Adult attitudes to sustainable dentistry in Trinidad and Tobago and their willingness to accept alternatives

INTRODUCTION: Attitudes towards and willingness to accept alternatives for sustainable dentistry in Trinidad and Tobago have not previously been assessed. Understanding public attitudes via market research can inform changes driven by public pressure. METHOD: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed across private and public dental clinics to assess attitudes toward sustainable dentistry and willingness to accept alternatives that reduce environmental impact. RESULTS: Among 1267 participants (mostly female, older, employed, and of African descent), attitudes toward sustainable dentistry were very positive (Mean = 3.89, SD = 0.8). Participants were moderately willing to accept longer appointment times (Mean = 3.47, SD = 0.73) and to pay more for treatment (Mean = 3.00, SD = 0.87). Attitudes were strongly positively correlated with willingness to accept longer appointments (r = 0.658, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adults in Trinidad and Tobago showed overall positive attitudes toward sustainable dentistry and willingness to accept certain alternatives to lessen environmental impact of dental care.

Trudee Hoyte, Akini James, Deysha Carr, Abbinah Donatien Andrew Teelucksingh, Peter Mossey