SP-34 The Eco-friendly Practice; Good for the Planet, Good for Business
CE Hours: 0.75
Description: As oral health providers our goal is to improve overall health and well-being of patients. However, in the process of providing care, dentistry leaves a large environmental impact in terms of waste and carbon footprint, and this negatively impacts the health of our patients as well as the planet. Embracing sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but makes strong business sense as well. For instance, adopting sustainable practices can result in cost savings and demonstrate a sense of social responsibility. Additionally, as more patients become environmentally conscious, dental practices that prioritize sustainability can benefit from a competitive advantage and an enhanced reputation.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify areas within the practice where sustainable practices can be implemented.
- Gain insight into how universities are engaging students, faculty, and staff in sustainability efforts related to oral health care.
- Recognize the benefits of sustainability, which extend beyond environmental impact, including cost savings, an enhanced reputation, and increased patient satisfaction.
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Yaara Y. Berdan, D.D.S.
Yaara Berdan is the Co-Chair of the Department of Endodontics and Periodontics and the Director of Predoctoral Endodontics at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. She graduated from the UCSF School of Dentistry and completed a residentcy in pediatric dentistry at Children's Hospital Boston. After two years of practice she began an endodontics residency at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. She was in private practice in Los Angeles and started volunteering one day a week at USC which turned into a full time position in 2014. In 2022 she received her MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business. She also recieved a certifciate in Business and Sustainability. She is a member of the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and is the Councilor for the Endodontics Section of ADEA. She is also a co-founder of the Sustainability in Dentistry ADEA Special Interest Group and is the faculty advisor for the Ostrow Sustainability Group.
Speaker Disclosure
I declare that I have no proprietary, financial, or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service, course, and/or company, or in any firm beneficially associated therewith, that will be discussed or considered during the proposed presentation.
Natalie Black, DDS
Natalie Black recently graduated from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC in 2023. She is currently residing in San Francisco, where she is pursuing advanced training in endodontics at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Black is a dynamic student leader and has been involved in sustainability efforts in higher education. She co-founded and was the president of the Ostrow Sustainability Group during her time at USC. Natalie was also selected to serve as a student representative on the USC Presidential Working Group on Sustainable Education, Research, and Operations.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Aga Chruszczyk, DDS
Dr Agnieszka (Aga) Chruszczyk is a board-certified endodontist with 23 years of clinical experience. She graduated from Medical University in Krakow, Poland in 1992. Upon arrival to the United States, she studied at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry in Chicago. She graduated from International Dentist Program (IDP) in 1997 and post graduate endodontic program in 2000. She had stayed at UIC for fourteen years as a part time clinical assistant professor in the department of Endodontics. She has been a full-time clinical endodontist in private practice in Chicago area. She’s a past president of local endodontic organization - Coolidge Club and Illinois Association of Endodontist.
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose