Methods and Techniques of Green Dentistry

Mainly as a result of a callous attitude and the lack of awareness, there are numerous activities that humans participate in throughout the years that have already caused some changes to our planets ecological system that are irreversible.

But, in the last few years, professional accountable and the increased public awareness about environmental issues and the dental practioner in the modern day plays a very important part of this issue.

Dentists owe it to their planet, their employees, and their patients to reduce their carbon footprint.

The steps they need to take in green dentistry include the proper disposal of biomedical waste. This includes nearly all medications and materials that are used in the practice of dentistry that require special disposal, treatment, and handling because they are potentially hazardous.

The green dentist also need to eliminate or reduce the use of toxic substances. Rather than using conventional X rays they need to use radiovisiography (RVG) equipment which needs no chemicals for processing of X ray films.

Using digital X rays that emit close to 90 percent lower radiation. They also need to use mercury bearing silver amalgams. The dental clinic’s entire water supply should be filtered through a water softener which will eliminate deposits that lead to a reduction of waste and an increased longevity of their instruments.

The clinic’ entire lighting should be switched to CFL lighting which is more energy efficient. They should also make sure that all of the equipment in the clinic such as air condition units that are on the inside of the clinic and the air filtration system that are compliant with international energy efficiency standards.

They also need to take care of office waste such as paper properly. Recycle as much of the printed material as is possible and only print what is necessary.

Bibs, caps, face masks, and gloves should be separated from the general waste and discarded following each use in a biomedical waste container because it may contain infectious waste blood. Used impression material, gauze/swabs, human parts, and all bloody materials should be discharged to the sewer.

Mercury should be treated as hazardous material and infectious waste and disposed of in carefully labeled biomedical waste containers. Developers and fixers from the processing of X ray film should be treated as hazardous waste and should also be discharged in the sewer.

The lead foils from X ray films should be sent to the local metal re claimers for recycling. Sharps, syringes, and needles should be stored in containers that are puncture resistant and disposed of in specially labeled biomedical waste containers.

It only takes a little care at the dental practice to help prevent the spread of highly infectious diseases including aids and hepatitis and protect the environment for future generations. Many dentists are already practicing these methods and techniques of green dentistry.

Those who aren’t practicing green dentistry should be because they owe it to their planet, their employees and their patients. That is what green dentistry is all about. It will help to make the planet we live on a better place.