The climate crisis is causing many of us to examine every aspect of our lives — including the health care sector, which comprises 10% of our nation’s carbon emissions. Think about the amount of single-use items used during a standard doctor’s appointment to maintain safety protocols.

Dental education adds to this sizable carbon footprint through the disposal of large amounts of single-use gowns, paper towels, gloves, plastic packaging and butcher paper. Galvanized by USC President Carol Folt’s focus on sustainability, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is exploring ways in which it can be more ecologically conscious.

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