This week, our team took part in a Eco-Friendly dentistry course.
We wanted to share with you what we are already doing, and feedback that we received form our course provider.
1. Using Paper Cups
Firstly, here at Aloe Vera Dental Studio we switched over from plastic cups to paper cups years ago!
This was a really easy switch for us to make, and one that we made very early on to become more eco-friendly.
2. Biodegradable single use products
Following on to this, there are many single use products in dentistry. We try to make the most eco-friendly choice, and choose biodegradable where possible.
3. Use of Bamboo products
At the present time there are lots of eco-friendly products coming into the market. The rise in bamboo products, i.e Interdental brushes, toothbrushes and toothbrush heads.
Shop Bamboo products on Amazon:
4. Treatment trays that can be sterilized
Another key point, we also made the decision to use metal treatment trays that can be sterilized between patients very early on. This is an alternative to single use plastic trays.
5. Re-usable water bottles
All staff here at Aloe Vera Dental Studio are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles to work, to avoid single use plastic ones. The staff here, by all means are more than happy to be more eco-friendly.
What did we learn?
What is environmental impact?
Oral healthcare contributes CO2 emissions from a range of sources including:
- Travel by patients and staff when commuting
- Manufacturing, procurement and distribution of materials along the supply chain
- Waste generated and its management including single use plastics
What can we do?
Unfortunately our staff do not live locally, and are only able to travel by car. However our patients on the other hand, could combine visits with other members of their household.
As a result we have introduced an extra surgery so that patients can have their hygiene visits at the same time as their check-ups.
Furthermore we are now in discussions to offer video call with the dentist, to avoid unnecessary travel.
Our lovely hygienist Kayleigh shared a blog post before on how we can make our oral hygiene routine more eco-friendly; https://www.aloeveradental.co.uk/6-tips-to-make-your-oral-hygiene-routine-more-eco-friendly/
If you have any other tips/ideas to share on how to be more eco-friendly, please let us know on our social media!
