Helping ‘green dentistry’ grow in your practice
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 4th November 2021
The world is becoming more eco-conscious and reports are suggesting that the pandemic has accelerated the shift to a ‘greener’ way of life, with consumers spurred on to do all they can to help create a better, healthier world. A recent survey [i] indicated that nearly one in three consumers have stopped purchasing certain brands or products because they had ethical or sustainability related concerns about them. This trend continues in the oral care sector with almost half of consumers (49%) expecting more eco-friendly oral care products. [ii]
It is then clear that the dental profession is not unaffected by this shift to a more sustainable way of life. ‘Green dentistry’, or ‘Eco-dentistry’ as it is sometimes known, is an approach to dentistry that combines care provision and environmental conservation, [iii] advocating principles such as the conservation of water and energy, use of non-toxic products, reduction of waste, elimination of hazardous toxins, and promotion of ‘green’ products. iii
By combining the health of humans with the health of our environment, ‘green dentistry’ provides an opportunity to lessen any further destruction of our planet. [iv] In this article we explore some environmentally-conscious strategies that can be adopted by your dental practice.
Conserving water and energy
There are several ways that a practice can reduce water consumption. For example, conventional vacuum saliva ejector systems are an integral piece of equipment that use a significant amount of water contributing to wastage and water pollution iii – as much as 360 gallons of water per day. iv A simple solution would be to replace these with a high-tech water-free dry vacuum system. iv
Additional methods to reduce the consumption of water and energy within the clinic include introducing technologies such as motion sensors and energy-saving, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs that are proven to last eight to twelve times longer and produce 70% less heat than incandescent bulbs. iv Furthermore, encouraging the dental and reception team to shut down or put computers in stand-by mode when not in use can reduce the machines’ electrical consumption by 70%. iv
Using non-toxic products
It has been estimated that dentists contribute a considerable share (between 3% and 70%) of the total mercury content of wastewater treatment facilities, [v] making it a major concern. During its involvement in dental procedures through the placement, removal, and polishing of dental amalgam, mercury can generate potentially harmful waste such as elemental mercury vapour and amalgam scrap. iv When in its bioavailable form, mercury can enter the food chain and accumulate in organisms such as fish and birds, which, when consumed, can lead to adverse health effects. iv Preventing mercury pollution can be achieved by capturing scrap amalgam, recycling waste amalgam, or selecting an alternative material such as composites or glass ionomer cement (GIC). iii Additionally, amalgam separators are a low maintenance and relatively inexpensive piece of equipment that can separate the fine mercury particles from waste water. iv
Using digital X-rays rather than conventional X-rays reduces the amount of radiation patients are exposed to by 70-90% iv, while also eliminating paper, plastic, or lead waste found in empty film packets, and developer and fixer that would otherwise be discarded in the water supply. iv
Reducing waste
Uploading patient information from paper records to a digital solution and patient record management software will not only help eliminate paper use and wastage, but will enhance data accuracy iii and security. Minimise paper usage further by sending team and patient communications via e-mail or a dedicated online portal instead of postcards or letters through the mail. iv
Many materials found in the dental clinic can be recycled with relative ease. From items found in the waiting room such as paper cups, to general waste and paper documents, most can be disposed of via the standard recycling bin. Clearly signpost recycling receptacles to help your team and patients support your recycling efforts.
Extending the life of items within the practice saves on resources and supports waste reduction as well. Reusing lab and shipping boxes, switching to stainless steel impression trays and suction tips, and providing glass or ceramic rinse cups, iv are just some things to consider.
Promoting ‘green’ products
Further still, here are an increasing number of ‘green’ products on the market which you can recommend to your eco-conscious patients.
Arm and HammerTM havs launched a brand-new innovative range of fully recyclable toothpastes, reflecting the growing consumer desire for effective natural toothpaste formulas that do not damage the environment.
The Arm & HammerTM 100% Natural Baking Soda Toothpastes proudly feature a 100% recyclable carton, tube and cap and a new vegan friendly formula that delivers clinically proven efficacy, free from preservatives and artificial colours.
Doing the best for patient, practice and planet
Dentistry is a caring profession, so protecting our planet is a natural extension of the commitment to protecting the health of patients. Encouraging and nurturing the principles of ‘green dentistry’ in your practice will not only reflect the values of your eco-conscious patients, but fulfil your ethical obligation to take a leading role in society to lessen you impact on the environment, and do the best for the planet.
Susan Hudson
Susan joined Waterpik as a Professional Educator over 4 years ago. She is passionate about the work she carries out for the company delivering Lunch & Learn educational sessions to dental professionals.
Susan graduated from Eastman Dental Institute School of Dental Hygiene in 1988 and now has over 30 years clinical experience working in Harley Street, specialist and orthodontic practices. Susan has a particular interest in treating periodontal patients and regularly encourages her patients to use the Waterpik water flosser to help maintain their periodontal health.
Susan lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and 9 year old son. She is a fitness fanatic and keen runner, having completed many marathons and half marathons.
For more information about the carefully formulated Arm & Hammer™ toothpaste range, please visit https://www.armandhammer.co.uk/ or email: ukenquiries@churchdwight.com
Arm & Hammer 100% Natural Baking Soda Toothpaste range can now be purchased from Boots and Amazon, with further stockists following.
[i] Deloitte. Shifting sands: Are consumers still embracing sustainability? https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/sustainable-consumer.html ]Last accessed 04.08.2021].
[ii] Mintel Oral Care UK, July 2020. This was referenced in the CHURCH & DWIGHT UK ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF THE UK’S FIRST 100% RECYLABLE TOOTHPASTE RANGE pdf
[iii] Rastogi V, Sharma R, Yadav L, Satpute P, Sharma V. Green dentistry, a metamorphosis towards an eco-friendly dentistry: a short communication. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(7):ZM01-ZM2. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/8084.4556. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4149172/ [Last accessed 04.08.2021].
[iv] Lakshmi, Dr & Shivamallu, Avinash & Shivalinga, Bm & Jyothikiran, S & Padmini, Mn. (2013). Going Green with Eco-friendly Dentistry. The journal of contemporary dental practice. 14. 766-9. 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1400. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259205315_Going_Green_with_Eco-friendly_Dentistry [Last accessed 04.08.2021].
[v] Mittal, Reena & Maheshwari, Rachna & Tripathi, Siddhi & Pandey, Sujata. (2020). Eco-friendly dentistry: Preventing pollution to promoting sustainability. Indian Journal of Dental Sciences. 12. 251. 10.4103/IJDS.IJDS_12_20. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346211571_Eco-friendly_dentistry_Preventing_pollution_to_promoting_sustainability [Last accessed 04.08.2021].
