Practice Green

Embrace sustainability by focusing on achievable changes within your practice. Begin with simple steps like recycling training and conserving water, and let these small wins inspire bigger environmental initiatives.

Mark Topley

If you’re feeling unsure about your next steps towards sustainability, reach out to Mark Topley, ‘The CSR Coach.’ Mark specialises in helping dental businesses like yours enhance their sustainability practices.

What we’ve been doing at Henry Schein Leading by example

At Henry Schein Dental UK, we firmly believe that transparency is integral to fostering a sustainable future. Recognising the global environmental crisis, we are dedicated to sharing our journey openly, emphasising the importance of reducing our impact and promoting ethical practices throughout our supply chain.

As a testament to our commitment to going green, we have achieved ISO 14001 certification; so you know our actions support our words.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: At the heart of our sustainability efforts lies the mantra of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’.

This guiding principle shapes our actions as we strive to minimise waste, optimise resources, and contribute to a healthier planet. From implementing ‘paperless’ practices in our offices, to embracing eco-friendly lighting and motion sensors, every step is a deliberate move toward a greener tomorrow.

Team engagement: Sustainability is a collective effort, and we are actively engaging our entire team in this vital initiative.

Our internal sustainability group is driving innovation, examining processes, and ensuring that our team members are part of the sustainability conversation.

Actions speak louder

Here are some of the impactful steps we’ve already taken on our journey to sustainability:

Achieved ISO 14001 certification.

Joined the Business Ambition for 1.5 oC initiative.

Introduced a growing range of green products.

Implemented hybrid working, paperless offices, and energy-efficient lighting.

Installed electric car charging ports.

Emphasised recycling in offices, optimising cardboard and plastics disposal.

Utilised 30% recycled materials for stretch wrap in our warehouses.

Launched the Oral Health Professional Educators’ ‘Practice Green’ award in partnership with ADEE and EDSA.

Transitioned to FSC mix paper for our flyers.

Adopted oxo-biodegradable bags, saving 25,000 single-use bags annually!

Practice green and how it can help you

Ready to make your dental practice green but unsure where to begin?

Concerned about navigating medical standards during the transition?

Practice Green, an initiative by Henry Schein, is your gateway to an eco-friendly dental practice. Our mission? To support, educate, and enhance the sustainability efforts of dental professionals worldwide, helping you make a positive impact on the environment while maintaining top-notch patient care. Click here to visit our website.

Elevate sustainability efforts:

Practice Green empowers you to create an environmentally friendly practice, without compromising the quality of patient care.

Curated green solutions: Count on Henry Schein for a carefully selected range of products, resources, and services designed to make your practice greener.

Environmental leadership: As a global distributor, we lead the charge in encouraging eco-friendly practices, driving sustainability not just in your clinic but across the entire healthcare community.

For dental practices feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start their green journey I recommend three simple steps:

1) Move to eco-friendly procurement for the practice. This is a good way to get all your team onboard with your new ethos.

2) Promote preventive dentistry: an upstream approach focusing on preventing dental diseases can significantly reduce the need for recalls, travel and material use.

3) Sign up to a programme for a positive, structured approach to sustainability.

Remember: it doesn’t matter how small you start. What matters is that you start.

Davinder Raju, founder of Greener Dentistry UK

Green products for your practice

Step into a greener practice with our thoughtfully curated range of eco-friendly products that echo our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Our green products, including brushes, picks, floss, wipes, and aspirator tubes, embody the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Each item is certified green by manufacturers, and either prioritises recyclability, or is made from recycled materials.

Join us in making a positive change by considering the switch to these eco-friendly alternatives, and let’s together create a more sustainable path in the world of dentistry.

Biodegradable Paper Cups

• Green Leaf Design.

• Switch from plastic cups to paper ones for a quick win.

9796184 180ml x 1000

Hygoformic® Bio

• Mouldable saliva ejector with tongue holder

• Fossil-free, bio-based polyethylene made from renewable sugar canes.

1199745 x 100

1199743 x 1000

mikrozid® universal wipes green line

• Low-alcohol, sustainable wipes for the rapid disinfection of non-invasive medical devices and surfaces.

BIO Evacuator

• Disposable green bio evacuator, with S curve and vented side.

• Made from a fossil-free bio-based polyethylene (PE) derived from sugar cane: a completely renewable resource.

9796575 x 100

Bio-Tray

• Disposable tray made from PLA (a vegetableorigin polymer derived from cornstarch).

• Highly resistant and biodegradable.

1208594 Wipes x 114

H16-11Bio Adaptor

• Reduction adaptor, 16-11mm, that allows the use of the Hygo Tip XL Bio on 11mm HVE connections.

