There’s no greater challenge at the moment than the environment, but our team of ten took a little time out to commit fully to the Jane Tomlinson Run for All 10k Challenge and won. It was fun to be able to support an event like this whilst increasing  fitness, and of course it’s nice to win. But our commitment to the environment, led by Galer, is even more passionate.

Cutting environmental burden.

It’s estimated Healthcare contributes approximately 4-5% of the UK’s carbon footprint, with primary dental care services having a carbon footprint of 675 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. At Sharrow Vale Dental Care we feel it’s incumbent on us to continue implementing changes to help make a real difference, without compromising clinical outcomes, patient experience or quality.

To date we have:

INSTALLED SOLAR PANELS.

We installed solar panels in August 2022, making full use of the energy the building itself can provide and becoming all but self-sufficient.

REDUCED WASTE.

Single use disposable instruments and PP equipment, have huge environmental implications. Plastics comprise 22.7% of the waste generated in the NHS, some 133,000 tonnes annually, with just a 5% recovery rate.

To counter this we make recycling easy for staff with four clearly labelled recycling bins in the decontamination area and carry out regular audits to ensure the right waste is going in the right bins. 

We:

  • Separate paper from plastic 
  • Recycle all packaging around PPE
  • Recycle all hard and soft plastics
  • Recycle all paper
  • Have gone paperless for clinical notes, patient information leaflets, consent forms and appointment cards.
  • Will only offer a rinse after treatment if you need it, saving on plastic cups.
  • Opted for re-useable gowns and hats during covid, rather than singe use.     

PROCURING MORE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

We always look to order products from suppliers engaged in green manufacturing and delivery.

REDUCING GREENHOUSE GASSES BY ACTIVE TRAVEL.

Travel is responsible for 64.5% of greenhouse gas emissions of NHS dental services in England. Wherever possible our committed staff cycle, run or walk to work.

It pays dividends not just for the planet but us as individuals too. Every year for the last ten years we’ve entered a team to compete in the Jane Tomlinson Run for All 10K. We came third in 2016 and won gold in 2022 in the Corporate Team 10K Challenge.

And, of course, Active Travel helps prevent obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease as well as improving mental health. If you can travel to your appointment via sustainable options such as cycling or walking, please consider it. We have secure cycle storage in our gated garden – just bring a lock.

EDUCATION.

As a responsible practice we try to increase awareness of our team and patients to the huge health effects of climate change.

PREVENTION

Prevention is always better than cure, for patients and the planet. Preventing decay and gum disease allows a reduction in recall appointments and repair materials. Patients with heavily filled teeth have a greater carbon footprint than those who have required no treatment. 

We follow the Delivering Better Oral Health Toolkit to help patients reduce the risk of dental disease, prescribing high fluoride toothpastes where appropriate. We can advise on diet and oral hygiene as these are important in reducing the risk of dental disease, and directly helps reducing your dental care carbon footprint. 

We are also happy to offer cessation advice relating to lifestyle habits such as alcohol and smoking.  

WE’RE DIGITAL.

Since COVID 19 we’ve had more virtual patient contacts, reducing travel, fuel and parking costs and care for dependants. This method is cost-effective and climate efficient.

Our top of the range intra-oral scanner for impression-taking reduces material usage and waste production, as well as C02 transport emissions to and from the laboratories.

THE FUTURE.

We are always looking at ways to improve our service and our carbon footprint and you can be assured we always will.

SHARROW VALE DENTAL CARE.

Caring for you. Caring for the environment.