Dentaltown September 2015 - (Page 41)

sustainability special section Turning Over a New Leaf According to the Eco Dentistry Association, nearly 33 percent of Americans describe themselves as "green," or "wellness lifestyle consumers"-people who make choices that are good for their health and good for the planet. These patients are interested in preventive care, constantly look for new information about eco-friendly initiatives and services, and are eager to share that information with like-minded friends and acquaintances. So how can you connect with and encourage these patients? And how can you make your own practice even more eco-friendly? Green ideas for your practice * * * * * * * Switching to digital billing, charting and X-rays can save your practice more than $8,000 per year. In the process, you'll reduce paper use, eliminate toxic chemicals from X-ray development and improve your water footprint. Energy-efficient light bulbs and/or motion sensors can cut your annual costs by $601. You'll not only reduce the number of light bulbs heading for the landfill, you'll also decrease the quantity of greenhouse gases heading for the atmosphere. The Eco Dentistry Association has a checklist of products to help you tread lightly on the planet while still delivering excellent care-everything from BPA-free dental materials to operatory lighting and recycling services. Check it out at Ecodentistry.org/greendoc/product-guide/. Changing from amalgam to tooth-colored restorations can save you a whopping $37,000 per year, while reducing the level of heavy metals entering the waste stream. Do you own your building? Look into landscaping that doesn't require irrigation and uses plants native to your region. Feeling ambitious? Check out solar panel systems in your area-you may even qualify for tax breaks, depending on your state. You can find out more about federal tax credits for renewables at Programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/ detail/658. (Always talk with your tax professional before taking the plunge.) Want more advice on greening your business? Get tips from the Natural Resources Defense Council's Greening Advisor, NRDC.org/enterprise/greeningadvisor/. * * * * * by Dentaltown Magazine staff photo of your staff collecting recyclables with the comment, "Do you know where to take your hazardous materials for recycling?" (And make sure you know the answer!) Outline your eco-friendly processes in your monthly newsletter-and be sure to send it via email. Find out more from groups like Constant Contact, My Emma, and Lucidpress. Is your community hosting a green building fair, organic farming conference or Earth Day celebration? Consider becoming a sponsor-it's a great way to get your eco ethos noticed! Stay away from "greenwashing"-making one or two minor changes just for marketing purposes. The eco-public is savvy to this and the practice will almost certainly backfire. Make sure you're listed in the EDA's membership roster so potential patients can find you on its website. Join your community's green business group. If your community doesn't currently offer a group, consider starting one! ■ Sharing the news * Include your practice's green aspects on your website, as well as on your Facebook and Twitter feeds. Interact with patients by asking them to share their green practices with you and other patients. For example, you could post a FREE FACTS, circle 23 on card dentaltown.com \\ SEPTEMBER 2015 41 http://www.Ecodentistry.org/greendoc/product-guide/ http://Programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/658 http://www.NRDC.org/enterprise/greeningadvisor/ http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown September 2015

On Dentaltown.com
Continuing Education Update
Industry News
Product Profile: Planmeca
New Products
You Should Know: Lean Dental Solutions
Practice Solutions: Ultradent
Ad Index
Dentally Incorrect
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Considerations for Treatment of External Cervical Invasive Resorption
Case Report: Microbrush Stamp Technique
Working Through Pain: How Chronic Conditions Affect Dentists
HOWARD SPEAKS: Know Your Numbers
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY: TV Shows for Dentists
Passivhaus: Dentists Get Their Green On
A Green Dentist in a Bluegrass State
NuSmile Preveneered SSC Tips
Yet Again, Immediate Molar— Drill First, Extract Later
Turning Over a New Leaf
The 5 Tenets of Practice Success
Understanding the Sjögren’s Patient: Facilitating Diagnosis of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sleepy Hollow Dentist Wants to Make a Change
Seeing the True Resorption Picture
Oral Squamous-Cell Carcinoma Detection
Solutions for Effectively Managing a Dental Offi ce
Seminar and Travel Pay: It’s No Vacation
Insurance Management is Easy if You Start with Evaluation

Dentaltown September 2015