FDI to shift sustainability in dentistry from theory to action at 2025 virtual summit
The FDI World Dental Federation is set to host its highly anticipated third Virtual Summit on Sustainability in Dentistry on June 5-6, 2025. This event continues the organisation's commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the global dental community. Beginning each day at 10:00 AM EST and concluding at 11:30 AM EST, the summit will provide a unique platform for dental professionals to exchange knowledge, explore actionable strategies, and access invaluable resources aimed at reducing the environmental impact of dental practices.
Building on the success of its previous summits, the 2025 event promises an engaging agenda designed to empower dental health professionals with practical tools and evidence-based guidance. As emphasised by Dr Greg Chadwick, President of the FDI, “The program of this year is particularly compelling as we move from theory to implementation.” His remarks highlight a critical shift towards action-oriented strategies that encourage the dental community to assume professional responsibility for environmental sustainability.
The summit will feature key figures in sustainable development within dentistry, alongside inspiring case studies that showcase successful implementations of sustainable practices across various settings. Participants will gain insights into the transformative potential of making environmentally conscious decisions in their daily operations, which is crucial as the demand for sustainable healthcare continues to rise.
In an effort to further enrich the profession's knowledge base, the FDI has launched several initiatives within its Sustainability in Dentistry project. A significant highlight is the introduction of a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), “Tackling Common Challenges to Sustainable Dentistry.” This course, designed for dental teams, goes beyond the basics of sustainability, equipping participants with concrete strategies to overcome common obstacles and implement eco-friendly practices effectively.
Moreover, the FDI's commitment to nurturing the next generation of dental professionals is exemplified by its development of educational resources tailored for academic institutions and training providers. These resources aim to embed sustainability into curricula, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among incoming dental practitioners. Such initiatives are essential as the industry looks to evolve and adapt to new ecological challenges.
The FDI's approach is supported by foundational partnerships with leading companies such as Dentsply Sirona, Haleon, and Sunstar. These collaborations underline a shared vision of reducing the collective carbon footprint of the dental sector while championing sustainable procurement guidelines and practices. Additionally, the Sustainability Toolkit serves as a practical guide for dental professionals, providing a structured pathway to implementing sustainable changes in their practices.
Recognising individual contributions, the FDI also highlights the importance of acknowledging excellence in sustainable dentistry through initiatives like the Sustainability Awards. These efforts not only motivate dental professionals but also cultivate a spirit of collaboration aimed at yielding significant environmental benefits.
As the dental profession grapples with the complexities of sustainability, the forthcoming summit stands as a vital opportunity for stakeholders. Attendees will leave equipped with newfound knowledge and a clearer understanding of how to enact meaningful changes in their operations. The call to action from the FDI clearly articulates a shared responsibility: sustainability is not merely an aspirational goal but an obligation intertwined with dental practice.
The invitation to participate in the Sustainability in Dentistry Summit is an open one; dental professionals worldwide are encouraged to join this movement on June 5-6, 2025. By engaging in this dialogue and resource-sharing event, they will play an active role in shaping a more sustainable future for oral healthcare globally.