opinion | a fantastic platform to give back to some very deserving patients, to local communities and to the profession. The hours were extremely long, and the work was challenging, but the outcomes were incredible. The pro- gramme provided additional education, new opportu- nities, fresh professional collaborations and essential treatment for patients. Both of those paths are common ways of giving back and have very tangible results. I know that many read- ers and colleagues have given back in some form or another, and that is commendable. However, there is a less obvious way of giving back with less tangible results, and that is giving back through sustainable dental practices. I would like to invite my dental col- leagues to consider investing their resources to help our deserving planet. I was recently part of the group responsible for the for- mulation of the Consensus Statement on Environmentally Sustainable Oral Healthcare (www.fdiworlddental.org/ sustainability-consensus-statement). It was an oppor- tunity to bring my knowledge of environment and re- source management to the table. This was knowledge that I had gained before my dental training. Many of the environmental issues that are occurring today were predicted decades ago, with little to no action having been undertaken in the interim. However, now there is a call to action, and quite frankly, it is an urgent one. The consensus statement is very detailed and dis- cusses many actions to help improve sustainability. I would like to highlight a few simple action items that are quite easy to implement immediately. Firstly, start the conversation by talking about dental sustainability with your staff, colleagues, dental repre- sentatives and patients. There has to be an increase in awareness and exposure. Please make sure to have the discussion with a smile, an open mind and a non-judgemental dialogue. Whenever the topic of change is mentioned, it should be packaged appro- priately. Secondly, consider simple steps to reduce single-use plastics in your clinical workfl ow without compromising the standard of care. Consider recy- cling clinical waste. There are now safe alternatives that may be present in your locality. Do some googling, chat with locals and you may be surprised what new options are out there. Additionally, educate your patients on the importance of preventive care. Dental problems are best avoided, and your patients should understand that concept. Consider proposing defi nitive treatment instead of patchwork. Defi nitive treatment can solve the prob- lem and prevent multiple appointments for the same recurring issue. If you could reduce one vehicular trip to the dental clinic per patient, that would add up to a reduction in carbon emissions. Explain the negative outcomes of tourism dentistry, both in terms of standard of care and the negative impact on sustainability. Finally, rethink some of your traditional workfl ows and consider whether a digital alternative or a hybrid, fusion alternative would be benefi cial for reducing materials and saving time. The pandemic has illu- minated how valuable digital dentistry can be, a nd employing technology can have a positive impact on sustainability. “Start the conversation by talking about dental sustainability with your staff, colleagues, dental representatives and patients.” All of these action items require some form of commit- ment, either in time or fi nances. This is diffi cult to ask during a very challenging economic period. However, the benefi ts of giving back will greatly exceed the demands of commitment. It is well understood that everything on the planet is interrelated. By improving sustainability, we have the opportunity to maintain and perhaps improve our fragile planet. This will be incredibly benefi cial and, oddly enough, will have a positive impact on patients and dental students across the globe. about Dr Les Kalman is an educator and medical device researcher focusing on additive manufacturing and software. He is a fellow of the Academy of Osseointegration, American College of Dentists and Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics and a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is the recipient of an Alumni of Distinction Award from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University in London in Ontario in Canada and a CES Innovation Awards honouree. roots 1 2023 45