FDI is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Sustainability Ambassador Prize: Dr Aldrin Andre Huaman Mendoza and Dr Jacqueline Armstrong; two professionals whose work exemplifies a growing global commitment to environmentally responsible dentistry.

Awarded annually, the prize honours individuals who move beyond theory to actively champion sustainability in oral healthcare. Both Dr Huaman Mendoza and Dr Armstrong distinguished themselves through their participation in the second Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Sustainability in Dentistry, an initiative designed to equip dental professionals and students with the knowledge and practical tools needed to reduce the environmental footprint of their practice.

Their journey culminated in a final competitive submission, where participants were invited to critically examine sustainability challenges and propose impactful, real-world solutions. The winning submissions stood out for their clarity, innovation, and practical relevance, earning high praise from a panel of experts within the FDI Sustainability in Dentistry Task Team.

As the dental profession continues to evolve, integrating sustainable practices into everyday care has never been more urgent. From reducing waste to rethinking the use of resources, the MOOC demonstrates how even incremental changes can contribute to meaningful, system-wide impact.

The success of Dr Huaman Mendoza and Dr Armstrong underscores the critical role of education, innovation, and leadership in shaping a more sustainable future for oral healthcare. As Sustainability Ambassadors, they represent a new generation of dental professionals; individuals who not only recognize the environmental impact of their field, but are actively working to reduce it. Their leadership serves as both an inspiration to their peers and a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with informed action.
As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded that the path to sustainability is a collective endeavour which depends on the commitment of professionals willing to challenge convention and champion progress.

The Sustainability Ambassador Prize is made possible with the support of Dentsply Sirona, whose continued dedication helps advance sustainability initiatives across the dental sector.
 

About the Sustainability in Dentistry Project

FDI’s Sustainability in Dentistry project was established to inspire and drive action toward reducing the collective CO₂ footprint of dentistry. It engages practitioners, patients, and the broader supply chain, fostering a shared responsibility for environmental stewardship. Through this initiative, FDI has developed a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to support more sustainable practices across the profession.

FDI’s Sustainability in Dentistry project has been supported by funding partners Haleon and Dentsply Sirona; partner Sunstar; and supporters Colgate, Kulzer, and SDI Limited.