Green Dentistry: How Eco-Friendly Practices Are Changing the Dental Industry

Green dentistry, also known as eco-dentistry, is a field dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and reducing pollution through advanced technology and environmentally conscious procedures. This approach emphasizes the use of technology, use of eco-friendly dental materials and reducing consumption of energy, water and radiation.

Dr Parthasaradhi Reddy, founder Chairman, FMS Dental Clinics shares a few examples of the eco-friendly practices that dental offices are adopting to minimize their environmental impact.

How is Green Dentistry important?

Green Dentistry is a major boon for the environment which is very much required for the sustenance of the future generations on this planet. By conserving resources and utilizing sustainable materials, it reduces waste and minimizes the environmental burden. Over time, green dentistry can lead to cost savings, which may result in lower treatment costs for patients. Additionally, it reduces chemical contamination by minimizing the release of heavy metals into water sources, thereby protecting the local ecosystem.

Some of the examples of Green dentistry being implemented in dental offices:

1. Shift towards DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY (digital dental x-ray), which has completely eliminated the need for harmful chemicals used in traditional X-ray film processing. Patient images are not printed instead are forwarded to the patient by email or other digital sources.
2. Eco-friendly dental materials are another key focus. Many practices now use biocompatible materials such as recycled composites and sustainably sourced products. This reduces reliance on mercury-based amalgams and other harmful substances. Biocompatible, environmentally safe materials are used for disinfection of office spaces.
3. Front offices of dental practices have gone completely digital. All communications and bills to patients and other business establishments are sent via email and other digital formats or accessed through an online portal instead of being delivered as physical documents. Digital records and paperless systems also cut down on paper wastage, making record-keeping more sustainable.
4. Waste management is crucial in green dentistry. Most dental offices have implemented appropriate waste disposal mechanisms and recycling programs for materials like plastics, metals and paper. Some are also focusing on reducing single-use plastics by choosing reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
5. Patient education has become completely digital. Educative posters and pamphlets are sent to the patient digitally.Additionally, energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures are being adopted to minimize a practice’s ecological footprint.

   Green dentistry extends to overall practice management, including energy-efficient equipment and sustainable office supplies. By adopting these practices, dentists are not only contributing to environmental conservation but also often realizing cost savings through reduced resource consumption.

   Green dentistry is transforming the dental industry by integrating sustainable practices into everyday operations, leading to a healthier planet and a more responsible approach to dental care.