Why Ocean Orthodontics in Torquay Is Going Green
As an orthodontist, my priority is always the health and wellbeing of my patients, however, over recent years I’ve become increasingly aware that healthcare providers also have a responsibility to look after something else, our environment. Dentistry and orthodontics traditionally rely on materials that create waste, particularly plastics and disposable items. While patient safety must always come first, there are still many areas where we can work more sustainably.
At Ocean Orthodontics in Torquay, Devon, we’ve been actively reviewing how we operate as a practice and looking for practical ways to reduce our environmental impact. Going green as an orthodontic practice is not about making one dramatic change. Instead, it’s about introducing a series of thoughtful improvements that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and encourage more environmentally responsible choices.
I’d like to share some of the steps we’ve already taken at Ocean Orthodontics and some of the initiatives we are exploring as part of our commitment to eco-friendly orthodontics in Torquay and Devon.
Moving Towards a Paperless Orthodontic Practice
One of the most effective ways we’ve reduced waste at our practice is by transitioning to a paperless system.
Digital patient records
All patient records at Ocean Orthodontics are now stored digitally. This includes:
- Medical history forms
- Treatment plans
- Patient notes
- GDPR documentation
- NHS orthodontic forms
Patients can complete forms on iPads in the clinic, which removes the need for printed paperwork and makes the process faster and easier. By moving to digital records we not only reduce paper waste but also improve efficiency and security when managing our patient information.
Digital communication with patients
Where possible, we now communicate with patients through:
- Email correspondence
- Text appointment reminders
- Digital confirmations and updates
This helps reduce printed letters and appointment cards while making communication more convenient for patients across Torquay and the wider Devon area.
Reducing Plastic Waste in Our Orthodontic Clinic
Orthodontic practices rely on strict hygiene protocols, which often involve disposable materials. However, we have looked carefully at where we can safely reduce plastic use.
Replacing disposable items with reusable alternatives
We have introduced reusable sterilised equipment in areas where it is clinically safe to do so.
For example, we now use:
- Metal 3-in-1 tips instead of disposable plastic tips
- Reusable metal rinsing cups rather than plastic cups
These items are thoroughly sterilised in our autoclave to maintain the highest standards of infection control while reducing unnecessary plastic waste.
Supporting Sustainable Oral Care at Home
Encouraging sustainability doesn’t stop when patients leave our clinic. We also want to help patients make greener oral care choices at home.
Bamboo toothbrushes
Our home care kits now include eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes, which are:
- Biodegradable
- Made from renewable materials
- A sustainable alternative to traditional plastic toothbrushes
Small changes like switching toothbrush materials can have a surprisingly large impact when adopted by many people.
Sustainable oral care brands
We also stock environmentally responsible products such as the Truth Brush, allowing patients to choose oral care products that align with their environmental values.
Providing these options helps patients across Torquay and Devon take small but meaningful steps towards more sustainable oral health routines.
Recycling and Responsible Waste Management
Waste reduction is another key part of running a more environmentally responsible orthodontic practice.
Recycling within the clinic
Throughout Ocean Orthodontics we have implemented recycling systems for:
- Paper and cardboard
- Packaging materials
- Non-clinical recyclable waste
Our team actively separates materials to ensure that recyclable items are processed correctly rather than being sent to landfill.
Improving waste awareness among our team
Sustainability works best when the whole team is involved and we regularly review our processes and encourage staff to identify opportunities where we can reduce waste or improve efficiency. By making these small improvements add up and help us continue developing a more sustainable orthodontic practice.
Future Plans for a Greener Orthodontic Practice
Sustainability is not a one-time project, it’s an ongoing commitment and we are continuing to explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact. Some of the initiatives we are currently researching include:
Eco-friendly cleaning products
We are reviewing organic and paraben-free cleaning products that maintain the high hygiene standards required in a dental environment while reducing the environmental impact of chemicals.
Dental instrument recycling programmes
We are also considering joining the Envirodent recycling programme, which allows dental practices to recycle old instruments responsibly. This programme helps reduce clinical waste while ensuring instruments are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.
Providing Sustainable Orthodontic Care in Torquay
Our goal is to provide exceptional orthodontic care while also being mindful f our environmental responsibilities. Whether patients are visiting us for adult orthodontic treatment, exploring options such as Invisalign treatment, or simply learning more about our practice on our About Us page, they can feel confident that we are continually working to reduce our environmental impact.
Small changes, from digital systems to reusable materials and sustainable oral care products, help us build a practice that supports both patient health and environmental responsibility.
As a team, we are proud to be creating a more environmentally conscious orthodontic clinic in Torquay serving patients across Devon. We will continue to review how we work and introduce improvements that make a positive difference for our patients and our planet. For more information on the measures Ocean Orthodontic Clinic in Torbay are taking to “go green” please give us a call on 01803 613311.