Original Article
KEYWORDS: Dental Practice Patterns, Dentists, Environmental Biodegradation, Knowledge, Orthodontics, Sustainable Development
Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 2 | Page : 55-68
Knowledge, Outlook, and Practices among Dental Professionals about Aligner Disposal and Recycling – A Cross-Sectional Study
Mohamed Shafi Nalla Mohamed1, S.D. Milling Tania2, I. Bevin Shaga3, S. Veerasankar3, A. Jebilla Pringle4, Mary Sheloni Missier4, C.Priyadharshini4
1-Postgraduate Resident, 2-Professor, 3-Reader, 4-Senior Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, Rajas Dental College and Hospital, Kavalkinaru, Tamil Nadu-627105.
Address for Correspondence:
Dr. Mohamed Shafi Nalla Mohamed
Postgraduate Student, Department of Orthodontics
Rajas Dental College and Hospital,
Kavalkinaru, Tirunelveli-627105
Tamil Nadu, India
Email address: nmohamedshafi97@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The growing use of clear aligners in orthodontics raises environmental concerns due to inadequate disposal and recycling knowledge among dental professionals. This study evaluates their awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding clear aligner disposal and recycling.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic survey created with Google Forms, which was distributed to orthodontists, undergraduate practitioners, and non-orthodontic practitioners who had their postgraduate degree. The questionnaire consisted of 25 closed-ended questions divided into three sections: Knowledge (8 questions), Outlook (10 questions), and Practice (7 questions). The responses obtained were tabulated and then statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 21.0. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: A total of 384 participants completed the survey. Most of the participants had a lack of proper awareness regarding the disposal practices and recycling of the aligners. Orthodontists demonstrated significantly higher knowledge (6.10 ± 1.80) and outlook (8.22 ± 3.71) scores than practitioners of other specialities (2.79 ± 1.91, 6.09 ± 3.59 for knowledge and outlook, respectively) (P ≤ 0.001). Knowledge regarding aligner disposal and recycling was highly statistically significant between general practitioners with an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree holders other than orthodontics, and orthodontists (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: There is a noticeable gap in the knowledge and practices of dental professionals regarding the proper disposal and recycling of clear aligners. This study demonstrates that heightened awareness among clinicians and patients is key to reducing aligner use's environmental impact.
KEYWORDS: Dental Practice Patterns, Dentists, Environmental Biodegradation, Knowledge, Orthodontics, Sustainable Development.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP
Nil.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
There are no conflicts of interest.
How to cite this article: Mohamed Shafi Nalla Mohamed, S.D. Milling Tania, I. Bevin Shaga, S. Veerasankar, A. Jebilla Pringle, Mary Sheloni Missier, C.Priyadharshini. Knowledge, Outlook, and Practices among Dental Professionals about Aligner Disposal and Recycling – A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2025; 16 (2): 55-68.