A new study is calling for more research around the world into the carbon footprint of dental laboratories, after finding staff travel and procurement are driving up emissions in Egypt’s private labs.
Published this month in BDJ Open, the study examined 21 private dental labs across Cairo, Alexandria and Elbeheira and found that the average lab produced about 20,820 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) per year — or roughly 2.9 kg per dental prosthesis or appliance.
Staff travel, often by couriers delivering and picking up impressions and appliances, was the biggest source of emissions, accounting for 43.6 per cent of the total. Procurement made up 27.8 per cent, followed by electricity use (25 per cent), waste (3.3 per cent) and water (0.1 per cent).
Factoring in equipment depreciation added another 7.7 per cent to the footprint.
The study’s authors say dental labs have been an overlooked source of greenhouse gas emissions and urge the development of country-specific carbon calculators to better track and reduce emissions globally.
They also recommend strategies such as public transit incentives, switching to bulk deliveries, moving toward renewable energy and educating dental technicians about sustainability.
You can also listen to: Episode 21: How a McGill professor is working to decarbonize dentistry