   
Dr. Lee knows every small effort she makes to do more with less will add up. “The little bit that we can do is so big,” she said. “In the long run, it’s going to help us out in the big picture.”
To learn more about Divine Dental Smile, visit www.divinedentalsmile.com. A LONG LASTING, LOCAL SOLUTION In equipping her eco-friendly, six-operatory (four currently equipped) practice, Dr. Monica Lee needed the most environmentally friendly products and equipment on the market. With that in mind, her Patterson team directed her toward dental equipment manufacturer, A-dec. Located in Newberg, Oregon, A-dec has been manufacturing dental equipment for nearly four decades. Dr. Lee was impressed with A-dec's track record, plus she felt comfortable purchasing a product manufactured in Oregon, where there are strict policies to promote environmentally friendly business practices. And A-dec's proximity to her Reno, Nevada office – just under 600 miles – means reduced shipping waste and less environmental impact. In her operatories, Dr. Lee chose A-dec chairs, cabinetry, stools, consoles and lights. Though she went with an MCC sterilization center due to space constraints, Dr. Lee equipped it with A-dec's Lisa MB17 water steam sterilizer and Assistina 301 Plus. For vacuum maintenance, she went with one of A-dec's newest products, ICVTM, a vacuum-line cleaning system that integrates right into her cabinetry vacuum. This system quickly prepares treatment rooms for the next patient, uses fewer chemicals and preserves her vacuum system. Dr. Lee is happy with her decision to go with A-dec equipment. "A-dec is a 25-year product. The longer it lasts, the less I have to throw away," she said. "That's one less chair in the landfill." REDUCE YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT Lessen your new or existing office’s impact on the environment with these tips from Dr. Monica Lee: 1. Work with contractors willing to use recycled building products or materials that do not cause deforestation or increase greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Purchase long-lasting, durable equipment that reduces replacement needs. 3. Purchase furniture and equipment from companies that use green practices. 4. Go paperless with charts, billing, receipts, claims processing, patient contact and recalls. Offer your patients e-mail communication for statements and appointment reminders. 5. Use digital radiographs. They offer better diagnostics, reduce radiation exposure, increase staff efficiency and require no harmful chemicals. 6. Using instrument washers instead of ultrasonic cleaners and ICV versus conventional suction hose cleaning reduces the release of harmful chemicals and aerosols. 7. Reduce waste by eliminating as many supplies and disposables as possible. For example, once an instrument cassette is opened in an operatory, it can become the instrument-to-surface barrier instead of another barrier device. 8. Turn electrical devices off when they’re not in use. 9. Discuss with your team ways that your practice can do more for the environment. 
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