Marc Allen Orthodontics Receiver of the 2013 Leadership Award in Eco-Dentistry

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C., June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Marc Allen Orthodontics is one of the first 100 dental practices in the world to achieve the Eco-Dentistry Association's Gold Certification, by successfully completing the EDA's GreenDOC™ program.  Only dental offices meeting the association's highest standards of pollution prevention, waste reduction, water and energy conservation, and wellness-based practices qualify as EDA certified offices. Not only has Dr. Allen's practice received the Eco-Dentistry Association's Gold Certification, but has also been recently rewarded the 2013 Leadership Award in Eco-Dentistry.

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The EDA's GreenDOC™ program contains over 80 eco-friendly initiatives that dental offices can implement, covering the physical office space, dental processes and materials, and administrative and community outreach methods used by the office. For example, Dr. Allen's office uses digital imaging and digital patient charting, which reduces landfill waste and patient radiation exposure by as much as 90%, and has installed a special device capturing mercury-containing material before it enters local water supplies. Dr. Allen's office implemented a wide range of initiatives listed in the GreenDOC program and achieved 302 points, allowing it to earn Gold Certification.

"We know that our environmental problems are serious and that each of us needs to do what we can to be part of the solution," said Dr. Allen.  "As an EDA Certified practice, we are able to continue to provide our patients with the highest quality of dental care while incorporating the highest standards of planetary care."

Marc Allen Orthodontics was awarded the LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Certification in December 2012. This award signifies Dr. Allen and his staff's dedication to create a sustainable eco-friendly office by encouraging practices to save water and energy. Dr. Allen's Huntersville office is a state-of-the-art freestanding building that gives off a relaxed vibe, with the commitment to environmentally friendly construction and modern design. From recycled interiors to solar panels that generate energy fueling a large part of the business, to recycling rain using run-off gardens, Dr. Allen has incorporated as many eco-friendly designs and tools as possible.

"When we leave a room, the lights go out. When we remove our hands from the sink, the water turns off. When we dispose of stuff, we have many options for types of materials. When we built the building, we wanted the sun to give us the power to function in the dark with no power and to sell the excess sun. When we want the grass to grow, we reuse the water we collected from the sky. When we work with you, you can rest assured that all of our products and materials are the greenest available," stated Dr. Allen. "When you choose your orthodontist, we want you to be in the hands of someone who really cares about it all.  When we finish our treatments, we stand proud and confident knowing we did more than most to give you the best of the best."

"We applaud the efforts of Dr. Allen and his team, who are on the leading edge of dentistry's green future," remarked Dr. Fred Pockrass, a California dentist who co-founded the Eco-Dentistry Association.  "It is our vision that one day all dentistry will be practiced in the earth-friendly and patient-friendly way of Dr. Allen's practice."

More information can be found at www.ecodentistry.org

Media contact:

Dana Steven
704-875-7999
[email protected]

SOURCE Marc Allen Orthodontics