Green Dentists Provide “Toxic-Free Tranquility”

Nestled in a converted ranch house in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Andrew Marshall and Dr. Lynne Martz have transformed their cosmetic dentistry practice into a prime example of Green Health Care in action.

Dedicated to fostering health in their patients, community, staff and themselves, Drs. Marshall and Martz have long valued taking care of people and the environment. Dr. Martz explains, “Our inspiration comes from our commitment to improving how we live and how we treat our patients. We do this through teaching integrative wellness, which includes health care and the environment.”

Their office manager, Kathie Thompson, fully supported their interest in having a green office. She introduced the dentists to the Teleosis Institute’s new Green Health Care Program - it was a great fit.

Dr. Marshall explains that traditionally, “Dentistry has been associated with fear and pain. By incorporating a healthy building with state of the art technology, and educating our patients on the importance of proper dental care, we are changing the way that dental care is perceived and delivered.”

To actualize their vision of a more sustainable dentistry practice, Dr. Marshall and Dr. Martz decided to employ digital imaging rather than x-rays, which reduces radiation exposure to only 10-25% of conventional systems and eliminates chemicals from the image developing process. They completely eliminated the use of mercury and metal fillings in their practice, and will soon purchase an amalgam separator, which prevents mercury from ending up in the normal waste stream through a separation process. Finally, a waterless dental vacuum system was installed to help reduce their water consumption.

In addition to their more environmentally-friendly dentistry practices, their building also exemplifies a healthy physical environment. Before joining the Teleosis Institute, Drs. Marshall and Martz began Greening the Workplace, during which they reused much of the original wood and building materials, chose low VOC paints and removed all the old lead paint from the existing structure. Insulation was added to save on winter heating, and for most of the year, natural air flow creates a comfortable space. All of these choices were clear to Dr. Martz, who strongly believes that “changing a health care environment from ordinary to a place of toxic-free tranquility makes a huge difference in how patients receive treatment.”

By creating a green dental office, Drs. Marshall and Martz provide an environment that promotes good health in each of their patients. “Every patient is treated like a member of our growing family.” Kathie Thompson emphasizes: “We do it for our community.” In the process of being certified as a Green Business through the Bay Area Green Business Program, Drs. Marshall and Martz look forward to more patients and dentists recognizing this new model of health.

The Teleosis Green Health Care Program supports health professionals committed to sustainable medical practices. The growing network of Green Health Care Professionals represents a movement towards a health care system that values healthy people and a healthy environment. To learn more about how you can participate in the Green Health Care Program, contact Nina Fry at nina@teleosis.org

Andrew D. Marshall, DDS & Lynn D. Martz, DDS
2067 Ygnacio Valley Rd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 265-8077
www.marshalldds.com
Specialty: Dentists