Knowledge and awareness of effective recycling of dental materials and waste management among Peruvian undergraduate students of dentistry: A logistic regression analysis

Abstract

A BSTRACT Objective: Biomedical waste management and recycling is a very important topic today to preserve the environment, especially at the university level where future specialists in the health sciences are trained. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness about recycling of dental materials and waste management among Peruvian undergraduate students of dentistry. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 254 Peruvian undergraduate dentistry students from October 2019 to January 2020, at the National University of San Marcos. The associated factors evaluated were age ( X 1), sex ( X 2), year of study ( X 3), and marital status ( X 4), which were analyzed using a logit model to identify the influence of the intervening variables with a P value <0.05. Results: None of the variables studied were considered to be a factor affecting the awareness, knowledge, and management of biomedical waste in Peruvian dentistry students, with the following odds ratios (OR) being obtained: age (OR = 0.96; confidence interval [CI]: 0.85–1.08), sex (OR = 1.69; CI: 0.98–2.90), year of study (OR = 1.18; CI: 0.91–1.54), and marital status (OR = 1.84; CI: 0.14–23.68). Conclusions: The results of this study show that Peruvian Public University students have knowledge and are aware of the need for adequate management and/or recycling of biomedical waste dental care products, with none of the possible associated variables studied significantly affecting this relationship.

Sustainable Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review of the Recycling Techniques for Gypsum Products in Prosthodontics

“…Results indicated a noteworthy proportion of students were cognizant of the recyclability of gypsum and other dental materials [25]. Moreover, research has validated that recycled gypsum plaster exhibits comparable working properties to virgin gypsum plaster, rendering it suitable for diverse applications, including mold manufacturing [23].…”

“…Furthermore, a study conducted among Peruvian undergraduate dental students evaluated their comprehension and awareness regarding effective dental materials recycling and waste management. Results indicated a noteworthy proportion of students were cognizant of the recyclability of gypsum and other dental materials [ 25 ]. Moreover, research has validated that recycled gypsum plaster exhibits comparable working properties to virgin gypsum plaster, rendering it suitable for diverse applications, including mold manufacturing [ 23 ].…”

“…Additionally, adopting reusable and sterilizable impression trays in dental practices represents a tangible measure to diminish reliance on disposable gypsum trays, thereby curbing waste generation [ 15 ]. Moreover, cultivating knowledge and awareness among dental students regarding effective dental materials recycling and waste management is crucial in facilitating the successful integration of gypsum recycling practices within dental settings [ 25 ]. Furthermore, gypsum recycling presents an attractive prospect for businesses, as it addresses disposal challenges and transforms an environmental concern into a viable business opportunity [ 14 ].…”

“…Furthermore, adopting reusable and sterilizable impression trays is a practical measure to diminish reliance on disposable gypsum trays, thereby mitigating waste generation [ 29 ]. Additionally, fostering knowledge and awareness among dental students regarding effective dental materials recycling and waste management is pivotal in facilitating the successful integration of gypsum recycling practices within dental settings [ 25 ]. Moreover, successful gypsum recycling hinges on meticulous attention to source separation, necessitating deliberate efforts by contractors at construction and demolition sites to segregate gypsum waste from other waste streams [ 22 ].…”

“…Social benefits emerge through using recycled gypsum as a fertilizer and soil amendment, fostering sustainability in crop production and enhancing soil health [ 28 ]. Furthermore, adherence to specific waste management regulations ensures regulatory compliance for dental practices, thereby averting fines and penalties [ 27 ], while also contributing to overall public health by reducing exposure to toxic substances and fostering a cleaner environment [ 25 ]. Education and awareness initiatives play a pivotal role, as knowledge dissemination among dental students and professionals regarding effective recycling of dental materials and waste management facilitates the successful implementation of gypsum recycling in dental practices [ 25 ].…”