Greener Dental Practice Checklist - (Page 4)

n Make a commitment to reduce your junk mail by writing to or calling senders directly and requesting removal from their mailing list. You can also: Reduce pre-approved credit card and insurance offers by calling 888-567-8688 (888-5-OPT-OUT) or visit optoutprescreen.com. Register for the “do not mail me list” at the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service Site: dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailing. Reduce the amount of paper used in your office by utilizing your printer’s duplex printing capabilities. Sending faxes electronically. If you are not already sending faxes electronically, try to eliminate fax cover sheets whenever possible. Operatories Invest in digital radiography and save space, eliminate the need for film processing, and expose patients to up to 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray system. Consider purchasing a CAD/CAM milling machine. This technology reduces material use in the office and it reduces transportation and fuel consumption by patients and laboratories. Utilize comprehensive practice management software to save space and increase efficiency by electronically storing charting, progress notes, treatment plans and X-rays. Select cabinetry constructed with a 100% pre-consumer recycled wood fiber particleboard, which has no urea formaldehyde added during the manufacturing process. This reduces ‘off-gassing’ of harmful chemicals and improves air quality in your dental practice. Reduce the discharge of mercurycontaining products, such as dental amalgam waste, into the environment by purchasing or upgrading your amalgam separator. n Supply Closet Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners that have limited environmental and health impacts. Stock natural oral care products for patients. Purchase recycled or corn-based trash bags for waste products. Order sealants, adhesives, and other restorative materials in package sizes that will result in all the contents being used in a timely manner. This will minimize waste from expired inventory and save you money and product. Consolidate your supply orders to prevent unnecessary shipping and packaging waste. n n n n Restrooms n Install low-flow faucets and toilets, which provide the same functionality as conventional fixtures, and save substantial amounts of water. Purchase dual-flush toilets which save water by providing two flush options. Conserve water by using sensored faucets which also stop the spread of germs and bacteria, avoid water overflow and prevent scalding injury. Reduce paper waste and improve restroom upkeep with an energy efficient hand dryer. Stock recycled tissue and toilet paper that are whitened without chlorine bleach and free of dyes, inks, and fragrances. Buying products made from recycled paper helps reduce the need for virgin wood pulp. n Laboratory/ Sterilization Room Switch to instrument sterilization via a steam autoclave or dry heat oven. If medically appropriate for your practice, switch your cold sterilant from a solution containing glutaraldehyde to something less toxic, such as one with hydrogen peroxide. Utilize cassettes for instrument processing. This is safer for staff members and reduces the use of sterilization bags. n n n n Revisit your local dental association chapter’s best practice guidelines to make sure your practice is meeting or exceeding guidelines for managing hazardous and mercury-containing waste products. Minimize water use by installing medical grade hand sanitizer dispensers in your operatories. This alternative to hand washing is more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses, helps prevent dry skin, and saves your office time and resources. Find an alternative to latex gloves. Latex sensitivity is a growing problem for both patients and staff. Be mindful of latex in other products such as rubber dams and prophy cups. Purchase barriers manufactured with recycled materials. Install a good ventilation system to address chemical and airborne particulates. Research laundering garments in-house to reduce fuel consumption and overhead costs. n n Encourage your team to walk or bicycle to work by providing a shower for staff use. Your Henry Schein Dental Sales Consultants can provide further information and assistance. For details, call 800-645-6594. http://www.optoutprescreen.com http://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailing

Greener Dental Practice Checklist

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Greener Dental Practice Checklist