Dental Sustainability Efforts
Dentistry for Children & Adolescents takes a sustainable approach. We incorporate ecologically sustainable materials and practices that minimize the environmental impact of dentistry.
- We have digital x-rays. This eliminates our contribution of pollution (chemical fixers and lead foils) into our sewer systems. Also, digital x-rays use less radiation than conventional x-ray films. This minimizes our patient exposure.
- We use electronic patient records, online patient portals, and electronic communications for appointment reminders and submit electronically to insurance companies, reducing paper usage and saving trees.
- We use steam sterilization rather than chemical-based sterilization.
- We have an in-house recycling program; we recycle cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum cans, and plastic in our office.
- We use hypochlorous acid (HOCL) as an air disinfectant for COVID-19 prevention. HOCL is one of the most effective known biocides, comprising electrolyzed water and salt as its ingredients. This weak acid is the same chemical that the human immune system produces to kill invasive organisms and fight infection. It is a biocide that is safe for humans and animals because we already have it in our bodies.
- We purchase Eco Score-rated supplies to further protect the environment and the health of our patients and team.
- We choose vendors that donate a portion of their profits to environmental causes and global reforestation projects in partnership with CarbonFund.org.
- In 2021, our efforts contributed to planting 54 trees through the reforestation project, which led us to be honored with the prestigious 2021 Dental Sustainability Award! Building on our 2022 success, we once again received the Dental Sustainability Award and helped plant over 350,000 trees!
- Our products and materials are BPA-free and gluten-free.
