When patients are narrowing down their options in dental clinics, they may inquire about your practice’s commitment to sustainability. Think beyond generic eco-friendly office practices, to industry-specific options for dentistry. As a dental assistant, you can advise and guide your dental clinic on how to evolve your green initiatives.
#1 Electronic Health Records
Utilizing less paper is one of many reasons to transition to HIPPA-compliant electronic health records. Your EHR will minimize clerical errors, provide a variety of file-sorting features, streamline billing, compile data, and make dental records easier to share.
As a dental assistant, you can provide input on dental software, tablets, digital patient intake, digital patient communication, and more.
#2 Digital X-Rays
Transitioning to digital X-rays can reduce radiation exposure by at least 50%. This isn’t just good for the environment, it reduces patient radiation exposure. Since you’re likely to be the one completing X-rays, it’s good for you too. Digital X-rays also eliminate the toxic chemicals required to develop analog X-rays.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, digital imaging is:
- Faster and easier to take
- Provides sharper imagery
- Requires less manual processing
- Uploads to your dental software
- Enables 3D, full-mouth diagnostics
- Can zoom in, rotate, and segment
- More secure and easier to share
#3 Cleaner Disinfectants
Health and sanitation are one of your most important job duties. While you must utilize medical-grade products and equipment, the latest generation is better for the environment.
From steam sterilizing dental tools in an autoclave to utilizing biodegradable disinfectants and sanitizers that produce fewer chemical vapors and release fewer chemicals into the water supply.
#4 Green or Reusable Supplies
Beyond minimizing paper in the office, explore ways to minimize paper and plastics throughout your practice. This includes machine washable or biodegradable headrest covers, bibs, face masks, rinse cups, and gowns.
If you wash your reusable supplies in-house, utilize energy-star washers and dryers. Many washing machines have a steam sanitation option. Be sure to use green laundry detergent and fabric softeners. If you outsource washing and drying, ensure your vendor is aligned with your green initiatives.
Beyond Patient Care
You can also advise on transitioning to biodegradable items outside of the treatment rooms. From utensils to drinkware, napkins, and more. Recycle day-to-day items that aren’t biodegradable and common items that staff and patients may need to throw away. This includes paper (shred first if needed), plastic bottles, magazines, newspapers, and more.
#5 Metal-Free Fillings and Restorations
While less expensive than porcelain or gold fillings, amalgam metal fillings aren’t an eco-friendly option. While FDA-approved for patients over the age of 6-years-old, they have the potential to release low-level mercury vapors.
Minimize environmental toxins and health risks with the many alternatives in metal-free restoratives. This includes direct composition bonding, porcelain fillings, and porcelain veneers. As a bonus, these options are tooth-colored, so they look more natural than amalgam fillings.
Gold is also a mercury-free option, but it’s significantly more expensive and isn’t tooth-colored.
#6 Install an Amalgam Separator
Whether due to cost or preference, many patients will select amalgam fillings and restorations. You can minimize the amount of mercury and heavy metals that make their way into the water system by installing an amalgam separator.
These high-tech systems utilize centrifugation, sedimentation filtration, and a vacuum pump to drastically reduce waterway contamination.
#7 Upgrade to Organic Scrubs
Organic scrubs aren’t just eco-friendly, but many dental professionals find them to be more comfortable. Organic cotton, bamboo, and lyocell are soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and gentle for sensitive skin. You can find options in the same range of colors and styles as non-organic scrubs.
Conclusion
Advising on the eco-friendly alternatives above benefits your practice, patients, community, and the environment. Be sure to let your patients know your commitment to sustainability. This can be achieved by adding a few sentences outlining your eco-friendly practices to your website About page.
Want to Learn More About Dental Assisting?
If you live in or around Colorado Springs and want to learn more about the benefits of entering the dental field as a dental assistant—schedule a tour with the American Institute of Dental Assisting!