We take pride in our collaboration with the Rebuilding Smiles program, an initiative by the Australian Dental Association Dental Health Foundation that provides vital treatment for individuals impacted by domestic and/or family violence. Our commitment includes offering Pro-Bono treatment to referred patients through this program. For further insights into this impactful initiative, please visit https://www.adadhf.org.au/
Another initiative we are proud to be a part of is Adopt a Patient, a program by the Australian Dental Association Dental Health Foundation that pairs volunteer dentists with individuals requiring a course of dental care. This involves adopting a patient throughout the entire treatment process. The connection between patients and practices is established through a referral system facilitated by various charities.
Read about our impact in the ADADHF Quarterly Impact newsletter in April 2024 here.
We make a conscious effort to minimize paper usage in our processes. This begins with our New Patient Forms, completed digitally on iPads or your own device before your appointment. Additionally, we opt for email communication for all correspondence, including account statements, to reduce reliance on paper.
The extraction and breakdown of amalgam, once removed from the mouth, pose environmental concerns as they introduce harmful substances into our waterways. In collaboration with Ecocycle, we have implemented amalgam separators to effectively filter out this material. Ecocycle ensures its safe disposal, addressing environmental sustainability in our practice. Please head to Ecocyle to learn about how this great initiative!
The City of Dandenong Council currently has several drop-off points for Soft Plastic Recycling. In our effort to reduce our plastic waste, we actively collect and recycle all our soft plastic (eg. dental product wrappings etc).
You can read more about soft plastic recycling here: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/soft-plastics
Did you know that you cannot place shredded paper in your regular recycle bin? At our Clinic, we take extra care with sensitive papers that we receive by shredding them and responsibly disposing of the shreds at the Council tip. We are committed to making every effort to be environmentally friendly because we believe that every small action contributes to a more sustainable future.
We are dedicated to promoting sustainability, and as part of our commitment, we actively recycle all recyclable materials, including items such as boxes, paper, and clean sterilsing bags. By incorporating responsible waste management practices, we aim to contribute to a greener and more environmentally conscious approach in our operations.
We’ve teamed up with TerraCycle to provide our patients with the Colgate Oral Care Free Recycling Program. Dental at Keys is dedicated to providing a public drop-off point for your old toothbrushes (except our eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes!), floss containers, toothpaste tubes & caps and Electric toothbrush heads.
At Dental at Keys, we take pride in leading the way toward a greener, more sustainable future. As part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, we’ve adopted an all-electric approach and significantly reduced our reliance on traditional energy sources.
Keysborough South Shopping Centre has a large solar array located above the Woolworths section of the centre. This solar upgrade is a major step forward in our ongoing measures to reduce our environmental footprint.
Our commitment to energy efficiency extends beyond electric power. Dental at Keys has invested in a range of eco-friendly solutions, from LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances to reverse cycle heating and cooling. Our upgrades also include window tinting, as well as improved wall insulation that surpasses minimum requirements.
But our efforts don’t stop there. We’ve incorporated nature into our practice by strategically placing indoor plants. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these plants act as nature’s own air purifiers, contributing to a healthier environment for our patients and staff.
Join us at Dental at Keys in making a positive impact on the environment while receiving exceptional dental care.
Like most healthcare environments, dental practices do generate a significant amount of waste. This is primarily due to the need for strict infection control protocols, which often require single-use, disposable items that cannot be sterilised. Patient safety will always come first — but wherever possible, we make conscious choices to reduce our environmental footprint. We use re-sterilisable instruments where appropriate and recycle waste thoughtfully. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and are committed to making any meaningful changes that contribute to a more sustainable future.
We are proud to be part of several pro-bono dental programs that provide care to those in our community who need it most. These programs are run by trusted organisations and supported by like-minded dental practices such as ours. If you or someone you know may benefit, we recommend contacting the individual programs directly to check eligibility and enrolment criteria. We believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care, and we are honoured to play a part in supporting these wonderful initiatives.
You’re not alone, and we completely understand. We want to make sure that everyone feels welcome and supported, regardless of their comfort with technology. If digital forms or email communication aren’t for you, we’re more than happy to provide printed paperwork, talk things through in person, or help fill out any information with you. Your comfort and peace of mind matter to us, and we’ll always meet you where you are — no pressure, no judgment.
