Kendal dental surgery achieves Green Small Business certification

Crossbank Dental Care director and principal implant dental surgeon Neil Cooper read 'Let My People Go Surfing' by Patagonia sustainable outdoor clothing founder Yvon Chouinard, while on holiday in 2005, and it inspired him to take a closer look at his own practice.
 
Since then, environmental initiatives at the clinic have included sustainable bulk purchasing, switching to non-damaging materials, reusable items, recyclable packing, and reducing waste, packaging, contamination, transportation and emissions. 

There is also a programme of continual upgrading which has seen significant reduction in the practice's carbon footprint through installing solar panels and an electric car-charging point.

Crossbank Dental Care in Kendal (Image: Crossbank Dental Care)
 
Technology has been a key factor, with high-tech intra-oral scanners reducing the use of disposables. 

The practice, using its close links with schools, encourages the use of recyclable toothbrushes and turning off the tap while brushing.

It also promotes preventative care to avoid more intensive, high-carbon dental treatments. 

A recent initiative involves collecting dental waste products from a nearby boarding school for specialist recycling.

The waiting room (Image: Crossbank Dental Care)
 
Co-director and practice manager, Bex Cooper, said: “We realise a healthy environment is vital not just for our business, but for the wellbeing of our staff, patients, community and, ultimately, our planet. 

"Green Small Business certification would not have been possible without the commitment of the entire Crossbank Dental Care team.
 
“We’ve set ourselves a high bar for environmental stewardship in the dental industry, even producing customised dental products on site, to save on travel emissions. 

"We invite our patients, suppliers, and community members to join us in making eco-friendly choices for a healthier, more sustainable future.”