A relevância da sustentabilidade ambiental, econômica e social nas clínicas odontológicas pertencentes ao coredes serra, hortênsias e litoral do RS: uma proposta de indicador de sustentabilidade

Abstract

This study sought to answer whether environmental, economic and social sustainability is present in dental clinics belonging to COREDES serra, hortênsias and litoral do RS. To get an answer to the guiding question of the work, a field research was applied which had as an instrument for data collection a questionnaire applied to the dental surgeons. From the survey in the clinics it was found that the theme Environmental Education/Environmental Sustainability specifically is not present in all clinics approached. The field research indicated that for 87% of the interviewees, information about the environment and sustainability is relevant; 9% said the subject is not relevant, and 4% were indifferent to the subject. The study also asked whether valuing and promoting sustainable practices and Environmental Education in dental clinics would be relevant for dentists. It was found that for 84.5% the approach on environmental sustainability should be encouraged and valued in these spaces, while for 15.5% it is irrelevant. For an organization to focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, it is necessary that it knows the environmental, social, and economic aspects and impacts that its daily activities may cause to the environment. In view of the data collected, this research developed an environmental economic indicator (EEI) for dental clinics to measure their environmental performance. In addition, an administrative/environmental management app was also developed so that dental clinics can manage the clinic from the palm of their hand. Thus, dental clinics will be able to demonstrate their commitment to the environment, reinforcing their purpose with sustainability before society. In addition to transparent accountability, by adopting sustainable management practices, implementing environmental management actions/tools, they will be demonstrating their connection to the continuous evolution of sustainability towards a better world. The details of the IEA and the app are described in the articles included in the appendices of this work. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]