Aceptabilidad de un plan estratégico basado en las 3R para mejorar la administración de la Clínica Odontológica UCSG.

Abstract

Introduction: Proper management of resources and clinical waste plays a vital role in advancing sustainability within dental practice. By integrating strategies grounded in the 3Rs framework, practices can significantly minimize material waste, optimize waste segregation at the source, and foster consistent recycling habits during everyday clinical procedures.. Objective: To evaluate the acceptability of a strategic plan based on the 3R principles among students taking Comprehensive Clinical Practice II and III during the A-2026 term. Method: An observational, descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 42 participants. The data collection instrument was a 10-item questionnaire divided into 3 sections with Likert-scale response options. The questionnaire's reliability, measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.858. Results: In all three evaluated segments, a predominance of favorable responses toward the proposed strategies was observed. In the reduce component, digital radiography (90.5%) had the highest acceptance rate, followed by planning and diagnosis using digital study models (88.1%) and the role of preventive dentistry (85.7%). In the reuse component, the use of reusable fabric PPE (88.1%) had the highest acceptance rate, as did reusable metal mandrels (85.7%), while the use of sterilizable metal cannulas had the lowest acceptance rate (69.1%). In the recycling area, both the segregation of suture threads and uncontaminated sterile gauze showed favorable responses. Therefore, the results demonstrate a favorable trend toward the proposed strategies, based on the 3Rs. Conclusion: A high general acceptability towards strategies based on the 3Rs was determined, showing a greater appreciation for actions focused on reducing and reusing dental materials, which supports the feasibility of proposing a structured managerial strategic plan.