Over the last few years the healthcare sector, including the dental industry, is investing more time, money and education into sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. It is important that this continues at a steady rate and that more dental clinic implement green practices, both to attract more patients and to reduce their significant carbon footprint. Environmentally-conscious patients are interested in eco-friendly dentistry, knowing that whilst looking after their dental health by choosing green practices they are also helping to look after the environment.

Dental Waste and Pollution

Dental practices can generate a wide variety of hazardous waste. This includes metal and chemical waste as well as infectious waste. Thanks to advances in dental technology there are treatments and procedures in place which promote eco-friendly dentistry and can help reduce the amount of waste generated.

Amalgam Waste

Amalgam waste is more commonly known as that containing mercury and mercury compounds, which are toxic and can be harmful to humans. Amalgam waste comes from traditional dental fillings. Often more amalgam is produced than required, leading to wastage. Another concern is disposal: amalgam waste needs to be placed in a container with a mercury suppressant and handled by a waste management company.

To reduce amalgam waste, dental practices need to promote composite resin fillings. Composite resin fillings are the most common alternative to dental amalgam. They are made of a type of plastic reinforced with powdered glass filler. They are beneficial for patients because they are tooth coloured and therefore significantly less noticeable than traditional amalgam fillings. They are strong and long-lasting, serving as an excellent example of eco-friendly dentistry as they reduce both mercury-related health and environmental concerns.

Silver and Lead Waste from X-Rays

Silver- and lead-containing waste can be another issue in dental practices. Silver waste is generated in spent x-ray fixer, which needs to be disposed of carefully to avoid health and environmental concerns. Lead-containing waste includes lead foil from x-ray packets, which can contaminate soil and groundwater again if disposed of improperly. Heavy metal poisoning and pollution can have significant consequences on human health. It can cause a wide range of health disorders including cancer, and can cause developmental defects in foetuses. Environmental effects of heavy metal pollution include the disruption of food chains and the ecosystem because they are non-biodegradable and can accumulate in their surroundings.

Although X-rays pose multiple environmental and human health threats, more dental X-rays are carried out than any other type of x-ray; this number extends into the millions each year according to the UK Health Security Agency. Choosing digital imaging rather than x-ray is an excellent form of eco-friendly dentistry. Digital imaging produces 80% less radiation than traditional x-ray film whilst also reducing chemical waste from lead foils and toxic x-ray fixer. Digital imaging can often replace x-rays, being used for cosmetic dental treatment as well as modern orthodontics e.g. in the design and creation of clear thermoplastic aligners to replace traditional metal braces. Digital imaging should be suitable for most patients and is particularly preferable for children, posing little or no health risk in comparison to x-rays.

Disinfectants and Sterilisers

Disinfectants and sterilisers are commonly used to sterilise dental instruments. They are composed of a variety of chemicals which can pose a threat to health and the environment, and must be disposed of safely to mitigate risk. For eco-friendly dentistry, the CDC recommends using heat-tolerant or disposable items instead of heat-sensitive items which require liquid cleaning products. If using disposable items, it is important to make sure that they are recyclable or that they are recycled items. For heat-tolerant items, eco-friendly dentistry includes the use of automated processes, like ultrasonic baths or thermal washer disinfectants rather than chemicals to clean them.

Infectious Waste

A prime example of infectious waste generated at dental practices is blood soaked gauze: a form of biomedical hazardous waste. Another example is extracted teeth or tissues, which are also biomedical hazards that can contain infectious materials or pathogens which could put dentists and other patients at risk. Although infectious waste cannot be avoided at the dental practice or other healthcare places, it is important to follow regulations to prevent health and environmental risks. This includes labelling all infectious waste correctly and ensuring you keep it in assigned containers to prevent spills and exposure while storing and transporting.

Sharps

Sharps include needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments used at the dental practice. Sharp injuries are common and can pose serious health risks, including HIV/AIDS. Dentists need to use needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments on a daily basis, but minimising use where possible can help to reduce risk to human health and the environment.

Laser dental treatment is a modern form of green dentistry that acts as an excellent alternative to the use of sharps in dental practices. This is now available at most environmentally friendly practices across the country. Not only is it safer for the dentist and the patient, but it is also better for the environment. Avoiding the use of sharps means no waste and reduced use of chemical sterilisers and disinfectants. Laser dental treatment can be used as an alternative therapy for many dental health concerns, including gum disease and certain types of cosmetic dentistry. It is a preferred method of dentistry amongst dentists and patients alike, especially those suffering from dental phobia.

Patients and dental practices alike are becoming increasingly more environmentally conscious. Embracing more green practices within a dental practice offers a myriad of benefits, attracting more patients and promoting better dental health, overall health, less waste and reduced damage to the environment.