Eco-Friendly Dentistry: Easy, Practical and Affordable Ways to Reduce Waste and Go Green in Your Dental Practice

In an era where sustainability is no longer optional, the dental industry is uniquely positioned to lead by example. From plastic-heavy disposables to energy-intensive equipment, traditional dental practices carry a significant environmental footprint—but it doesn’t have to be this way. As a practicing dentist deeply committed to both clinical excellence and environmental responsibility, I’ve discovered that going green in dentistry isn’t just possible—it’s practical, cost-effective, and impactful. In this post, I’ll share real strategies I’ve implemented to build a high-performing, eco-friendly dental practice—proving that sustainability and exceptional patient care can go hand in hand

The plastic use and waste in dentistry has bothered me since my first day in dental school. Raised by a mom who embraced the “recycle and reuse” lifestyle of the ’70s and composted long before it was trendy, minimizing waste has always felt natural to me.

In dental school wearing what felt like a Darth Vader costume for a dental exam, only to toss it all in the trash minutes later, never sat right with me. While I understood the necessity, I also knew that if a better way ever existed, I’d take it.

Fast forward 10 years to a time when environmental responsibility is no longer optional—dental professionals are now uniquely positioned to make real, positive change. From single-use plastics to energy-intensive equipment, traditional dentistry has a major ecological footprint. So when I opened my practice in 2021, I made values-driven choices to deliver care that’s high-quality, efficient, and environmentally responsible—a balance I knew was possible.

Thanks to innovation in our field, being an eco-conscious dentist is more achievable than ever—without compromising safety, performance, or patient outcomes.

Here’s what I’ve done to reduce my footprint in dentistry:

Reevaluating Materials and Supplies

The first step in creating a more sustainable practice is reevaluating the materials we use every day! Biodegradable suction tips, autoclavable stainless steel options vs single-use plastic, instrument cassettes vs sterilization pouches, and compostable patient bibs as well as reusable gowns are now widely available and perform just as well as their traditional counterparts. In restorative dentistry, composite resins and ceramics with lower environmental impact can be selected without compromising aesthetics or durability. Even impression materials now come in recyclable cartridges or refillable containers, reducing landfill waste.

Rethinking Packaging and Delivery

Many suppliers now offer bulk purchasing or refill programs to reduce excessive packaging. Using refillable glass spray bottles lined in a silicone sleeve, pod style disinfecting solution, and bamboo paper towels is a great alternative to the hundreds of Cavi wipes we all use daily. Opting for vendors committed to sustainable manufacturing and shipping practices ensures the impact of our supply chain is minimized as well. Method Procurement (www.methodusa.com) provides a user-friendly platform that assists with not only getting the best price on the market but also streamlining inventory management and ordering. Selecting digital impression systems over physical ones can also reduce the need for shipping plaster models and unnecessary disposables.

Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction

Simple upgrades—like LED operatory lights, programmable thermostats, motion detecting lighting, and water-saving devices—can reduce a clinic’s energy and water usage significantly. A win for the environment and your bottom line! Proper segregation of medical versus general waste can also prevent recyclable materials from being unnecessarily incinerated.

Modern Practice Management with integrated Patient Engagement

I recall being a new associate in a “green” office. While greener than most, we still used multiple sheets of paper to chart chairside, then manually transferred the information into the digital practice management system, printed a patient report on yet another piece of paper—only to shred it all afterward. It was inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to transfer errors.

Today, there are incredible practice management systems—and add-on integrations for less modern setups—that allow you to run your entire practice digitally, without using a single piece of paper. These tools make your workflow ultra-efficient, organized, and more sustainable.

In my own practice, I am known as the “post-it” police. My staff knows if I see a post-it they’ll get an endearing eye-roll and a “put it in an IRIS please” from me (IRIS is our internal digital messaging system). And when asked for a receipt, the front team politely responds “Do you mind if I email that to you?” with which we receive a “That’d be great!” 99% of the time. These modern systems can be expensive but the cost is quickly recouped through efficiency, reduced waste, and smart, sustainable practices.

Eco-Innovation Without Compromise

What’s most important to remember is this: sustainability and clinical excellence are not mutually exclusive. Today’s eco-conscious products are designed with both patient safety and environmental responsibility in mind. By prioritizing solutions that are both effective and earth-friendly, we not only improve oral health but also help protect the planet for future generations.

Leading by Example

As healthcare providers, we influence our teams, patients, and communities. Encouraging the use of eco-friendly home care items: bamboo toothbrush, recyclable electric toothbrushes, reusable flossers (we love the CoCo Reflosser) and my personal fave PEARL Scientific's new FDA-approved fluoride toothpaste tablets (toothpaste tubes are one of the biggest contributors to landfill! Check out my latest passion project PEARL. Tubeless Toothpaste linked below), as well as providing biodegradable goody bags, non-plastic toys/prizes and nutritional counseling that includes the benefits of eating real, whole foods vs single-package snacks and keeping a stainless steel water bottle nearby ALWAYS! we become a model for habits that benefit both our bodies and our planet. 

When patients see their dentist making thoughtful choices—from recommending friendly home care options to fully digital forms and charting—they’re often inspired to adopt sustainable habits in their own lives. In this way, dentistry can become a platform for broader environmental advocacy.

Eco-conscious dentistry is not just a trend—it’s a responsibility. With intentional choices and a commitment to innovation, we can reduce our footprint without sacrificing quality, safety, or care. Sustainability starts chairside. Let’s lead the way.

 

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See below for a list of my favorite eco-friendly dental products and suppliers:

Method Procurement: www.methodusa.com

Comprehensive PMS + Patient Engagement: www.carestack.com

Recyclable Electric Toothbrush: www.trysuri.com

CoCo Reflosser: https://cocolab.com/collections/kids/products/kids-reflosser

Tubeless toothpaste tablets w Fluoride: www.PearlToothpaste.com