S5 E1: Why we should all think about sustainability with Zahra Shehabi
May 6, 2024
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Clinical Sustainability Fellow and Special Care consultant Zahra Shehabi discusses the importance of sustainability in dentistry. Topics include implementing eco-friendly practices, challenges in the transition to sustainability, impact of unsustainable practices on public health, and guidance on pursuing sustainability academically and in career aspirations.
Zahra Shehabi advocates for sustainability in dentistry by driving eco-friendly practices and reducing plastic use for a more sustainable future.
She emphasizes the importance of embedding sustainability education in dental training programs to cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility and ethical patient care.
Deep dives
Zara Shahabi's Unexpected Journey in Dentistry and Special Care
Zara Shahabi's career in dentistry took an unexpected turn when she applied on a friend's suggestion and found herself in a specialty training program for special care dentistry. Facing challenges due to the lack of development in the field, she became one of the first five trainees in the UK. Shahabi went on to carve her own path, advocate for vulnerable groups, and drive sustainability in dentistry. Her journey exemplifies resilience and innovation in creating a thriving special care dentistry team.
Green Initiatives and Sustainability in Dental Practice
Shahabi's sustainability journey began with personal lifestyle changes post-pregnancy, leading her to question wasteful practices in her clinic during the pandemic. Engaging with a volunteer group, she initiated a project on reusable masks and expanded her network to drive sustainability projects within the healthcare trust. Transitioning to a clinical fellow in sustainability, Shahabi emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic use, energy conservation, and engaging in green initiatives for a more sustainable future.
Collaboration with the Center of Sustainable Health Care
By enrolling in a course on Sustainability in Dentistry, Shahabi discovered the Center of Sustainable Health, a valuable resource offering courses, e-learning modules, and toolkits for healthcare professionals. Through a Green Teams Competition, she delved into carbon modeling, cost efficiency, and social impact assessments, highlighting the significance of measuring sustainability changes and fostering a culture of sustainability within healthcare organizations.
Empowering Future Dentists in Sustainability
Shahabi emphasizes the need for embedding sustainability education in dental training programs, citing the General Dental Council's initiatives to include sustainability outcomes in the curriculum. Through innovative workshops and student engagement, she instills sustainability awareness and motivates future dentists to take action. Encouraging hands-on participation in sustainability projects, Shahabi envisions a future where sustainability is integral to dental practices, promoting environmental responsibility and ethical patient care.
How does dentistry fit into the environmental crisis? To kick off the first episode of Series 5, Zahra Shehabi joins Josh & Julia for a discussion on dental sustainability. Zahra is a Clinical Sustainability Fellow as well as a Special Care consultant. She shares the importance of striving towards sustainability and how dental professionals can implement eco-friendly practices into their work. If you’ve ever wondered how to be more sustainable in your practice, this episode is a must-listen.
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