Integrating Lean Management and Circular Economy for Sustainable Dentistry

Maria Antoniadou ()
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Maria Antoniadou: Department of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-25

Abstract: The increasing focus on environmental sustainability has prompted the healthcare sector, including dentistry, to reconsider waste management practices. Dental offices generate various waste streams from outdated technologies, including single-use plastics, hazardous materials, and digital waste. This scoping review explores how integrating circular economy principles with lean management practices can enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in dental clinics. Using the PRISMA methodology, the review identifies 30 articles that passed the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist from 2000. Circular economy principles focus on reducing waste and maximizing resource reuse, while lean management seeks to improve efficiency and minimize process waste. Together, these approaches can significantly reduce resource consumption and enhance recycling efforts in dental practices. Despite barriers such as high technology costs, regulatory constraints, and limited recycling infrastructure, case studies highlight successful implementation in healthcare settings, demonstrating improved environmental and operational outcomes. Collaboration between dental professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders is essential for promoting the adoption of these sustainable practices.

Keywords: dentistry; circular economy; lean management; recycling; digital waste; dental waste; sustainability; waste management; dental materials (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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