For many of us, our heritage represents who we are and how we identify ourselves. We see importance in preserving inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture – as we should.
But, valuing heritage is so much more than that.
It includes preserving our environment, and helping our communities build a holistically sustainable lifestyle.
It starts with social responsibility. Let’s do better.
In this blog, we’ll take you through all the ways we maintain environmentally sustainable practices at our clinic. You’ll also learn about our involvement with organisations committed to preserving the environment and uplifting communities.
Reducing our Carbon Footprint, with Greenviu
“More than 5% of the global environmental impact is done by health”
~ Greenviu
Greenviu is a society of healthcare professionals and providers with a shared vision of reducing the carbon footprint of member clinics worldwide.
Our directors, Dr Mark Bowes and Dr Howard Gluckman, are both global ambassadors for Greenviu, and are actively involved in its projects.
The organisation offers suggestions on ways to improve daily procedures in an eco-friendly way without infringing on quality, hygiene and outcomes. Our association with Greenviu means that we are constantly working towards reducing and compensating for our clinc’s ecological impact, without compromising on the standard of our space or our services.
How we keep our clinic eco-friendly
We’ve implemented a few ways to ensure that our clinic is an environmentally-friendly space:
- Instead of plastic, we use washable, reusable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- A waterless suction unit allows us to use less water in our surgeries.
- Our water dispenser is accompanied by biodegradable paper cups and our water is bottled in reusable glass bottles
- We largely use 3D scanners to take impressions of the mouth, significantly reducing the use of plastic impression materials and impression trays.
- We’ve established a dedicated recycling centre in our clinic. Recyclable waste is gathered and collected by a specialist recycling company
We support organisations dedicated to making a difference
The Dental Wellness Trust
Founded in 2011 by leading London dentist, Dr Linda Greenwall, the Dental Wellness Trust charity has one simple mission – to improve the general health and well-being of young children through dental wellness, especially those most in need.
Dental decay is an alarmingly common childhood disease world-wide. Poor dental health can limit a child’s ability to eat, play, socialise and speak normally – and can have long term effects in later life.
Although founded in the UK, the organisation is also involved in many international projects, including in Cape Town. Both Dr Mark Bowes and senior oral hygienist Elna van der Ham are board members. They are active and passionate participants in these initiatives, focusing on dental education and improving the oral health of school children in deprived communities.
Humble Co & The Humble Smile Foundation
Our patients can purchase Humble Co.’s eco-friendly products from our clinic. The range includes bamboo toothbrushes, natural and charcoal-infused toothpaste and sustainable floss picks.
A percentage of the profits from these sales goes towards the Humble Smile Foundation. The foundation invests in projects and initiatives that educate and equip disadvantaged communities to enhance their oral health and overall well-being.
The organisation is supported by a global group of dental and development professionals, and Dr Mark Bowes is a global ambassador and passionate advocate for its cause.
Slow Dentistry
As a Slow Dentistry clinic, we commit to the four primary cornerstones during treatments:
Room Disinfection – We leave sufficient time between appointments to ensure that the room is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This way, we ensure the safety, health and well-being of our patients.
Informed Consent – Our clinicians take the time to fully explain the treatments, results, risks and costs involved. We believe in open, honest and clear communication between dentists and patients, ensuring a calm, secure and comfortable experience.
Proper Anesthesia – Every dental patient has the right to pain-free treatment. Because not all teeth reach a state of numbness at the same speed, it may take longer for anaesthesia to take its full effect on some patients than others. Furthermore, not everyone has the same pain threshold. Clinicians take great care in ensuring that the area(s) are properly numbed before beginning any procedure.
Rubber Dam – Our clinicians use a rubber dam to prevent the patient from swallowing any products or sharp instruments, and to avoid cross-contamination in the mouth.
It’s a latex or nitrate sheath used to completely isolate any tooth that will be undergoing treatments. The rubber dam setup requires time and skill, but it’s considered one of the most essential elements in safe, gold standard dentistry.
At our clinic, we are committed to the ongoing movement towards environmental and social development, and we are motivated by the positive impact it yields.
