1. Run Green Practices: Dentists globally could ensure they're running environmentally friendly practices. This applies both to their dentistry work and their office operations.
2. Reduce Energy Consumption: Dentists could implement energy-saving practices in their clinics. Replacing conventional bulbs with energy-efficient ones, using energy-saving appliances, and installing solar panels where applicable.
3. Use Environmentally-friendly Products: Using bio-degradable or recyclable products where possible, rather than single-use plastics.
4. Green Suppliers: Supporting eco-friendly suppliers by buying dental supplies that are sustainably made or using renewable energy during their production.
5. Reduce Waste: Implementing efficient waste management systems. This includes reducing, reusing and recycling waste wherever possible.
6. Water Conservation: Implementing water-saving techniques in the clinic, such as using high efficiency dental water units.
7. Educate Patients: Providing information to patients about the environmental impacts of dental practices and what they can do to help.
8. Tree Planting: Organizing tree planting events locally and internationally to offset carbon emissions.
9. Advocacy: Using influence and professional platforms to advocate for greener practices in dentistry and healthcare.
10. Research into Climate-friendly Dentistry: Encouraging research into more sustainable materials and practices in dentistry.
11. Transportation: Encouraging patients and staff to use public transport, cycle or walk to the clinic to reduce carbon footprints.
12. Green Building: Building or remodeling clinics in an environmentally sustainable manner.
13. Tele-Dentistry: Making use of tele-dentistry to reduce emissions from transportation where physical meeting is not necessary.
14. Carbon Offsetting: Investing in carbon offset programs for any unavoidable carbon emissions.
15. Conferences: Organizing and participating in international conferences to discuss and implement climate change actions in dentistry.
16. Partnerships: Creating partnerships with governments and NGOs to create stricter environmental protocols in dentistry.
17. Green Dentistry Certification: Advocating for an internationally recognized certification system for eco-friendly dental practices.
18. Green Innovation: Investing in and promoting new technologies and innovations that make dentistry more environmentally friendly.
19. Lobbying: Petitioning local, national, and international governments to pass regulations that promote sustainability in the dental industry.
20. Fundraising: Organizing fundraisers for environmental charities or initiatives.
21. Dental School Curricula: Fighting for the inclusion of sustainability and climate issues in dental school curricula.
22. Paperless Practices: Implementing digital systems to reduce paper waste.
23. Sustainable Procurement: Ensuring all procurement practices align with international environmental standards and practices.
24. Awareness Campaigns: Running public awareness campaigns about the role of dentistry in combatting climate change.
25. Employee Training: Regular environment-focused training and workshops for all staff members.
26. Green Cleaning: Using eco-friendly cleaning products and methods.
27. Donations: Donating to climate-focused organizations or projects.
28. Collaborative Research: Collaborating with other industries and professions on climate change research.
29. Peer Influence: Encouraging other peers in dentistry worldwide to introduce environmental policies in their practices.
30. Sustainable Office Supplies: Purchasing recycled or sustainable office supplies to reduce carbon footprint.
31. Environmentally-friendly Disposables: Using environmentally-friendly disposables in clinics when necessary.
32. Recycle Amalgam: Implement and promote the recycling of amalgam to reduce mercury emissions.
33. Eco-Friendly Packaging: Promoting and using dental care products with minimal and eco-friendly packaging.
34. Digital X-Rays: Using digital X-Rays which produce less radiation and don't need chemicals for processing.
35. Composting: Promoting composting for office food waste.
36. Non-toxic Sterilization: Seeking non-toxic methods of sterilization to replace harsh chemicals.
37. Use Local Anesthesia: Using local anesthesia to reduce air pollution from nitrous oxide gas.
38. Public Transport for Staff: Implementing a policy where possible for staff to take public transportation, bike or walk to work.
39. Sustainable Event Hosting: When hosting events or conferences, ensure they are sustainable, from catering to waste management and venue choices.
40. Community Engagement: Engage with the local community to share and promote sustainable practices.
41. Dentists for Climate Clinic: Create a model practice that operates under strictly sustainable methods to set an example for others.
42. Second Hand Furniture: Use second-hand furniture in offices to reduce carbon footprint.
43. Eco-conscious Investments: Make investments with companies that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
44. Eco-friendly Landscaping: If applicable, opt for eco-friendly landscaping around your clinic to promote local biodiversity.