• Made of a mix of fossil-free, green, bio-based polyethylene, and autoclavable polypropylene.

1208006 Adaptor x 10

Hygotip

• For use in conjunction with Hygovac or Hygovent.

1203702 Aspirator Tubes

XL Bio x 10

re:new Interdental Brush

1209542 Transparent 28 × 18cm x 200

BioGREEN™ Biodegradable Micro-Applicators

• Made from a food production straw-byproduct, making them both biodegradable and compostable

1207129 Super-Fine Yellow x 100

1207128 Fine Blue x 100

1207127 Regular Green x 100

• Vegan floss: Plant-based with vegan wax coating.

• 100% recycled plastic handles.

• Sustainably sourced and packaged in 100% recycled cardboard.

1200978 0.50mm 30pk x 12

Bamboo Toothbrush

• Handle made of environmentally friendly bamboo wood.

• White filaments.

• Rounded edges on brush head.

• Filaments made from Medex S® Green Line filaments: sustainable filament and is made from up to 100% renewable raw materials.

9796822

Clinell® Biodegradable Surface Wipes

• Entirely plastic-free, ensuring they leave no harmful traces in the environment.

• Packaging is recycle-ready, reducing waste further.

1210388 Wipes x 60

Silk Dental Floss

White silk dental floss. Environmentally packed in cardboard box with stainless steel cutter. Floss produced by using natural silk. Mint flavour

9796823 Floss 25m

Hygovac Bio

• Produced from ethanol sugar cane and manufactured as a renewable raw material.

1191533 Standard White x 100

1191534 Standard Lime Green x 100

1191535 Short White x 100

1191536 Short Lime Green x 100

re:new Floss

• Eco-conscious sourcing.

• Recycled cardboard packaging.

• Plant-based flossa great alternative to unrecyclable nylon.

1200979 50m 6pk

Hygoformic® Bio Adaptor

• Traditional Hygoformic® soft adaptors made with environmentally friendly PE.

• Green PE is a bio-based polyethylene made from sugarcanes.

1199745 x 100

1199743 x 1000

Shaping sustainable dentistry

TePe is committed to building a long-term sustainable business and has made the pledge to reduce resource intensity, minimise environmental impact, and combat climate change.

Embracing innovation, TePe is replacing harmful plastics with more environmental materials, such as beech and plant-based plastics. The ‘TePe choice’ toothbrush takes it a step further, featuring a reusable wooden handle, a plant-based replaceable head, and castor oil bristles – cutting plastic waste by an impressive 80%. TePe’s range of eco-friendly products are perfect for patient home care routines. By incorporating these products, you will promote sustainability in-practice and in your patients homes.

TePe Interdental Brushes

• Interdental brushes with unique construction to ensure consistent quality, size and durability.

• Plastic coated wire avoids damage to teeth and dental works.

• Ergonomically designed handle for comfort.

• Travel cap included which can also be used to extend length of handle.

10 x 8 Pack

621607 Pink

621608 Orange

621609 Red

621610 Blue

621611 Yellow

621612 Green

621613 Purple

1069341 Grey

1111591 Black

1084709 X-Soft Red

1084710 X -Soft Purple

1084711 X-Soft Green

1084712 X-Soft Yellow

1084713 X-Soft Blue

Made from recycled water bottles

Bulk 25 Pack

1086549 Regular Pink

1086550 Regular Orange

1086551 Regular Red

1086552 Regular Blue

1086553 Regular Yellow

1086554 Regular Green

1086555 Regular Purple

1086556 Regular Grey

Mixed 8 Pack

1083259 Mixed Pack

TePe Recycled Dental Floss

• Expands for efficient, gentle plaque removal between teeth.

• A vegetable wax and avocado oil coating facilitates smooth sliding between teeth without dissolving.

• This PFAS-free floss is made from recycled water bottles, minimising environmental impact.

• The floss still has a high strength and is made from multiple threads.

1210372 Dental Floss 40m

TePe GOOD Toothbrush and Tongue Cleaner

• 96% bio-based plastic toothbrush with the same TePe quality, design and feeling as always.

• Use of renewable raw materials - sugar cane and castor oil - to recirculate up to 95% of the carbon dioxide emissions during its life cycle.

• Features a clever design with a tapered head and rounded bristles for great cleaning.

• Tongue cleaner helps prevent bad breath by removing bacteria in a few strokes.

1191119 Mini X-Soft (Children 0-3 Years)

1195367 Tongue Cleaner x 14

1191118 Regular Soft (Adults/Older Children)

1195366 Compact Soft x 14

TePe Angle

• Easy to use angled, interdental brush, developed for excellent access to all interdental spaces.

• The slender brush head is angled for easy reach e.g. between the posterior teeth and the palatal and lingual sites.

