A preliminary survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to environmental sustainability

Climate change is now widely accepted as a real and serious anthropogenic threat to the future, driving a need to change our personal and professional behaviour in relation to environmental sustainability. This research aims to establish orthodontists’ knowledge, attitudes and current practice in relation to environmental sustainability in the clinical environment. A cross-sectional survey of orthodontists in the UK was carried out using a bespoke online questionnaire developed through literature review, consultation with experts and pre-testing. Information was collected about the perceived importance of environmental sustainability and strategies to improve practice, current practice and policies, and potential barriers and facilitators to change. Data were analysed descriptively to report sample characteristics and frequency of reported attitudes and practice. Free text answers provided additional context and detail. The questionnaire was completed by 146 BOS members (10%). Environmental sustainability was overwhelmingly scored as critical or important, with slightly higher ratings for the importance of environmental sustainability in general than in orthodontics. The environmental strategies rated as often as ‘critically important’ were: (1) reducing the use of plastics; (2) recycling consumables; (3) reducing the use of single use items; and (4) rethinking waste management processes. The main concerns associated with facilitating change related to attitudes, culture and the relative benefit and feasibility of making changes. Key perceived barriers to making changes were cost, regulations and organizational policies, largely reported by people working in hospitals. Orthodontists appear passionate about environmental sustainability, but a number of barriers limit their ability to make meaningful changes in practice. This study provides preliminary information about awareness, attitudes and behaviours of orthodontists, which is useful for generating questions for future research. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Orthodontists appear passionate about environmental sustainability, but a number of barriers limit their ability to make meaningful changes in practice.