45. Natural Light: Design clinics to take advantage of natural light to cut down on electricity use.
46. Renewable Energy: A more ambitious step would be to power clinics with renewable energy sources like solar or wind.
47. Active Transport: Advocating for active transport by providing bike racks and other facilities for patients and staff.
48. Legislation: Advocacy for stricter environmental policies to be enforced in the dental industry.
49. Mercury-Free Dentistry: Campaign for mercury-free dentistry globally.
50. Geothermal Energy: Explore the feasibility of geothermal energy in powering dental offices.
51. Remote Conferences: Advocate for remote conferences to reduce carbon footprint of traveling.
52. Electronic Bills & Invoices: Send electronic bills and receipts to cut down on paper.
53. Transcribe not Print: If notes have to be taken, type them out and store digitally.
54. Motion-Sensor Lights: Install motion-sensor lights to conserve energy.
55. Patient Reminders: Remind patients to turn off their cars if they are idling in the parking lot.
56. Coffee & Tea: Only provide organic, fair trade coffee and tea in the clinic.
57. Feature Green Dentistry: Showcase eco-friendly dental practices on your business's website and social media.
58. Green Rewards Program: Implement a rewards program for patients who utilize sustainable practices (e.g., bringing a reusable mug).
59. Sponsor Bike Shares: Sponsor bike shares in cities where you have a presence.
60. Share Practices: Share sustainable practices with other international dental associations.
61. Climate Neutral Certified: Working to become a Climate Neutral Certified business.
62. Bioplastics: Research and advocate for the usage of bioplastics in dentistry.
63. Energy Usage Display: Display your energy consumption publicly as a way to hold your clinic accountable.
64. Lobby Dental Schools: Lobby dental schools to teach the need for sustainability in their syllabus.
65. Fluorescent Bulbs: Use long-lasting fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones.
66. Unplug Chargers: Unplug chargers when not in use.
67. Eco-Referrals: For referrals, only refer patients to other sustainable dentists.
68. Volunteer: Make a commitment to volunteer a certain amount of hours to environmental causes.
69. Use a Rain Barrel: Utilize a rain barrel to water plants.
70. Mulch: Mulch plant beds to conserve water.
71. Environment Rally: Participate and encourage participation in an environment rally.
72. Alignment with SDGs: Align your business operations with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
73. No Single-Use Plastics: Eliminate single use plastics in your office.
74. Carbon Metrics: Track the amount of carbon your office emits and finds ways to reduce it yearly.
75. Reuse Surplus Supplies: Donate or find ways to reuse surplus supplies.
76. Digitize Records: Keep digital patient records to cut down on paper use.
77. Donate E-Waste: Properly recycle or donate E-Waste.
78. Climate-Focused Internships: Offer internships or fellowships focused on improving the sustainability of your dental practices.
79. Cloth Towels: Use cloth towels, or other reusable alternatives to paper towels.
80. Quality Not Quantity: Focus on long-lasting, quality equipment that may be more expensive but will not need to be frequently replaced.
81. Eco-friendly Break Room: Only stock your break room with recyclable or biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils.
82. Reusable Patient Bibs: Switch to reusable cloth patient bibs.
83. Patient Transports: If feasible, provide patient transport using electric vehicles.
84. Canned Air: Do not use canned air as it's harmful to the environment.
85. Post-consumer Paper Products: If you have to use paper, use post-consumer paper products.
86. Energy Audits: Regularly conduct energy audits to identify areas where energy can be saved.
87. Encourage Feedback: Encourage feedback from staff and patients about how to become more eco-friendly.
88. Air Drying: Air dry instruments and other items whenever possible.
89. Design for Nature: Design clinics to fit in with the natural landscape rather than against it.
90. Water Dispenser: Install a water dispenser in the office to reduce plastic water bottle use.
91. Greener Appointments: Encourage patients to bundle their treatments into fewer appointments to save on transport emissions.
92. Sustainable Uniforms: Purchase uniforms made from sustainable materials.
93. Biocompatible Materials: Use biocompatible materials for dental procedures.
94. Email Marketing: Use email marketing instead of paper marketing.
95. Clean Energy Fund: Start a fund for clean energy projects in dentistry.
96. Plant a Garden: If space permits, plant a garden to offset some carbon emissions.
97. Composting Toilet: If possible, install a composting toilet in the office.
98. Motion-Activated Heating: Install motion-activated heating to save energy.
99. Potted Plants: Keep indoor plants to improve air quality and help absorb CO2.
100. Ongoing Training: Provide ongoing training for employees on sustainability and best green practices in the dental field.