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Saudi dental students’ perceptions on sustainable development goals and sustainable dental practice

Health and Fitness

Saudi dental students’ perceptions on sustainable development goals and sustainable dental practice

S. Haque, M. Nurunnabi, et al.

This survey highlights the knowledge and awareness of Saudi Arabian dental students regarding sustainable development goals and practices. Conducted by Sanjida Haque, Mohammad Nurunnabi, and Tahsinul Haque, the findings reveal a critical need for enhanced sustainability competence in dental curricula to better prepare future practitioners.

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Playback language: English
Introduction
The study addresses the growing need for sustainability within dentistry, driven by increasing costs, demands, and environmental concerns. Traditional dental practices generate significant waste (sterilization pouches, barriers, gloves, masks, etc.), water consumption, and hazardous waste (lead foils, X-ray fixer, mercury). The UN's 17 SDGs provide a framework for sustainable development, and several SDGs directly impact oral health. For example, SDG 1 (poverty reduction) can improve access to oral healthcare, while SDG 2 (zero hunger) addresses malnutrition's impact on oral health. SDGs 5 (gender equality) and 6 (clean water and sanitation) are also relevant. Sustainable dental practices (SDP), encompassing environmentally responsible practices, aim to mitigate the environmental impact of dentistry. While transitioning to SDP may require time and investment, it's achievable and increasingly important globally. Dental students are crucial in promoting SDGs and SDP; their knowledge and positive perceptions are essential. This study aimed to assess Saudi dental students' knowledge and awareness of SDGs and SDP, exploring associations with sociodemographic factors and identifying barriers to SDP implementation. Existing literature lacks data on the connection between oral health and SDGs at the country level, particularly concerning Saudi Arabian dental students' perceptions.
Literature Review
The literature review highlights the significant environmental impact of traditional dental practices, emphasizing the generation of substantial waste, water usage, and hazardous materials. Existing research reveals varying levels of awareness and implementation of sustainable practices among dental professionals globally. Some studies indicate positive attitudes toward sustainability but insufficient practical implementation. Others point to a lack of knowledge and training as major barriers to adopting SDP. The review also discusses the relevance of the UN's SDGs to oral health, noting the interconnections between various SDGs and oral health outcomes. A gap in research on Saudi Arabian dental students' perceptions of SDGs and SDP is identified, justifying the current study.
Methodology
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire adapted from previously validated studies. Ethical approval was obtained (PRB-2022-10-0130). The questionnaire included sections on demographics, sources of SDG information, self-reported SDG knowledge, SDG learning levels, SDG awareness, SDP awareness, and barriers to SDP implementation. The survey was distributed to approximately 1300 undergraduate dental students in Saudi Arabia (public and private colleges) from November 2022 to November 2023, with a response rate of 64.7% (841 participants). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, confidence intervals) and an independent samples t-test to examine associations between demographic factors (gender, age, level of education) and knowledge/awareness of SDGs and SDP. SPSS version 29 was used, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Key Findings
A total of 841 undergraduate dental students (70.6% female) participated. Participants demonstrated a moderate level of self-reported knowledge (mean = 6.76) and awareness (mean = 21.53) of SDGs. However, awareness of SDP was significantly higher (mean = 29.68). Gender was significantly associated with all variables (knowledge and awareness of SDGs and SDP), with females showing higher levels. Age was not significantly associated with any variable. Level of education was significantly associated only with awareness of SDP, with clinical students showing higher awareness (mean = 30.30) than pre-clinical students (mean = 28.68). The primary barrier to SDP implementation identified was a lack of information or training (69.1%), followed by cost (11.4%). The internet was the main source of SDG information (59.9%), while 25.8% had no knowledge of SDGs. Table 1 details the frequencies and percentages of correct responses to questions assessing participants' basic SDG knowledge. Table 2 presents the frequencies and percentages of participants' awareness of SDGs and SDP. Table 3 shows the descriptive statistics for the study variables. Table 4 presents the results of independent samples t-tests.
Discussion
The findings reveal a moderate level of SDG knowledge and awareness among Saudi dental students, highlighting a need for improved education and training on sustainability. The higher SDP awareness suggests that students are more receptive to environmentally friendly dental practices than to the broader SDG framework. The significant association between gender and knowledge/awareness aligns with the 'eco gender gap' observed in previous research. The higher SDP awareness among clinical students is likely due to their direct experience in clinical settings, witnessing firsthand the environmental impact of dental procedures. The identified barriers (lack of information/training, cost) emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these limitations. The study's large sample size compared to previous research enhances its generalizability. The reliance on online surveys, while offering convenience, poses limitations regarding potential sampling bias.
Conclusion
This study, the first to examine Saudi dental students' perceptions of SDGs and SDP, reveals moderate SDG knowledge and higher SDP awareness. Females and clinical students showed higher levels of awareness. Addressing the identified barriers (lack of information/training, cost) through improved curricula and targeted initiatives is crucial. Future research could explore differences between private and public college students and investigate the effectiveness of specific interventions to promote sustainable practices in dental education.
Limitations
The study's reliance on self-reported data, using an online survey, may introduce response bias. The cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. The study's focus on undergraduate students limits generalizability to practicing professionals. The survey did not distinguish between the types of clinical experience or the specific sustainable practices students were exposed to, limiting the depth of analysis of clinical experience's impact.
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