The air travel carbon footprint of four recent global oral health meetings – Should we fly less?

While the primary focus of the oral health profession is patient care, and the direct clinical implications of this study may not be evident, understanding and addressing the environmental impact associated with our professional activities, such as attending global oral health meetings, can lead to more sustainable practices within the profession. The oral health industry contributes to climate change through its carbon footprint from energy use, travel, and waste production. By adopting environmentally conscious practices, oral health professionals can help mitigate these impacts, thereby promoting overall planetary and human well-being and health.