I recently graduated from dental school and started working as a dental assistant at a clinic run by an older dentist. With my fresh perspective and passion for sustainability, I was eager to introduce more eco-friendly practices into our daily operations. However, working with older generations has shown me just how ingrained wasteful habits can be. Here’s a glimpse into my journey of trying to greenify our clinic, and the challenges I’ve faced along the way.
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The Journey Begins: Introducing Sustainable Practices
Upon starting my new job, I noticed the clinic was stuck in its ways, using single-use plastics and other non-eco-friendly products without a second thought. Determined to make a change, I began introducing my colleagues to more sustainable alternatives. I talked about the benefits of shampoo bars over plastic bottles, how laundry detergent sheets can reduce plastic waste, the advantages of bamboo floss, and the efficacy of deodorant creams. I even suggested using Ecosia for our internet browsing, as they plant trees with their ad revenue. While some colleagues were receptive, the biggest hurdle was convincing my boss, the dentist.
The Dinosaur in Charge
Let’s call him Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith is your quintessential old-school dentist: set in his ways, skeptical of newfangled ideas, and completely oblivious to the environmental impact of his clinic. He’s been running the place for over 30 years, and his practices are a testament to that. From the mountains of disposable cups and plastic wrappers to the excessive use of paper for patient records, the waste was staggering.
Story Time: The Plastic Extravaganza
One day, I suggested we switch to reusable cups for patients to rinse their mouths. Dr. Smith looked at me like I’d just suggested we treat cavities with witchcraft. “Reusable cups? Do you know how much time that would take to clean?” he scoffed. I tried explaining that the environmental benefits far outweighed the inconvenience, but he wasn’t having it. “We’ve been doing just fine with disposables for decades,” he insisted. It was like talking to a brick wall.
A Battle of Generations
Convincing older generations to change their habits is no small feat. Dr. Smith’s resistance wasn’t just about convenience; it was about comfort and familiarity. He’d grown accustomed to the disposable lifestyle and saw no reason to change. This attitude wasn’t just frustrating; it was downright infuriating. How could someone be so blind to the damage they were causing?
Story Time: The Paper Mountain
Another time, I suggested digitizing our patient records to reduce paper waste. Dr. Smith nearly had a meltdown. “What if the system crashes? What if we get hacked?” he ranted. I pointed out that digital records are actually more secure and easier to manage, but he was having none of it. “I trust paper. It’s reliable,” he declared, as if paper had never been misplaced or damaged.
The Struggle Continues
Despite these setbacks, I kept pushing for change. I showed my colleagues how easy it was to use bamboo floss and how effective deodorant creams can be. Slowly but surely, some of them started to come around. They began to see the benefits of these small changes, not just for the environment but for our own well-being.
The Glimmer of Hope
One of the hygienists, Emily, became my ally in this green crusade. She started using shampoo bars and laundry detergent sheets at home and loved them. “These are amazing! Why didn’t I know about these sooner?” she exclaimed. Together, we formed a small but determined team, subtly integrating eco-friendly products into the clinic wherever we could.
Changing Minds, One Step at a Time
Our efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Patients began to appreciate the changes too. One patient, a mother with two young children, was thrilled to see we were using bamboo floss. “It’s so great to see a dental clinic that cares about the environment,” she said. These small victories kept me motivated.
The Turning Point
The real turning point came when Dr. Smith’s daughter, who had recently started dental school, visited the clinic. She was all about sustainability and immediately noticed our efforts. “Dad, you should listen to them,” she said. “This is the future.” For the first time, I saw Dr. Smith consider our suggestions seriously.
The Future is Green
With Dr. Smith slowly coming around, we’ve started to make more significant changes. We’ve reduced our paper usage by 50% by digitizing older records, switched to biodegradable dental bibs, and started a recycling program for plastic and paper waste. It’s been a long, uphill battle, but we’re making progress.
Introducing sustainable practices in an old-school dental clinic has been challenging, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. The resistance from older generations, embodied by Dr. Smith, highlights the broader struggle we face in making the world a greener place. But with persistence, education, and a bit of luck, change is possible.
As I continue my journey in the dental field, I remain committed to pushing for a more sustainable future. It’s not just about reducing waste; it’s about changing mindsets and showing that even small changes can make a big difference. And who knows? Maybe one day, Dr. Smith will proudly tell his patients about the eco-friendly changes we’ve made, and how we’re doing our part to protect the planet.
Until then, I’ll keep fighting the good fight, one bamboo floss at a time.
