Sustainable Smiles

How LAT Dentistry Is Protecting the Planet, One Patient at a Time

At LAT Dentistry, we believe exceptional dental care shouldn't come at the cost of the environment. That’s why we’ve built our practice around sustainable, thoughtful choices that reduce waste, conserve resources, and support a healthier planet—without compromising the quality of care our patients receive.

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

💧 Water-Saving Dry Vacuum System

Traditional dental vacuum systems use hundreds of gallons of water a day. We’ve invested in a dry vacuum system that drastically reduces water usage while maintaining powerful suction during procedures. This choice alone conserves thousands of gallons of clean water each year.

🌱 Safe & Sustainable Disinfection with OPTIM 1

Rather than harsh chemical cleaners, we use OPTIM 1 hydrogen peroxide-based wipes. These medical-grade disinfectants are fast-acting, effective against pathogens, and break down into water and oxygen—safe for patients, staff, and the planet.

♻️ Waste Reduction with Multi-Use Items & Unpaper Towels

We’ve swapped many single-use items for multi-use alternatives wherever it's safe and practical. Our sterilization and hygiene protocols support reusables like Marley’s Monsters "unpaper" towels, helping us cut down drastically on landfill waste from paper products.

🧤 Eco-Friendly Bionitrile Gloves

Gloves are essential in any dental practice, but traditional nitrile gloves create long-lasting waste. Our bionitrile gloves offer a more sustainable solution without sacrificing strength or comfort. They're a small change with a big cumulative impact.

✏️ Recycled Office Supplies & Digital Paperwork

Even our administrative practices reflect our values. We use recycled pens and post-it notes, and we use almost entirely to digital forms, records and xrays to reduce paper consumption. Less printing means fewer trees cut down—and a smoother experience for our patients.

💉 Safe Materials Disposal with Amalgam Separator

We are proud to use an amalgam separator that prevents mercury and heavy metals from entering the water system. It’s a key step in protecting aquatic ecosystems and keeping toxic materials out of local waterways.

🔥 Only Steam Sterilization—No Cold Chemicals

Many dental offices still use cold sterilization solutions that can release volatile chemicals into the air and environment when disposed. We use only steam sterilization, which is chemical-free and safe for both our team and the environment.

🛍️ Supporting Local & Reducing Shipping Emissions

When possible, we purchase supplies from local vendors. This supports our local economy and cuts down on the carbon emissions associated with shipping and transport.

Why It Matters

Every sustainable switch we’ve made contributes to a healthier community and a more sustainable future. Our patients can feel confident knowing they’re supporting a practice that aligns with their values—and taking care of their health and the planet at the same time.

At LAT Dentistry, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s our commitment.

 

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Doing Good in the Roanoke Community in 2025