In response to growing concerns about climate change, McGill University researchers are exploring how even a routine dental visit can become a more sustainable practice
The Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences is calculating the carbon footprint of its entire operation, including several clinics that serve the public. The goal is to become among the first fully sustainable dental faculties in the world.
"I want to spark a global reflection. I want to share our findings and engage the broader dental community to identify targets we can set to drive real, sustainable change," said Christophe Bedos, a Full Professor in the Faculty who is leading the project.
Reimagining the patient experience
The project is measuring the carbon emissions of every aspect of dental care, from dentists' latex gloves to patients' commutes.
"Everything we do leads to emissions," said Bedos. "In dentistry, one of the biggest culprits is transportation. Getting patients to and from the clinic contributes nearly a third of all carbon emissions."
Once the assessment is complete, a special committee will recommend policy changes for the Faculty, which could include virtual follow-up appointments to reduce the number of trips to the clinic.
"Imagine you've had a tooth removed. Instead of returning to the clinic for a check-up, we could do it over Zoom or by phone," said Bedos.
Other factors like electricity, water usage, material sourcing, and single-use plastics are also under scrutiny.
To calculate its carbon output, the Faculty enlisted the help of Synergie Santé Environnement, a Quebec-based nonprofit that specializes in guiding healthcare organizations to adopt greener practices. McGill's Sustainability Projects Fund is contributing $54,500 to the project.
From the classroom to the community
On October 25, Bedos will deliver a masterclass, where he will talk about the sustainability project and the data supporting a need for change in dentistry.
Describing himself as a lifelong learner rather than a 'master,' Bedos felt driven to act after a personal realization about the urgency of climate change three years ago.
"I began to wonder, how can I link my work on social inequalities in dentistry with the climate crisis, especially in relation to decarbonizing Canada's dental care system? When I looked into it, I saw no one was doing this work, and I thought, 'Oh, we're in trouble,'" said Bedos, a dentist with a PhD in public health.
Recognizing the gap, he made decarbonation a key priority for the Réseau Québécois de recherche intersectorielle en santé buccodentaire et osseuse durable, where he serves as co-director. He also developed an online training program to equip dentists with the knowledge and tools to implement greener practices in their clinics.
Call for strong sustainability policy
Beyond the dental clinic, Bedos says Canadians can take small actions at home, such as turning off the tap while brushing their teeth and choosing biodegradable toothbrushes. However, he emphasized that large-scale change will only happen with strong policy support.
"We need governments and industries to step up and create the infrastructure and regulations that will drive sustainability forward," he said.
Under the Paris Agreement, Canada has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Bedos believes McGill's sustainability initiative could contribute to this goal by creating a blueprint for eco-friendly practices within the Faculty and potentially beyond.
"It's not just about immediate solutions," he said. "We need to think seven generations down the line and ask ourselves what kind of world we want to leave behind."