• The flat handle provides a natural, ergonomic grip, allowing steady and controlled movements.

• Available in six colour coded sizes to fit different interdental spaces.

• The sizes correspond with the original interdental brush sizes.

• All brushes have plastic coated wire

• The handle is made from environmentally friendly polypropylene

1119090 Pink 10 x 6pk

1119091 Orange 10 x 6pk

1119092 Red 10 x 6pk

1119093 Blue 10 x 6pk

1119094 Yellow 10 x 6pk

1119095 Green 10 x 6pk

1119096 Mixed 10 x 6pk

A sustainable leap forward

Embracing a future of sustainability, Dentisan is set to revolutionise its operations with a new, eco-friendly facility, that was constructed sustainably and has an EPC A rating. Open and fully operational, this new facility marks Dentisan’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation. With a bold aim to achieve global carbon neutrality by 2025, Dentisan is taking decisive steps towards a greener and more sustainable future. Dentisan’s products have undergone a transformation in packaging, including a reduction in direct packaging material coupled with the use of recyclable HDPE, along with postal packaging exclusively using recyclable card.

Instrument disinfection contains biodegradable surfactants

Dentisan 100

• Surface-active cleaner for dental instruments, trays and equipment.

• Preservative free.

1111630 1L

1111631 5L

Dentifoam

• Ready-to-use, water-based suspension foam.

• Uses natural humectant and biodegradable surfactants.

1112412 500ml

Hand cleaning pouch options all have reduced packaging

Replenish

• Emollient cream for protecting and conditioning skin.

• fully biodegradable formula.

1111645 500ml

1112955 Pouch 800ml x 6

DentiSure Hand Foam

• Non-alcohol, ready-to-use, post-wash skin disinfectant.

1184016 800ml x 6

1180535 1L Pump Dispenser

Dentiwash

• Hand and skin cleanser for use in medical and scientific environments.

• Fully biodegradable formula.

1111641 5L

1111642 500ml

1112954 Pouch 800ml x 6

Dentigel

• Ready-to-use post-wash skin disinfectant.

1111639 500ml

1112953 Pouch 800ml x 6

Automated disinfection a selection of products with green benefits

DentiBright™

• Ready-to-use foam spray for effective descaling of the stainless steel internal chamber surfaces of autoclaves, washer disinfectors and ultrasonic baths.

• Fully biodegradable formulation containing vegetable derived ingredients.

1181927 Bottle 500ml with Trigger Spray

Dentirinse

• An acidic rinse/neutraliser for use in washer disinfectors.

• Low foam, scale control.

Dentimatic

• Non-caustic.

• Suitable for hard or soft water.

• Surfactant free.

1111634 5L

• Uses biodegradable surfactants.

1111636 5L

• Low-foam detergent for use in washer disinfector units.

Infection Control fully biodegradable

DentiCream Conditioner for Upholstery

• Maintains and enhances the appearance of all types of dental upholstery including leather.

• Fully biodegradable formulation containing vegetable derived ingredients.

1181928 Bottle 500ml

10

Great ideas for going green

Embarking on the journey to go green in your dental practice may seem overwhelming at first, but fear not – we’re here to guide you with practical and impactful ideas.

Trying to go green can feel overwhelming at first. Beginning your eco-conscious transformation by starting small and gradually progressing towards more significant changes can help you beat the overwhelm, and pave the way for sustainable change both for your business and the planet.

1 Administration solutions

4 Energy efficiency

7 Digital impressions

Upgrade your practice with a digital intraoral scanner to replace traditional impression materials, significantly reducing material waste, streamlining your workflow and pleasing patients.

2 Paper reduction

Assess your paper consumption and consider ways to reduce or eliminate it altogether. Embrace the efficiency of digital alternatives for a streamlined and paperless workflow.

5 Staff incentives

Motivate your staff by offering cycle-to-work and carpooling incentives. Keep your team informed and engaged with your latest sustainable policies.

8 Supplier sustainability

Conduct research on your suppliers to evaluate their sustainability practices. If they’re not aligning with your green goals, explore suppliersalternative committed to sustainability.

3 Recycling initiatives

6 Water conservation

Implement water-saving measures such as lowflow faucets and toilets to reduce water usage. Invest in autoclaves with recirculation filters, and semi-wet or dry line suction pumps.

9 Green products

Opt for eco-friendly alternatives in your dental products. From bamboo toothbrushes to silk floss, there are sustainable options available. Check out our selection of green products.

Click here to visit our website and find out more on how we can help your practice become more environmentally sustainable.

10 Renewable energy

Invest in renewable energy sources such as solar panels to power your dental practice, reducing your carbon footprint and making long-term cost savings on energy bills!