According to the Eco Dentistry Organisation, clinics generate 4.8 million lead foils, 28 million litres of toxic x-ray fixer, 37 tons of mercury waste, 1.7 billion sterilisation pouches and 680 million non-recyclable chair barriers, light handle covers and patient bibs every year.
However, there are a raft of new products and technologies which make it easier for dental practices to eliminate waste, and there are a number of other ways to green up. These initiatives will bring additional benefits beyond improving the practice’s eco credentials.
Consumers are becoming environmentally savvy. They’re also making purchasing decisions which chime with their beliefs; a practice which can demonstrate its sustainability awareness policies and communicate them in practice, on their website and social media will reap the rewards of its greening efforts.
The Nielsen Global Corporate Sustainability Report found that 66 per cent of the people they surveyed stated they would be willing to pay more for sustainable goods. A further study conducted by Harris Interactive found that 82 per cent of adults claim to be well-informed about brands with a strong track record for sustainability. Businesses – and dental practices are businesses – wishing to thrive, attract and retain patients would do well to take steps to adopt a more sustainable approach.
Periodontal specialist Dr Sulaman Anwar was keenly aware of the need to make environmentally-conscious changes at the dental practices where he works. Here he details changes he has made to bring about an immediate difference to his green footprint. Some of the swaps were easy to source and implement, while others – like finding a new energy supplier – take a little more research. However, all have been extremely worthwhile and the response to them has been extremely enthusiastic, from colleagues and patients alike.
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