Impacto financeiro e ambiental da digitalização dos sistemas radiográficos do Hospital Odontológico da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia

Abstract

Digital transformation has driven progress in the healthcare sector by optimizing operations and reducing both costs and environmental impacts. In Dentistry, the digitalization of radiographic processes enhances patient safety by reducing radiation doses and offers greater convenience to practitioners, who can manipulate images to improve diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, digital systems contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by minimizing the disposal of waste and toxic effluents generated by conventional radiographic systems. This study aims to assess the financial and environmental impact of implementing intraoral digital radiographic systems at the Dental Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia (HOUFU). To this end, data were collected on the costs incurred by HOUFU for the use of the conventional radiographic system from 2015 to 2019, as well as the cost of acquiring intraoral digital radiographic systems. A cost estimate was also made for continuing the conventional system for an additional five years and compared to the actual expenses incurred. In addition, an estimate was made of the amount of waste and effluents that were no longer produced and disposed of by HOUFU following the digitalization of the radiographic system. The implementation of the digital system resulted in financial savings of BRL 57,000 for HOUFU, prevented the production of 242,784 kg of solid waste, and avoided the disposal of 1,787 liters of toxic effluents. It is concluded that digital radiographic systems are less costly and more sustainable in the long term compared to conventional radiographic systems.