Dental professionals have long been pioneers of preventive care. We get the systemic link between oral and overall health. And now, our industry is transforming to address the connection between personal and planetary well-being.
Join the dental professionals who find it easy and cost-effective to practice green denistry. Learn more >
Connect to the 1 in 4 Americans who seek out green products and service providers. Learn more >
Find out how innovative dental practices are leading the industry to support the health of people and planet. Learn more >
While there is a perception that doing business in an earth-friendly manner costs more, according to Gil Friend, of Natural Logic, a sustainability consulting firm that conducted a study for the Eco-Dentistry Association: “Our study busts that myth. Nearly every eco-friendly innovation is also friendly to the bottom line. Even something simple, like making the switch from paper patient charting to digital charting, yields an immediate financial payback.”
Douglas R. Halloran, D.D.S., has been in private dental practice with his father since1997. He is a member of the American Association of Hospital Dentistry and is dedicated to treating special needs children and the underserved. He has also been recognized as a Green Healthcare Provider after completing the Leadership in Green Health Care course at the Teleosis Institute.
Dr. Halloran’s journey to environmentally sustainable dentistry started with reading “The Ecology of Commerce,” a book he considers a must-read. According to Dr. Halloran, “Dentistry plays a large role in environmental impact through waste generation and the disposable mindset, fluoride use, and mercury in dental amalgam,” all of which have simple, environmentally-friendly alternatives.
A recent major remodel of Dr. Halloran’s office allowed him to incorporate many green practices, including:
low VOC paints
carpet elimination
energy efficient lighting
central inventory control
ergonomic delivery systems
elimination of many disposables
a chartless office
digital radiography
environmentally friendly sterilization procedures
environmentally preferable purchasing program
While there is a misperception that eco-friendly means increased costs, Dr. Halloran’s experience is just the opposite: “I have seen a decrease in my supply expenses. My disposable invoices dropped in half after purchasing stainless steel suction tips and switching to washable linen bibs and headrest covers.”
Dr. Halloran’s patients were quick to pick up on the green changes that he made in the office. He was amazed to learn just how many of them shared his values and appreciated his commitment. “The increased awareness of patients is demanding environmental stewardship. Each little step taken adds up to a healthier workplace, a healthier public, and a healthier planet.”
Dr. Halloran appreciates the ability to connect with other like-minded environmentally friendly dentists through his membership in Eco-Dentistry Association.
Dr. Halloran's office was recently featured in the Fresno Business Journal. Read the article >
If every dentist installed a mercury waste amalgam separator, we would divert 3.7 tons of mercury-containing waste each year.
By converting to digital x-rays, a typical office can prevent disposal of at least 200 liters of toxic x-ray fixer and 17,200 lead foils in just five years.
Installing energy-efficient flourescent lighting saves 2645 kilowatts of electrical energy and reduces CO2 emissions by 1375 pounds per year in the average dental office.
By switching to reusable and non-toxic disinfection methods, the dental industry would prevent 680 million plastic and paper chair barriers, light handle covers and patient bibs, and 1.7 billion instrument sterilization pouches from ending up in landfills yearly.
Digital patient charting saves as much as 10,000 sheets of paper a year in the typical dental practice.
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