EDITORIAL

In the year 2009, the adoption of environmentally-sensitive business practices is everyone’s responsibility. As global research pushes forward to explore our atmosphere and our human impact on this green earth, it is every profession’s responsibility to do their part, however small, to preserve the world’s natural resources.

As providers of healthcare, we have an obligation to be responsible with chemicals and compounds which can harm our patients, our staff and our environment if used, or disposed of, incorrectly. Just as we protect our patients, our staff and ourselves, we must do the same for the communities in which we live.

To address this issue in the dental profession, the ADA has guidelines in place encouraging dentists to recycle silver, lead and amalgam waste generated during x-rays and dental restoration procedures. Dental offices are encouraged to ‘Get Greener’ to do the most for the “environment we all share”.

Dental x-ray film packets are packaged in lead foil to prevent the film from being exposed. We should be collecting this foil as well as lead aprons and collars no longer in use and recycling this as lead waste.

Amalgam capsules have decreased free mercury waste due to the sheer fact that the mercury is contained and mixed with other components to create an extremely stable alloy product. The ADA does recommend that we recycle used amalgam capsules, as well as disinfect and recycle extracted teeth that contain amalgam fillings. Particles collected in suction devices should be recycled as well. According to the ADA, 80% of amalgam waste is captured in “in-office” devices. The remaining 20% is captured at water treatment facilities to prevent its discharge into surface waters. Overall, dentistry attributes less then 1% of all mercury waste generated.

On an organizational level, many dental societies and associations are making efforts to “Go Green”. Workbooks and manuals are provided to meeting attendees in downloadable formats, as well as in the form of CD’s. At many meetings and lectures, paper handouts are being replaced by DVD’s with both audio and video available at the meeting’s conclusion.

The last ADA meeting boasts using 50% less paper than it has in the past. I guess that speaks for itself. After all, the best way to lead is by example.

For more info, visit www.ADA.org