While the effects of climate change on general health are well documented, its specific impacts on oral health have been largely overlooked—until now. A scoping review published in BDJ Open in late March found that climate change is expected to have significant consequences for dental health and access to care.
The review analyzed 10 peer-reviewed studies and concluded that environmental changes—such as extreme weather events, rising temperatures and worsening social inequalities—can contribute to dental issues like cavities, gum disease and oral cancer.
“The findings synthesize a nascent yet significant body of research exploring how environmental changes driven by climate change impact the dental profession and oral health outcomes,” the authors wrote. “Continued research and policy attention are imperative to address the complex and evolving challenges posed by climate change to oral health.”
Oral health and climate change
For instance, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 severely disrupted access to dental services in New Orleans and surrounding areas. In Mississippi, more than 60 per cent of dental practices in affected counties were partially or completely damaged.
The review warns that oral health risks being deprioritized in the face of more immediate climate-related health threats—such as infectious disease and heat-related illnesses—potentially leading to reduced attention and resources for preventive and restorative dental care.
In a related story, Henry Schein Inc. announced in early April that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved the company’s near-term and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets. The SBTi also verified Henry Schein’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“Having joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C initiative in 2021, Henry Schein is pleased to fulfill our commitment to set net-zero emissions reduction targets,” said Jennifer Kim Field, chief sustainability officer at Henry Schein. “Sustainability is deeply rooted in our corporate culture, and we understand our role in mitigating our environmental impact, as climate change is one of today’s most important sustainability issues.”
The company’s approved targets include:
- Reducing absolute Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90 per cent by 2050 from a 2022 base year.
- Continuing to source 100 per cent renewable electricity annually through 2030.
- Reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions by 97 per cent per US$1 million of gross profit by 2050 from a 2022 base year.
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