Going green is a smart move for the environment and for your bottom line! If you feel daunted by the undertaking, start by implementing the easiest strategies first and as time and finances permit, commit your office to doing more.

Not only will your dental practice benefit from your environmental stewardship, but you will have the personal gratification of knowing you are doing your part to protect the planet for generations to come. Let’s take a quick look at some easy steps you can take to create a smarter, earth-friendly dental office design.

Materials & Furnishings

Use products and materials that are durable. A product that lasts longer usually requires less maintenance and saves energy.

Give preference to materials manufactured locally to offset the adverse impacts of transportation.

Lighting

Control direct sunlight through windows with screens or film.

Install LED exit signs that last 20 times longer than conventional signs.

Energy Use

Use high-performance windows, high levels of insulation, and tight construction to conserve energy.

Purchase renewable energy through your local utility company. As we all become increasingly concerned about the environment, the demand for sustainable products and services has grown exponentially. From organic produce to hybrid automobiles and green contractors-consumers are

demonstrating their commitment to lightening their ecological footprint with their checkbooks. This trend is beginning to surface in the dental office as well. Many patients are seeking to align themselves with practitioners who show a commitment to improving both their patients' health and the health of the environment. Businesses that have incorporated sustainable features cite numerous benefits, including:

Recognition by their patients and community as an environmental leader

Strengthened bottom line through operating efficiencies

Improved employee health and morale

Marketing edge over their competition

More opportunities to further increase productivity and reduce costs

Whether you are renovating, planning ground-up construction, or simply considering ways to be greener in your day to day operations, there are many approaches for creating an office that is more efficient and healthier for you, your staff, your patients and your community. Take a stroll with us through

the rooms that populate a typical dental practice and learn both the big and the small steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact and join the growing number of practitioners who are seeing green!

Front Office

Designate and clearly label recycling containers in accessible areas for both patients and staff to encourage resource, reuse and recycling.

Buy recycled/remanufactured toner and ink-jet cartridges for your office machines.

Rest Rooms

Purchase dual-flush toilets that save water by providing two flush options.

Encourage your team to walk or bicycle to work by providing a shower for staff use.

Operatories

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.

Supply Closet

Use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners that have limited environmental and health impacts.

Stock natural oral-care products for patients.

Laboratory/Sterilization Room

Install a good ventilation system to address chemical and airborne particulates.

Research laundering garments in-house to reduce fuel consumption and overhead costs.

Staff Lounge

Provide an Energy-Star-rated refrigerator and microwave or toaster oven to encourage employees to bring healthy food from home.

Install convenient, safe places for bike parking.

Mechanical Room

Select an oil-free compressor. Oil-lubricated compressors can add oil to the compressed air stream and compromise the quality of air for patients as well as having a damaging impact on handpieces.

Choose a dry, oil-free vacuum system for your practice. This newer technology uses no water compared to a traditional system that consumes approximately a gallon a minute.

HVAC System

Install programmable thermostats that automatically adjust temperature settings based on the time of day and day of the week.

Regularly change your HVAC filters and tune up your units.

Water Heater

Install an energy-efficient water heater. Consult with your project team or visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Web site for their Consumer Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (eere.energy.gov/consumer) to determine what type of water heater is most appropriate for your practice.

Insulate your existing water heater tank for energy savings. A tank that's warm to the touch needs additional insulation.

Outside Your Building

Consider a rainwater collection system to provide an alternate water source for garden irrigation while reducing runoff.

Ask your landscape maintenance team to compost clippings to reduce waste.