Students on sustainability

Charlotte Kenny

2018 NZDSA President
New Zealand Dental Students’ Association

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If you could change one thing to make the dentistry industry more sustainable, what would it be and why?

One aspect of dentistry that doesn’t always sit well with me is the amount of plastic waste it produces. As practitioners, the ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence guide our patient-orientated practice. Figuring out how to balance the necessary sanitation and protection guidelines when administering treatment, while being environmentally mindful, is a challenge. But any step towards reducing the environmental impact of disposables used in dental procedures is a step in the right direction.

How do you see issues of sustainability and climate change affecting the industry?

With the increasing global focus on carbon footprints and sustainable goals, the practice of dentistry must be ethical not only in the prevention of oral disease and promotion of health but also in providing accessible and affordable care with minimal environmental impact. To integrate sustainability into the field of dentistry would require a commitment from not only the profession but all associated stakeholders, such as governments, researchers, manufacturers, and distributors.

What has been the biggest challenge for dentistry students in the first quarter?

The first quarter of the academic year has flown by and with it the usual nervous anticipation as to what this year will entail. As students piece together their timetables, calendar their course requirements, and get to know their clinical tutors, they relax and find their feet for a promising year ahead.

What has been the highlight?

It has been exciting to welcome our new cohorts into the dental school as well as reconnect with old friends at dental social events. We would like to thank MAS for their continued sponsorship, contributing to not only these social events but also our academic endeavours.

Alistair Eddie

2018 MUVSA President
Massey University Veterinary Students' Association

If you could change one thing to make the veterinary industry more sustainable, what would it be and why?

Current veterinarians and our future vets need to find ways to minimise our impact on the environment. There is already quite a bit of discussion amongst some practitioners about ways to increase sustainability, but not everyone is on board, and at this stage, our current curriculum doesn’t address this topic. There definitely needs to be a change in mindset to bring sustainability
to the forefront of everyone’s operational thinking.

How do you see issues of sustainability and climate change affecting the industry?

Climate change is impacting farming practices and is important from a veterinary perspective. Parasites that were unable to thrive in colder areas are now able to move into those regions. There is also the potential that we may get new disease vectors being able to move into regions that were previously protected by their climate. This means both veterinarians and farmers have to be more vigilant and prepared to tackle novel diseases.

What has been the biggest challenge for the veterinary faculty in the first quarter?

For the majority of students, it is business as usual, with the dreaded spectre of exams looming in June. For the pre-vets hoping to secure a spot in the veterinary programme, the weekend of 21 and 22 of April would have been exceptionally challenging. They attended interviews and completed numerous other tests and activities that provide input into their application, over and above their grades. At the other end of the degree, the fifth years are quite a way into their final year. From the discussions I’ve had with a few of them, they are relishing the challenges of seeing real veterinary practice, and finally seeing the fruition of four years of predominantly theory-based learning.

What has been the biggest highlight?

It’s always good to end on a positive note. The veterinary programme at Massey has once again won worldwide recognition. The school is ranked in the top 25 by QS World University subject rankings, which is really good news for our current student body and will stand us in good stead for our future prospective careers.