The Eco-Dentistry Association™ Urges Dentists to Make 2010 the Year to “Go Green, Save Green!”
Organization says green dental practices can boost bottom line by as much as $50,000 a year
BERKELEY, California (December 15, 2009) The Eco-Dentistry Association™ (EDA), an international association of dental professionals who use eco-friendly methods, urges all dental professionals to make 2010 the year they go green and save green! According to the organization, incorporating earth-friendly methods are not only good for the planet but they can boost the bottom line of a dental practice by as much as $50,000 a year.
The green movement in dentistry is gathering steam! Since its international launch in spring 2009, the EDA has enrolled hundreds of members in 42 states and 11 countries. In addition, many dental companies have recently introduced green dental innovations, including everything from LED operatory lights that use less energy to operate and provide outstanding tooth shade matching, to impression trays made of compostable material.
Going green helps dentists stand out from the crowd! Dental professionals can powerfully differentiate themselves by going green, making them a magnet for the millions of values-based consumers that seek service providers who share their environmental and wellness values.
A little goes a long way! Even little small changes likely switching from chemical sterilization processes to steam yield operating savings of $828 a year, while making the switch to digital imaging, including the initial costs of the equipment investment, yields more than $8700 in yearly supply and other savings.
Here are a few more examples of how going green boosts the bottom line:
| Switch to |
Annual Return |
Environmental Impact |
| Reusable cups instead of paper cups |
$178 |
Significant landfill diversion |
| Cloth operatory and sterilization methods instead of disposables |
$2,337 |
Significant landfill diversion |
| Energy-efficient lighting instead of incandescent lighting |
$601 |
CO2 reduction |
| Reusable metal instead of plastic suction tips |
$170 |
Significant landfill diversion |
The EDA offers dental professionals practical tips on reducing waste and pollution and conserving resources, like setting photocopiers to make double-sided copies, proper disposal of mercury-containing dental waste, and planet-friendly building and office methods, like using non-toxic paint and electronic patient communications.
It provides the public with information about digital x-ray systems which reduce radiation exposure by up to 90%, dental appliances free from the hormone-disrupting chemical, bisphenol-A, found in many plastics, and questions to ask their dentists about environmental stewardship. The Association’s web site also allows eco-conscious consumers to search for eco-friendly dental professionals in their area.
The EDA’s members are representative of the dental profession and include general and specialist dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, dental labs, and office managers. The group’s members hail from all over including unexpected places like Waxahachie, Texas, Beachwood, Ohio and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
The organization is the brainchild of Dr. Fred Pockrass, a dentist, and his entrepreneur wife, Ina Pockrass. Six years ago, the couple created the model for eco-friendly dentistry, and operates their own award winning dental practice in Berkeley, California, the first in the country to be certified as a green business. They formed the organization to stimulate a movement in the dental industry to employ environmentally-sound practices.
More information can be found at www.ecodentistry.org