Green Dentistry Makes San Francisco Smile
By Niyati Desai, MA

In the bustling Union Square shopping district you will find San Francisco’s first ecologically sustainable green dentistry practice. Dr. Namrata Patel, a graduate of Teleosis Institute's Leadership in Green Health Care program, created Green Dentistry in an effort to address resource consumption in the industry and restructure the way dentistry is currently practiced.

"Growing up in India, my family always strives to use less and make the most out of what we have. These core values naturally carried over into my professional life. I knew there was a "greener" way of practicing dentistry so I dedicated time and energy into discovering what that was.", Patel explains.

Over the last decade, the field of green dentistry has progressed far beyond elimination of mercury amalgams, although an essential component. In her new LEED certified practice, Dr. Patel, also known as Nammy, integrated premier technologies solidifying the emerging interest in sustainable medical practices.

Nammy made of point of demystifying common sentiments about her field, "Dentistry doesn't have to be a negative or painful experience. I wanted to integrate a sense of safety and security into my practice, where my clients feel comfortable and enjoy taking care of their health."

One thing is for certain, this is not your typical dental experience. Interested in all things green, I decided to visit Dr. Patel for my routine cleaning. Upon my arrival, I was sorrounded with a warm yet invigorating color scheme, noting the VOC-free paint and feng shui design. The bamboo flooring and reclaimed furniture makes me feel like I’ve walked into a friend’s trendy downtown apartment more than a sterile dentist office. Speaking with the friendly and knowledgeable receptionist, I learn the walls are insulated with recycled denim and both the cabinets, doors and flooring are free of PVC, a known and commonly used neurotoxin found in plastics. The natural light pouring in from large, open windows providing fresh air and top-of-the-line views of San Francisco’s shopping district.

During my wait, I peruse art and photography books rather than magazines. Shorty after my arrival, Dr. Patel politely greets me, "Welcome to Green Dentistry. Thanks for considering the environment today."

Dr. Patel guides me into a consultation room where she learns my dental history and explains her unique approach to dentistry. I feel at ease knowing her interest lies in protecting my overall health, and learning the relationships between oral hygiene and long-term wellness. The green building she designed is just the beginning of this sustainable practice. All materials used in her dental practice are reusable, from the bibs to the instruments, which are subject to steam-based, surgical-grade instrument sterilization, eliminating harmful chemicals and reducing water consumption.

Dr. Patel ensures my radiation exposure is cut by up to 90% through digital imaging technology instead of x-rays for tooth imaging. This solution protects the environment since there is no toxic x-ray development chemicals needed. Any evidence of tooth decay is detected much earlier through defined wavelength laser light technology the laser detects 50% more decay than conventional diagnostic methods.

Got a cavity? No problem. Dr. Patel utilizes a ceramic/porcelain restoration system, the hardness of which is so close to the natural tooth structure it to wears naturally with time, ensuring long-lasting oral health. This process also eliminates the need for capping, protecting the natural integrity of the tooth’s structure while minimizing necessary time and resources.

Dr. Patel works to make green dentistry affordable, offering insurance coverage and flexible payment plans to ensure patient satisfaction. Clients are treated to herbal shoulder wraps, warm cloth face towels, and iPods with noise cancellation headphones to relax during procedures.

Her commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop in her dental practice. She is an Enviro-mentor for the San Francisco Environment Agency to help small business become green. In addition she serves on the New Dentist Committee with the California Dental Association and is a guest member of the Scientific Sessions Board of Manager where she shares her strategies for green dentistry.

We’re proud to highlight Dr. Namrata Patel this month, a graduate of the 2006 Green Health Care Program and true ally in the Sustainable Medicine Movement.

Namrata Patel, DDS
Green Dentistry
360 Post St., #704
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-433-0119
www.sfgreendentist.com