SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL CLINICS

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47820/recima21.v6i7.6596

Keywords:

Sustainability, Dentistry, Social Responsibility.

Abstract

Although dentistry has a lower environmental impact compared to other industries, its professional practice generates biomedical waste and consumes resources intensively, making it essential to adopt sustainable practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on these parameters, this article aims to evaluate the degree of integration of sustainability and social responsibility (SR) in dental practice management, as well as analyze their environmental, economic, and social impacts. The methodology employed was qualitative, with a descriptive cross-sectional design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sustainability experts and practice administrators, as well as structured surveys with 132 patients. The analysis combined thematic coding for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for perceptions collected in the surveys. The results indicate that many dental practices have begun to implement sustainable actions such as efficient resource use, proper waste management, and participation in social campaigns. Patients positively value these practices and express willingness to support environmentally responsible treatments. However, significant barriers persist, such as staff resistance, financial constraints, and the absence of clear institutional policies. It is concluded that sustainability and social responsibility in dentistry represent a strategic opportunity to improve operational efficiency, social commitment, and institutional perception. It is recommended to promote ongoing training, public incentive policies, and future research that measures their long-term impact.

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Author Biographies

  • Adriana Estefanía Calle Sarmiento

    Estudiante de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador.

  • Gabriel Alexander Chasi Morocho

    Estudiante de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador.

  • Kelly Tatiana Malla Bernal

    Estudiantes de la facultad de Odontología de  la Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador.

     

  • Karla Estefanía Maita Narvaez

    Estudiante de la facultad de Odontología de  la Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador.

  • Yuliana Elizabeth Paladinez Carrión

    Estudiantes de la facultad de Odontología de  la Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador.

  • Mariam Gabriela Portocarrero Miranda

    Estudiantes de la facultad de Odontología de  la Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador.

  • Manuel Estuardo Bravo Calderón

    Universidad de Cuenca. Teacher, Chairman Posgraduate Orthodontics (Dentistry) Employment. Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Facultad de Estomatologia: Lima. Ph.D in Estomatology Education. Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja Escuela de Medicina. Magister em Gerencia em Salud (Medicina) Education. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: MA. Certificate of Completion (Health & Medicine), Education. Universidade Ciudade São Paulo, São Paulo. MDS (Orthodontics). Universidad de La Habana, Pinar del Rio, DDS.

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Published

11/07/2025

How to Cite

SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL CLINICS. (2025). RECIMA21 - Revista Científica Multidisciplinar - ISSN 2675-6218, 6(7), e676596. https://doi.org/10.47820/recima21.v6i7.6596