Sustainability matters to us, but so does being honest about what it can realistically look like in a dental setting. Dentistry is, by necessity, a highly regulated and hygiene-driven field, and patient safety will always come first—even when that means relying on single-use or disposable materials. We would never compromise clinical standards in pursuit of sustainability, and we think transparency around that reality is important.

That being said, there are still many meaningful choices within our control. In our waiting area, we offer canned beverages—including canned water—to our patients so that everything can be easily recycled. In clinical settings, we prioritize more environmentally responsible products when appropriate, such as biodegradable gloves worn by Dr. Flores and our clinical staff. Behind the scenes, we recycle all incoming cardboard and partner with a sustainability-minded medical waste company that works to divert as much material from landfills as possible. And even the small details, like the materials used in our patient “goodie bags,” are chosen with intention. For us, sustainability isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being honest, deliberate, and continually looking for ways to do better.