FDI World Dental Federation has officially announced the winners of the Sustainability Ambassador Prize—Dr. Anju James from India and Dr. Ana Echeverria Manau from Spain. These remarkable professionals have been recognized for their commitment to sustainable dentistry, demonstrating exceptional dedication by successfully completing the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Sustainability in Dentistry and impressing the judges with their insightful responses to the final competition question.
Promoting Green Dentistry Through Education
The MOOC on Sustainability in Dentistry is a pioneering educational initiative designed to equip dentists, dental teams, and students with critical knowledge about eco-friendly dental practices and the environmental impact of oral healthcare. This comprehensive course, available in multiple languages—including Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish—ensures accessibility to a global audience, enabling dental professionals worldwide to integrate sustainable oral healthcare practices into their clinical routines.
FDI’s Sustainability in Dentistry Task Team, which evaluated the submissions, was highly impressed with Dr. James’ and Dr. Echeverria Manau’s dedication to advancing environmentally responsible dentistry. Their contributions highlight the importance of integrating green dentistry principles into modern dental care to reduce carbon footprints, minimize waste, and adopt sustainable treatment solutions.
Sustainability in Dentistry: A Global Commitment
The Sustainability in Dentistry project was established by FDI to inspire the dental community—including practitioners, patients, and the dental supply chain—to actively participate in reducing the industry's CO2 footprint. The initiative provides an array of resources and tools to help dental professionals implement sustainable dental practices in their clinics, ensuring that the sector contributes to global environmental sustainability efforts.
FDI Sustainability Award: Recognizing Excellence in Green Dentistry
In addition to the Sustainability Ambassador Prize, FDI also promotes the Sustainability Award, which honors individuals and dental practices for their commitment to sustainable dentistry. Each year, four prestigious awards are presented—two for individual professionals and two for dental practices—offering global recognition for efforts in environmentally responsible oral healthcare. The winners of these awards are celebrated at the FDI World Dental Congress, further amplifying the importance of sustainability within the dental profession.
A Step Towards a Greener Future in Dentistry
The recognition of Dr. Anju James and Dr. Ana Echeverria Manau as Sustainability Ambassadors marks another milestone in FDI’s ongoing mission to promote eco-conscious dental care. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for dentists, dental teams, and students worldwide to embrace sustainable practices that contribute to a healthier planet.
As the dental industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the MOOC on Sustainability in Dentistry and the Sustainability in Dentistry project play a crucial role in shaping the future of green dentistry. Through education, innovation, and industry collaboration, the global dental community can collectively reduce its environmental impact while ensuring high-quality patient care.
Let’s celebrate Dr. Anju James and Dr. Ana Echeverria Manau as they lead the way toward a more sustainable future in dentistry!