Green Dentistry
Contributing to Sustainability
Green dentistry, or a green dental office, refers to the dental practice that delivers oral health care by using methods, technologies, and resources that encourage environmental sustainability and global health. This is not only beneficial for the protection of the environment, but it also has a positive effect on the general wellness of the patients and the financial health of the dental practices that apply these concepts.
A sharp rise has been observed in environmental awareness, and people have become more eco-conscious in the past few years. And it has been interpreted as a worldwide movement leading to green conversions in the environment, improving environmental health by saving resources, and lessening unfavorable impacts. Dental offices can contribute to a more maintainable ecosystem and a better environment by practicing green dentistry; at the same time, it attracts patients who seek dental specialists who share the same standards of global wellness.
Green Dental Offices Benefit the Patients and the Environment
Green dentistry highlights four areas of focus: saving water, reducing pollution, conserving energy, and saving paper by going high-tech. Dental professionals now use materials, technology, and techniques that are beneficial and compatible with planetary health. Some of the actions that dentists can take to move towards ecological dentistry are highlighted below.
1. Prevention from radiation intoxication by using digital radiography
Green dentistry minimizes toxic metal waste, like lead and silver, by implementing environment-friendly procedures. It also ensures and minimizes radiation exposure to patients. Digital radiography is one of the most ideal and greener substitutes for x-ray imaging tools used to detect and diagnose oral health problems. It uses digital x-ray sensors and generates less radiation
3. Plastic-free dental care
Dentists who support green dentistry eradicate the use of disposable dental products. Plastic suction cups, plastic bags, and latex bags noticeably harm the environment. Green dentistry substitutes them with reusable products like cloth bibs, washable cups, and cloth headrest protections.
2. Elimination of heavy metals
Metal-free dental resources and equipment help in the elimination of heavy metal use, like mercury, which can end up as toxic metal waste in the waters. Metal amalgam fillings are not only detrimental to the environment, but they are also equally dangerous for patients. Epoxy resin or adhesive dental products are a good substitute.
4. Recycling dental scrap
Dental practices inevitably generate scrap from the extraction and application of crowns, bridges, and PMF appliances. This dental scrap is required by regulation to be properly disposed of, but fortunately, it can be completely recycled and repurposed by sending it to a dental scrap refiner.
So now that you know that you can make money with dental scrap recycling and become a green dental office at the same time, don’t waste any more time! Contact us now and we will guide you through the process.
[…] But amalgam waste is not the only thing to consider if you are interested in helping the environment. You can do a lot of things to make your dental practice greener, learn more about green dentistry here. […]
[…] When considering these efforts to keep our environment clean and safe, it is important to also think of all the best practices we can apply to comply with this goal. If you want more information about how you can drive your practice to be more environmentally friendly, review our articles on eco-friendly dentistry and green dentistry. […]