Making Dental Practices More Green
There has been a sharp increase in environmental awareness or eco-consciousness in recent years.
There has been a sharp increase in environmental awareness or eco-consciousness in recent years. This has translated into a global movement leading to green transformations, where the term “going green” is defined as an action seeking to improve the health of the environment and community by conserving resources and minimizing detrimental impacts to the ecosystem. The practice of green dentistry, or eco-dentistry, can contribute to more sustainable resources and a healthier environment. Patients may seek oral health professionals who share the same values of planetary wellness. Thus, by adopting environmentally friendly practices, dental offices can provide social value to the communities they are rooted in.
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Carbon Dioxide
When envisioning a sustainable eco-friendly dental practice, dental teams should review and consider all key components. Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas. The burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, natural gas, and oil), as well as waste, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. A carbon footprint is defined as the amount of carbon produced by an organization or individual, either directly or indirectly.
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The Four R Model
There are numerous ways to reduce the adverse environmental impact of common products and materials used for treatment. Eco-friendly dental offices and clinics can implement the Four R model: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink. The four Rs emphasize sustainable consumption habits in an effort to curtail waste.
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Implementation
Dental practices are encouraged to be proactive in implementing the Four R model. The reduction component focuses on minimizing landfill waste and conserving energy and resources. One of the biggest sources of dental landfill waste involves disposable products. The use of biodegradable items can offset some of the reliance on disposables. Biodegradation is the breakdown of materials by microbes in an appropriate environment. Because plastic decomposes very slowly, dental teams may wish to consider materials that are in better alignment with the goals of green dentistry.
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Waste Reduction
Effective management of waste disposal is a key concept in green dentistry. As they seek to minimize waste, environmentally conscious practices can still adhere to the CDC’s most recent guidelines for the dental setting. Reducing the number of products used is a simple first step. Examples include decreasing the amount of plastic barrier wrap used (while still maintaining recommended asepsis protocols), using biodegradable paper cups and paper high-volume-evacuation tips (as opposed to plastic), and dispensing patient self-care products without plastic bags. Dental teams can consider innovative approaches, such as recycling not only paper products and similar waste, but also masks and gloves.
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Chemical Waste
The tenets of green dentistry also call for eliminating or reducing hazardous and chemical waste, and managing and disposing it in an environmentally responsible fashion. The American Dental Association (ADA) encourages dental teams to follow best practices for amalgam waste handling and disposal. A study funded by the ADA found that dental offices contributed more than 50% (6.5 tons of 12.3 tons) of mercury entering wastewater through publicly owned treatment works. In July 2017, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a final rule on the installation of amalgam separators: most dental offices are required to install amalgam separators by July 14, 2020.
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Decrease Consumption
The ADA notes that being proactive starts with adapting green habits and policies. Dental teams can begin by installing energy-efficient devices, switching to green products, conserving energy and resources, reusing and recycling, and providing appropriate patient education. To conserve energy and resources, dental teams should complete an office energy audit and create an energy management plan. Practices and clinics can also conserve electricity by using LED lights, which reduce energy consumption by 70%.
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Self-Care Options
Patients who are environmentally conscious may appreciate suggestions about ways they can reduce their environmental impact. For example, besides traditional toothbrushes, patients can choose biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes and floss picks, as well as products made from #5 recycled plastics. Another recommendation is to use tubeless toothpaste tablets. Patients might also consider recycling toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads, and using biodegradable dental floss with a refillable glass holder. It is important to advise patients not to flush dental floss, as it can entangle with other debris, such as hair or baby wipes, and cause serious clogs in the sewer system.
