HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Singapore or Virtually from your home or work.

11th Edition of International Conference on
Dental Innovations and Technologies

March 19-21, 2026 | Singapore
Dental 2026

Sustainability awareness and practices in dental laboratories of Saudi Arabia

Rayan Ibrahim H Binduhayyim, Speaker at Dentistry Conferences
King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia
Title : Sustainability awareness and practices in dental laboratories of Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Background: The dental sector’s significant environmental footprint has prompted a global call for sustainable practices in oral healthcare. Dental laboratories, in particular, generate considerable waste and carbon emissions due to single-use materials, chemical usage, and energy-intensive equipment. However, data on sustainability awareness and practices in dental labs, especially in Saudi Arabia, remain scarce.

Objectives: This study surveyed dental technicians and prosthodontists in Saudi Arabia to assess current sustainability practices, awareness levels, and perceptions, and to compare responses by professional role, region, and self-rated knowledge.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to 350 participants (210 technicians, 140 prosthodontists) across Saudi regions. The survey covered demographic information, self-assessed sustainability knowledge, current eco-friendly practices (waste management, recycling, energy use, digital workflows), attitudes towards sustainable dentistry, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) were calculated, and group comparisons were evaluated (Chi-square tests, α=0.05).

Results: Overall awareness of the concept of “sustainable dentistry” was moderate, with about 70% of respondents being aware; however, prosthodontists were much more aware than technicians (80% vs 60%, p<0.001). Only 20% of participants scored their knowledge of sustainability as high. Current eco-friendly behaviors included proper segregation of hazardous waste (about 90%) and recycling of dental materials (56%); however, extensive sustainability policies were largely absent. Technicians reported more frequent recycling of materials compared to prosthodontists (66% vs 50%, p=0.01). An overwhelming majority of participants (about 88%) agreed on the need to adopt sustainable practices in dental laboratories. Key barriers identified were a lack of awareness and training (65%), added expense (50%), and a lack of guidelines (45%). Respondents who rated their knowledge as higher showed a significantly higher likelihood of adopting sustainable practices than those who had lower knowledge (e.g., 80% vs 20% for recycling, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Sustainability awareness in Saudi Arabian dental labs is evolving inconsistently. While a series of ecologically friendly measures have been instated, there are still major gaps in education and codified policies. A strong desire to adopt more sustainable measures exists on condition of providing education, guidelines and resources.

Biography:

Rayan Ibrahim H. Binduhayyim leads the Public Health Department at King Khalid University, where his expertise in dental biomaterials plays a pivotal role in shaping a curriculum that emphasizes sustainable dental practices and innovation. With over a year and a half of experience as an Assistant Professor, he has developed strong skills in academic decision-making and technical presentations, ensuring high educational standards while cultivating a forward-thinking mindset among students. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Binduhayyim has been instrumental in guiding the Students Guidance and Counseling Unit. He actively promotes the integration of bioactive materials into dental education, reflecting his commitment to advancing both technical excellence and ethical awareness in the field. His collaborative approach fosters a learning environment that prepares students to thrive and lead in the evolving landscape of dental healthcare.

Watsapp
a