Sheryl Baker and the staff at Pollard Dental have worked hard to obtain the EnviroStars certification for their office. Baker made it a top priority to have an amalgam separator installed and used to assure proper disposal of the amalgam waste. In addition, as part of the program requirements, she created and installed a spill kit for potential chemical spills in the office.

Pollard Dental has also shown a commitment to reducing use of toxic chemicals by using a steam autoclave instead of a chemical-based chemiclave to disinfect instruments. They also use only digital radiography avoiding the generation of fixer and developer wastes. They refuse samples from vendors containing chemicals unless unused portions can be returned. Unused expired pharmaceuticals are donated to dental mission organizations. Licensed hazardous waste disposal vendors properly manage the small amounts of hazardous waste that are generated in Pollard’s office.

As part of their 4-star certification, Baker created an innovative incentive program for employees who come up with ways to reduce wastes, find alternatives to using toxic chemicals, or participate in community waste clean up events. Points are earned for individual efforts. Accumulated points can then be redeemed for such things as time off work, dinner cooked by Dr. Pollard, or other prizes.