Start with a full review to find areas that need improvement.

Waste Checks

• Measure amounts of dental waste (e.g., mercury-containing materials, lead foil, mold materials, single-use plastics like bibs and suction tips) [1][2]
• Track energy use in high-energy equipment like sterilizers, X-ray machines, and heating/cooling systems [3]
• Audit stock monthly to identify potential product expirations
• Combine orders to reduce shipping trips and pick vendors with carbon-neutral shipping

Talk to Staff and Patients

Ask staff about challenges in reducing disposable items or improving recycling
Study how patients travel to the clinic (e.g., offer rewards for carpooling or virtual visits)

Build clear rules and accountability for long-term progress.

Assign Responsibility

Form a Sustainability Team to lead eco-friendly efforts [4]
Include sustainability in staff training and performance reviews

Share Updates

Release regular reports on waste reduction, energy saved, and pollution cuts

Upgrade equipment and facilities to save resources.

Save Energy and Water

• Switch to energy-saving LED lights (uses 75% less energy and lasts longer) [5]
• Install motion-sensing light fixtures [6]
• Install a programmable thermostat to reduce HVAC costs [6]
• Plan office layouts that maximize light and ventilation [6]
• Install water-saving devices in sterilizers and suction systems [7]

Better Waste Handling

• Use amalgam separators to meet safety standards and prevent mercury pollution [2]
• Replace disposable sterilization bags with reusable containers
  Place labeled recycling/compost bins in exam rooms and waiting areas

Use grants and on-site projects to reduce fossil fuels.

Apply for Support

For more information, visit EPA’s Green Power Markets.

• Seek government grants or tax credits for solar panels [8]
• Switch to 100% renewable energy plans with local providers

Test On-Site Solutions

• Install solar-powered outdoor lights or electric car charging stations [9]

Adopt digital tools to cut waste and errors.

• Use tablets for check-ins, treatment plans, and digital health records
• Replace traditional X-rays with digital systems to avoid harmful chemicals
• Train staff on teledentistry and digital tools (e.g., intraoral scanners) [10]
• Send appointment reminders and bills electronically

Buy sustainable products and work with green suppliers.

View Henry Schein Practice Green Dental Products here. [11]

• Select biodegradable items (e.g., compostable cups, bamboo trays)
• Partner with suppliers who recycle PPE, packaging, or lead foil

Replace disposable items and teach proper recycling.

• Use cloth patient bibs, stainless-steel trays, and reusable drill bits
• Join programs to recycle toothpaste tubes and floss containers [12]

Reward green actions and engage the community.

• Offer prizes for biking, carpooling, or leading waste-reduction projects
• Host challenges like “Plastic-Free July” [13]
• Promote eco-events (e.g., fluoride tablet recycling) on social media and clinic screens

Upgrade systems and update emergency plans.

• Install solar backups for critical equipment (e.g., sterilizers, health records)
• Stock emergency supplies
• Update disaster plans for floods or power outages, including safe waste handling [14]
• View Henry Schein’s Preparedness Guide for Customers here

1. Amalgam Separators and Waste Best Management Practices
2. EPA Dental Effluent Guidelines
3. Energy Star Resources for Healthcare Buildings
4. Organizing for sustainability success: Where, and how, leaders can start
5. LEDs | Edmond, OK—Official Website
6. FDI Sustainability Dentistry
7. WaterSense at Work Section 3: Steam Sterilizers
8. Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®
9. The S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies
10. ADA Policy on Teledentistry
11. Henry Schein Dental Practice Green Web Page
12. Colgate® Oral Care Free Recycling Program
13. Plastic Free July
14. ADA Emergency planning and disaster recovery planning in the dental office

Start with a full review to find areas that need improvement.

Waste Checks

• Measure amounts of medical waste (e.g., used needles, expired medicines) and regular waste (e.g., IV bags, packaging)
• Track energy use in high-energy areas like imaging rooms, sterilization equipment, and heating/cooling systems [1]
• Audit stock monthly to identify potential product expirations
• Combine orders to reduce shipping trips

Talk to Staff and Patients

• Ask healthcare workers about challenges in using eco-friendly methods (e.g., reducing waste from anesthesia gases) [2]
• Study how patients travel to the clinic (e.g., offer rewards for carpooling or virtual visits)

Build accountability and clear policies to ensure progress.

Assign Responsibility

• Form a “Green Team” with leaders for waste reduction and energy saving [3]
• Include sustainability in staff training and performance reviews

Share Updates

• Release regular reports on waste reduction, energy saved, and pollution cuts

Upgrade systems to save resources and reduce harm to the environment.

• Switch to energy-saving LED lights in operating rooms and other areas
• Install motion-sensor lights in less-used spaces (e.g., break rooms, clinics after hours) [4]
• Use medical equipment with ENERGY STAR® ratings [1]
• Add water-saving faucets
• Follow World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to ban needle recapping and use safe sharps containers [5]
• Use reusable tools in endoscopy to reduce plastic waste
• Place clear recycling/compost bins next to trash cans in busy areas (e.g., cafeterias, exam rooms)
• Replace disposable dishes in break rooms with reusable ones

Use grants and on-site projects to reduce fossil fuel .

Apply for Support

• Seek government grants or tax credits for solar panels Visit DSIRE Incentive Database for solar funding [6]
• Switch to renewable energy plans with local providers

Test On-Site Solutions

• Install solar-powered outdoor lights or electric car charging stations [7]

Adopt digital tools to cut waste and errors.

• Use electronic health records and tablet check-in systems
• Train staff on digital prescriptions and telehealth tools to avoid printing [8]

Buy sustainable products and work with green suppliers.

• View Henry Schein Practice Green Medical Products here [9]
• Select reusable items (e.g., metal medical tools) or biodegradable options (e.g., bamboo tongue depressors)
• Partner with suppliers who recycle PPE or packaging
• Pick vendors with carbon-neutral shipping or electric trucks

Replace disposable items and teach proper recycling.

• Use washable patient gowns, cloth surgical drapes, and reusable containers
• Join programs to recycle non-hazardous PPE (e.g., masks) [10]
• Train staff to separate recyclables (e.g., clean plastic IV bags) from hazardous waste [11]

Reward green actions and engage the community.

• Offer prizes for carpooling, biking, or public transit use
• Host challenges like “Plastic-Free July” [12]
• Promote tree-planting events or e-waste drives on patient platforms
• Include eco-tips in discharge papers (e.g., safe medicine disposal)

Upgrade infrastructure and update emergency plans.

• Install backup solar power for critical equipment (e.g., vaccine fridges)
• Stock emergency supplies
• Update disaster plans for floods or wildfires, including safe waste handling
• View Henry Schein’s Preparedness Guide for Customers here

1. Energy Star Resources for Healthcare Buildings
2. Anesthesia and Its Environmental Impact Article
3. Organizing for sustainability success: Where, and how, leaders can start
4. DOE’s Lighting Controls Guide
5. WHO Injection Safety Guidelines
6. Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
7. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies
8. American Medical Association (AMA) Telehealth Guide
9. Henry Schein Medical Practice Green Web Page
10. MedPro Disposal’s PPE Program
11. WHO Training modules in health-care waste management
12. Plastic Free July