The Idaho State Dental Association (ISDA) exists to provide information to improve the dental health of the public, to promote the art and science of dentistry, and to represent the interests of its members in all matters.

Members of the ISDA are aware of state water quality concerns. Dentists want to be good citizens and do what is necessary to prevent toxic waste from entering the effluent. The ISDA developed Best Management Practices (BMPs) in cooperation with national and local water quality managers to make certain dentists are doing their part in this vital area.

The ISDA took the lead in developing BMPs to help dental facilities minimize their environmental impact. ISDA worked with wastewater treatment programs to develop BMPs aimed at protecting water quality, while still providing a high standard of patient care. The BMPs include:

	Managing amalgam wastes including low-cost solutions such as dedicating specific chairs to amalgam placement to reduce the number of amalgam traps that must be managed.
	Identifying, disposing of or recycling various dental wastes.
	Labeling waste and chemical containers, and storage and waste management practices that reduce environmental liability and prevent cross-contamination.

Dr. John D. Blaisdell, a Caldwell dentist, has adopted many of the BMPs and champions them statewide. Dr. Blaisdell

	Uses a silver recovery unit that separates silver from spent fixer waste used in the x-ray process. The silver is sent for recycling.
	Uses a closed loop system that recycles and reuses developer on-site, reducing the generation of hazardous waste and the volume of chemicals purchased.
	Participates in a mail-order lead-foil recycling program to divert this waste from the landfill and promote recycling.
	Collects and recycles solid waste traps from central suction units with a U.S. EPA registered waste treatment company, diverting this waste from the landfill.

In addition, Dr. Blaisdell serves as a resource to ISDA members, answering questions about the BMPs and sharing his own experiences.

For more information, contact the Idaho State Dental Association at (208) 343-7543.

Information on this Web page represents examples of projects undertaken by the organizations only and does not constitute Departmental certification or approval of compliance at this or any other time with federal, state and/or local regulations, but is solely presented as an example of projects undertaken by organizations in order to prevent pollution and/or conserve resources.