Eco-dentists urge you to ‘go green’ in 2010

After all, it’s a new year and a chance for a fresh start. Not only can you help save the planet, you can save lots of money as well — as much as US$50,000 a year, according to the EDA.

According to the EDA, the green movement in dentistry is gathering steam. Since its international launch in the spring of 2009, the EDA has enrolled hundreds of members in 42 states and 11 countries. In addition, many dental companies have recently introduced green dental innovations, including everything from LED operatory lights that use less energy to operate and provide outstanding tooth shade matching, to impression trays made of compostable material.

“Dental professionals can powerfully differentiate themselves by going green, making them a magnet for the millions of values-based consumers that seek service providers who share their environmental and wellness values,” the EDA said in a recent press release.

“Even little small changes likely switching from chemical sterilization processes to steam yield operating savings of US$828 a year, while making the switch to digital imaging, including the initial costs of the equipment investment, yields more than US$8,700 in yearly supply and other savings,” the EDA said.

Here are a few more examples from the EDA of how going green boosts the bottom line:

• The EDA offers dental professionals practical tips on reducing waste and pollution and conserving resources, like setting photocopiers to make double-sided copies, proper disposal of mercury-containing dental waste, and planet-friendly building and office methods, like using non-toxic paint and electronic patient communications.

• It provides the public with information about digital x-ray systems which reduce radiation exposure by up to 90%, dental appliances free from the hormone-disrupting chemical, bisphenol-A, found in many plastics, and questions to ask their dentists about environmental stewardship. The Association’s web site also allows eco-conscious consumers to search for eco-friendly dental professionals in their area.

• The EDA’s members are representative of the dental profession and include general and specialist dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, dental labs, and office managers. The group’s members hail from all over including unexpected places like Waxahachie, TX; Beachwood, OH; and Fort Bragg, NC.

The organization is the brainchild of Dr Fred Pockrass, a dentist, and his entrepreneur wife, Ina Pockrass. Six years ago, the couple created the model for eco-friendly dentistry, and operates their own award winning dental practice in Berkeley, CA, the first in the country to be certified as a green business. They formed the organization to stimulate a movement in the dental industry to employ environmentally-sound practices.