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February 13, 2009

By Namrata Patel, DDS

Even a dentist can change the world.

A year ago when I opened the doors to my practice, Green Dentistry, that was my dream turned reality. In short time, we've been welcomed with open arms by a supportive green business network and a wonderful, expanding community of patients.

Dr. Nammy Patel

The roots to integrating sustainability into my work is tied to my culture and religion. I was born at home in a small village in northwest India. Our religion is Jain, which is based in simplicity and frugality, so my parents always integrated these concepts into our lifestyle. After graduating from dental school, it was only natural that when I began building my practice, the "greening" process would be an integral part of my work.

People always ask me, "What is a green dentist?" Short story long, here's my answer.

Eco-conscious dentists are committed to serving both their clients and the environment in four ways:

• Patient relationship
• Materials and equipment
• Office design and administration
• Natural capitalism and the green business network

Greening the dental practice isn't a New Age fad, but an inevitable progression following other industries, such as agriculture, auto, and building, to name just a few. Environmental certifications and technologies around these have emerged and now seem standard, but we're just beginning to scratch the surface of greening the health-care industry, especially dentistry.

At Green Dentistry, we focus on all aspects of a sustainable practice, from equipment, office design, and administrative practices to patient engagement.

Client relationship

Our focus is on the whole health of our patients, physically and emotionally, long-term of course, but especially when they're in the office, when they may most be insecure or apprehensive.

The emphasis is on creating a health partnership with clients so they co-discover, co-diagnose, and create a co-treatment plan. Our approach is to be comprehensive so there is genuine space and all health issues are disclosed up-front vs. the one-tooth-at-a-time-because-that's-what-your-insurance-will-pay-for plan.

The emotional aspect of a dental appointment can take its toll on patients. To this end, we are constantly thinking of new ways to put our clients at ease, every step of the way. Our consultation room is a small, private area that allows me to talk with clients in a calm, one-on-one setting, to learn more about where they are with their health. We discuss any concerns or fears they may have in regard to their teeth. Creating space for our clients gives us the opportunity to make them feel comfortable not only about the time they spend with us, but also help them feel good about themselves.

Materials and equipment

Rather than relying on traditional methods, green dentists commit and take measure of their energy and water usage and limit waste with these considerations:

• Digital imaging means no toxic fixers or lead waste in the water.
• Digital charting means no paper use.
• OSHA-compliant natural cloth covers and bibs.
• Steam-based surgical sterilization vs. machines that use chemicals.
• Restorations and materials that don't increase hormone levels.
• Nontoxic disinfectants.
• Mercury-free office so no silver fillings are placed.
• Safe protocol set-up for mercury filling removal.

Dr. Patel uses organic cotton towels in her office

We use nontoxic disinfectants, so there are no glutaraldehyde components. Our amalgam sequestration filter separates mercury during removal, which is safely removed yearly. We also prioritize and discuss silver mercury filling replacements. Our in-house CEREC® machine allows us to replace crowns, lessening discomfort and reducing the need for additional visits.

Office design and administration

Integrating green building practices into office design or renovations is key. Focusing on the office is an important aspect of health for our clients, employees, and the environment.

But more than just sustainable building practices, we wanted a clean, esthetic design with a warm feeling, rather than the standard, sterile, medical office feel. Our interior design approach is to make people feel relaxed and at home.

The front office

The reception area

Green Dentistry offices are U.S. Green Building Council LEED Silver Certified. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the USGBC's certification program that "promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health" including:

• Sustainable site development
• Water savings
• Energy efficiency
• Materials selection
• Indoor environmental quality

Reclaimed vinyl flooring

Our offices were designed to meet LEED Silver standards — no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) wood, so there's no off-gassing. The air is HEPA-filtered, eliminating the stale, medical aroma. We use distilled water for all of our cleaning.

All administrative work for our office is managed and stored electronically, which means nearly zero paperwork.

One of the treatment rooms

'Natural capitalism' and the green business network

Green dentists leverage the green business network and integrate other green businesses into their practices.

Organizations such as the Green Chamber of Commerce, Green America, Eco Dentistry Association, or other certifying organizations connect green businesses and organizations to create an effective green corporate network structure. Services such as Dharma Merchants, New Resources Bank, The Green Office, and others allow you to support other businesses with sustainable bottom lines and attract like-minded clients in the process.

While we focus on a holistic or sustainable approach, we function as a solid, efficient, growing business. Despite the current economic situation, our practice is growing steadily.

View from the dentist chair

Go Greener

"Be the change you wish to see in the world," Gandhi said. Innovative dentists can show their communities and the planet the profession is meeting the challenges of today for a cleaner tomorrow. Incorporating sustainability into your own practice can be done incrementally or in one fell swoop. As we make more of a collective effort to embrace green practices, the impact will be the equivalent of one planetary tooth cleaning.

That's something to smile about.

Dr. Namrata Patel's Green Dentistry practice is based in San Francisco, Calif. She's also "chief dental officer" for ToothHugger.com, where she blogs about green oral health care. Her work combines conservation and dentistry using nontoxic products, waste reduction, minimally invasive dental practices, LEED-certified office setting, and electronic billing and administration. Dr. Nammy conducts research and development to set standards in Green Dentistry and serves as an Enviro-mentor for the San Francisco Environment Agency to help small businesses go green. She graduated with honors from University of Southern California School of Dentistry. You may contact her at info@sfgreendentist.com.

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