SUSTAINABILITY IN DENTAL PRACTICE : KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF DENTISTS ABOUT GREEN DENTISTRY CONCEPT

Abstract

Green Dentistry involves providing oral health care using environmentally friendly technologies, procedures, and materials, as well as employing innovative technologies that enhance performance and reduce negative environmental impacts. Dentists are expected to integrate environmentally friendly dental care principles with the 4R principles: Reduce, Reuse, Rethink, and Recycle. Dentists should have a thorough understanding of how to apply the Green Dentistry concept. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of Green Dentistry principles among dentists in practice in the Province of Lampung. Using a descriptive design, the study focused on dentists who are members of the PDGI (Indonesian Dental Association) in the Province of Lampung. The sampling technique used is non-probability sampling with purposive sampling. Non-probability purposive sampling is utilized for data collection via a questionnaire distributed through Google Forms and subsequently analyzed using computer-based statistical software. The findings indicate that 69.7% of dentists in the Province of Lampung demonstrate a moderate level of behaviors in relation to Green Dentistry principles in their practice, reflecting a moderate degree of integration of environmentally friendly dental care practices.