Summary: Dentsply Sirona is sponsoring the FDI World Dental Federation’s new Sustainability Ambassador Prize, which is open to dental professionals who complete the FDI’s MOOC on Sustainability in Dentistry and plan to promote sustainability in their field. Applications for the prize are being accepted, and the winners will be selected in December 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prize is available to dentists, dental nurses, dental hygienists, and students who complete the FDI’s MOOC on Sustainability in Dentistry.
  • Entrants must describe their learnings from the MOOC and how they plan to promote sustainability in their dental practices or through education.
  • The FDI MOOC and additional resources aim to help dental professionals reduce the environmental impact of their practices and promote sustainable oral healthcare.

Dentsply Sirona is sponsoring FDI World Dental Federation’s (FDI) newly created Sustainability Ambassador Prize. FDI is now accepting applications.

Eligibility and Application Process for the Sustainability Ambassador Prize

The prize is open to dental professionals who have successfully completed FDI’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Sustainability in Dentistry and are planning to become ‘ambassadors’ of the cause. This includes dentists, dental nurses, dental hygienists, and students. 

To be considered for the prize, entrants have to outline what they learned through the FDI MOOC and how they plan to promote sustainability in dentistry in the future—either within their own practice or by helping to educate others on the importance of sustainability in dentistry. 

In December 2024, the two best answers amongst all entries will be selected, with the winners receiving a cash prize. According to a press release from Dentsply Sirona, applicants can apply via the survey available at the end of the MOOC. 

“At Dentsply Sirona, we strongly believe that education is one of the key drivers to further sustainability within our industry. With the Sustainability Ambassador Prize as an additional incentive, we hope to attract many dental professionals to the new FDI MOOC on Sustainability in Dentistry which we helped develop,” said Andreas Frank, EVP, chief business officer at Dentsply Sirona. “We believe that, upon completion of the course, the prize will inspire participants to reflect on their newly gained knowledge on sustainability—and then take action.” 

FDI MOOC on Sustainability in Dentistry

The FDI MOOC on Sustainability in Dentistry was launched in December 2023 and reportedly aims to help dental professionals understand the role they can play in environmental sustainability, the impact of oral healthcare on the environment, and how to improve the oral health of patients in an environmentally conscious way. The three-x-one course is currently available in English, with further languages set to be available later in the year. 

The MOOC is part of the FDI World Dental Federation’s wider Sustainability in Dentistry initiative, which was launched in 2021. The FDI Sustainability in Dentistry initiative is supported by its founding partners, Dentsply Sirona and other key industry leaders. Its aim is to create a more sustainable dental industry and provide education and tools for dental professionals to drive sustainability within their own practices. 

Additional Educational Resources for Sustainability in Dentistry

According to the press release, in addition to the MOOC, dental professionals can access over 100 concrete sustainability actions in the Toolkit for Sustainable Dentistry and sign the Pledge for Sustainable Dentistry to show their commitment. Dentsply Sirona offers a 1-hour Sustainability Educational Curriculum for those interested in learning the basics of sustainability before signing up for the FDI MOCC. CE credits are available to those taking the Dentsply Sirona curriculum, depending on their country of residence. 

“Oral health plays a pivotal role in overall health, well-being and quality of life. Like other industries, the dental sector urgently needs to reduce its environmental footprint,” said Dr Greg Chadwick, president of the FDI World Dental Federation. “Together with our partners, including Dentsply Sirona, we are working to provide everyone with the knowledge and the tools necessary to reach that goal—one step at a time.”