Developing sustainability in a dental practice through an Action Research approach

Introduction: For dental practices to become more environmentally sustainable, the full cooperation of all practice staff can lead to greater engagement with proposed initiatives. Action Research is a participatory approach to change that involves participants in the decisions that affect them. Aim: The aim of this study was to collaboratively develop interventions to improve environmental sustainability at one dental practice. Methods: This was a mixed methods study following an Action Research process for intervention design. The study was set in a mixed NHS / private dental practice in England, UK. Results: Participants engaged in the process and were able to choose the measures they wished to implement. Feedback showed that whilst some measures had been discarded, others had led to changes both in professional and personal behaviour. Conclusion: Action Research offers an innovative and constructive method of engaging participants in developing their own sustainability strategies and can encourage positive change.