentistry is an eco-friendly approach to dental practice aimed at reducing environmental impact through sustainable methods such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and pollution prevention.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 248 participants from four dental colleges and clinical settings in Pune using a self-structured, close-ended questionnaire consisting of 23 items.
While 80% of participants were aware of the concept of green dentistry, only 45% actively practiced it. Common practices included the use of reusable sterilization items (27%), digital records (42%), and appropriate amalgam disposal methods (37%). However, only 24.2% used LED lights, and 33.1% adopted renewable energy sources. A significant gap was observed between awareness and implementation.
Although participants demonstrated adequate knowledge and a generally positive attitude toward green dentistry, actual implementation remained limited. This highlights the need for structured educational programs and training to promote sustainable dental practices effectively.