As climate change increasingly impacts the environment, many industries, including dentistry, are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Dr. Jasper Lee, an Adelaide-based dentist, is at the forefront of efforts to make the dental profession more sustainable. His mission is to integrate eco-friendly practices into dental care to protect the environment, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to a zero-waste, low-carbon future.
A Passion for Sustainability
Dr. Lee, who was a software architect before retraining as a dentist, first developed an interest in sustainability after moving to Adelaide. The common use of home solar panels and garden composting among locals piqued his curiosity about energy usage and emissions. He soon began exploring the role of the dental profession in sustainable healthcare.
“It made me realise that individual people need to make a difference in their own sphere of influence,” says Dr. Lee, recalling his inspiration during the 2019 UN General Assembly when Greta Thunberg spoke. Determined to make an impact, Dr. Lee committed himself to promoting sustainable practices in dentistry.
Taking Action
Dr. Lee’s journey into sustainable dentistry began when he joined Parents for Climate, where he met Dr. Corinne Ang, a like-minded dentist. Together, they approached the Australian Dental Association (ADA) South Australia branch in 2020 to investigate how dentistry could reduce its environmental impact. The pair established a committee to explore sustainable practices, examining areas like energy usage, equipment, patient travel, and waste management.
In 2022, Dr. Lee contributed to creating the ADA’s Sustainability Guide, which covers a range of topics from energy and waste management to promoting biodiversity. He also helped educate ADA members on sustainable dentistry practices. Dr. Ang now leads the ADA’s sustainability efforts, while Dr. Lee focuses on expanding awareness of climate solutions through the organisation Asian Australians for Climate Solutions.
Financial Sense of Sustainability
One common misconception about sustainability in dentistry is that it will hurt the bottom line. However, Dr. Lee and Dr. Ang argue that going green can actually save money in the long run. For example, installing solar panels can provide significant financial benefits, as dental practices operate during peak solar generating hours. The initial costs are offset by long-term savings on energy bills.
Effective stock management is another key area where sustainability can improve both financial and operational outcomes. By bulk ordering consumables and reducing waste, dental practices can streamline their workflows and reduce unnecessary costs. Dr. Ang highlights how better stock management leads to less expired goods and less landfill waste, contributing to overall sustainability goals.
Balancing Sustainability with Sterilization Standards
One area where the dental profession still faces challenges is in balancing sustainability with the need for sterility in dental practices. Dr. Lee acknowledges that medical professions, including dentistry, have not yet set up specialized recycling systems for medical waste at the same scale as hospitals. Despite the progress still needed, small changes can have a big impact over time.
“Every little bit helps,” says Dr. Ang. Simple changes like becoming a paperless practice, using compostable rinse cups, and reducing unnecessary patient appointments can all contribute to a more sustainable practice.
Community and Financial Benefits
Adopting sustainable practices not only helps the environment but can also attract more clients. As community awareness of issues like microplastics, climate change, and energy usage grows, patients are more likely to seek out practices that align with their values. Dr. Lee points out that integrating sustainability into dental care can help practices stay ahead of the curve and improve their bottom line.
“The more practices embrace sustainability, the more it will become a norm,” Dr. Lee concludes. “Sustainability is not just good for the planet but also for the dental profession and the communities we serve.”
By committing to sustainable practices, Dr. Lee and his colleagues are leading the way toward a greener future for dentistry, demonstrating that even small changes can have a significant positive impact on the environment and business outcomes.
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