WATER CONSUMPTION IN DENTAL PRACTICES: STUDY WATER USAGE PATTERNS IN DENTAL OFFICES, INCLUDING CONSUMPTION FOR PATIENT CARE, STERILIZATION, AND FACILITY MAINTENANCE. ASSESS STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING WATER WASTE AND IMPROVING EFFICIENCY, CONSIDERING BOTH ENV

Abstract

This study aimed to identify water usage practices in dental offices, compare their environmental and financial effects, and analyze measures that can be taken to minimize water wastage and enhance its conservation. The research was conducted to establish the areas where water is most consumed and develop realistic measures to help conservewater in dental practices. For this study, the research approach used was quantitative, and the data was collected using a cross-sectional survey, which was disseminated to 220 dental personnel, including dentists, dental hygienists, office managers, and dental assistants. The survey collected information on water use, environmental and socio-economic effects of water use, and water saving policies. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages and correlation and regression analysis to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The results also indicated a poor and insignificant relationship between water usage, water usage effects on the environment and the economy, and the measures that can be taken to curb the wastage of water and enhance conservation. Regression analysis found that water usage patterns and environmental and economic impact are not relevant determinants of the adoption of water-saving practices. The findings imply that other factors, like policies and legal frameworks within which the firms exist and internal policies, may be more significant in determining water efficiency practices. This work shows that encouraging water-saving measures in dental practices is not an easy task. Although knowledge of environmental and economic effects is significant, these factors alone have a relatively weak impact on implementing efficiency measures.