How to Find an Environmental Dentist

If you are dedicated to going green, then you have more to look for in a dentist than the ability to quickly and painlessly repair a cavity. Some dental practices are focusing on becoming environmentally friendly to attract patients who are as concerned about the earth as they are about their fillings. You can find out how eco-friendly your dentist is by evaluating their office as well as their supplies.

Instructions

• 1

  Do your homework. Some environmental groups have online search features that help you locate environmentally friendly dentists in your area. These services can help your narrow down your short list of potential dentists.

• 2

  Investigate X-ray practices. Digital X-rays are much kinder to the environment than traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays give off between 70 and 90 percent less radiation and do not require lead foils or filter solution, which are toxic waste products.

• 3

  Ask for a bib. Are the bibs your dentist uses paper, plastic or cloth? According to the Eco-Dentistry Association, using cloth bibs stops a dental practice from throwing away 5,000 paper bibs and 5,000 plastic bibs per year.

• 4

  Put your dentist through the paces. Ask them what they have done to make their office kinder to the environment. Are they making use of as much natural light as possible? Have they changed to long life light bulbs? Is any of their furniture made of recycled material? What their plan for waste disposal and recycling? Your dentist should be able to describe the conscious decisions they are making to run an eco-friendly practice.