Learn how your Calgary dental clinic can begin implementing eco-friendly dentistry practices in 2021.
There is no denying one threat we all have in common: the rising concern of global warming and its detrimental effects on future generations if we do not act accordingly across all industries. Therefore, it is imperative that your Calgary dental clinic, alongside the rest of Canada’s dental hygienists, implement more intuitive eco-friendly dentistry practices in our everyday applications to ensure we’re doing our part to safeguard a bright and sustainable future for all Canadians and global citizens. If you are not already practicing eco-friendly dentistry as a Calgary dentist, here are some ways that you can begin bettering your clinical procedures.
The Impact of the Health System on Carbon Emissions
According to the CMAJ Group, the health care system as of 2019 is “responsible for 4.6% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, as well as more than 200,000 tons of other pollutants, resulting in 23,000 years of life lost every year from disability or early death,” caused by environmental impacts. With this statistic evidently to grow in the coming years, we must begin making changes as soon as possible to move forward with an eco-conscious outlook. While the Canadian Dental Association has been relatively quiet on global warming for the last while, the American Dental Association released 80 methods in which dentists worldwide can begin eco-friendly dentistry practices. Let’s take a look at some of what they have noted:
Eco Dentistry Practices
Implement an eco-friendly sterilization protocol within your Calgary dental clinic, including eco-friendly solutions and cleaning tools.
Begin integrating eco-friendly oral care products, including mouthwash, floss, and toothpaste.
Provide your patients with biodegradable plastic bags as an alternative when providing them with their dental giveaways.
Send all patients appointment reminders using email or SMS text messages when possible or recycled paper if they request a physical copy.
Switch to biodegradable disposable cups.
Purchase rechargeable batteries for office appliances such as TV remotes.
Bring old appliances and technology to proper recycling plants.
Ask all of your practicing Calgary dentist members in your clinic to shut down their computers at the end of the night.
Use biodegradable medical gloves and dental bibs.
See what methods of reusable energy are available for your Calgary dental clinic.
Final Thoughts
While these are only 10 out of the 80 suggestions released by the ADA, all of the ones we have listed below are easily attainable and can be implemented in your Calgary dental clinic with ease. While these methods may seem minuscule in your practice, we can begin making eco-conscious decisions towards building a brighter future together as an industry.
