Sustainable Transport Solutions for the Dental Industry

When you purchase a product online, whether for personal or professional purposes, it's easy to forget that it doesn't just magically appear on the doorstep. Every order is subject to a network of movement, packaging and processes after you click that button. The sheer volume of products used and the frequency of orders made each day by the dental industry contribute significantly to overall emissions. Transport alone makes up nearly 19% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions and around 64% of the carbon footprint associated with dental services. And that’s why we need to talk about more sustainable solutions.

At One Dental, we’re an Australian-owned supplier of dental products for both educational and clinical use, and we understand the extensive environmental impact of transportation. This includes delivery frequency, supplier logistics and daily staff travel. Improving transport efficiency not only reduces emissions but also saves time and lowers long-term costs.

Rethinking delivery and logistics

Transport and procurement account for a large share of a dental practice's environmental impact. Every stage of freight, including manufacturing, packaging, storage and delivery, adds to the overall footprint. Reducing activity in these areas can therefore create a meaningful improvement.

The ADA’s Sustainability How-To Guide for Dentistry explains that frequent small deliveries are far less efficient than consolidated shipments. Even changing from weekly to monthly orders can significantly reduce the environmental burden and operational costs of getting supplies to the clinic.

This is a simple and practical change that any professional practice can implement with minimal disruption. It just takes some planning and coordination with suppliers, supported by clear internal communication. Assigning one team member to manage stock or keeping a shared inventory system also helps everything run smoothly.

Choosing suppliers that prioritise sustainability

If you’re looking to save the environment and some costs by improving your transportation sustainability, start by collaborating with suppliers who share the same eco-values. Work with those who utilise local warehousing or efficient distribution routes to reduce long-distance shipments where possible.

You can also talk with suppliers about delivery frequency and logistics to help move towards more sustainable procurement practices. Ask what measures they take to streamline transport, minimise idle time or use other lower-emission methods. Transparency from suppliers makes it easier to make informed decisions about where and how you source products.

At a policy level, sustainability should also be built into the way each dental practice manages procurement. This might include setting expectations for freight efficiency, local sourcing and initiatives that reduce emissions. Embedding these principles into everyday operations will establish accountability and create a clear way to monitor progress across the supply chain.

Adopting smarter, low-emission transport options

Reducing transport emissions doesn’t always require monumental changes. Small steps, like adjusting delivery schedules, can have a sizeable impact. For clinics that rely on vehicles for deliveries, travel between sites, or staff transport to community programs, choosing electric or hybrid options can lower both fuel costs and ongoing emissions.

Installing an EV charger on-site is a visible way to show that sustainability is more than an idea. It supports the shift to low-emission vehicles, gives staff and visitors practical access, and reinforces a practice’s role as an industry leader in environmental responsibility.

Using flexible schedules and teledentistry where appropriate can reduce unnecessary travel for both staff and patients. Even small changes in how and when people move between locations can lower fuel use and emissions without disrupting patient care or clinical operations.

Consolidating laboratory and supplier transport

Frequent courier transport between clinics and labs can be a significant contributor to dental-related carbon emissions. As an industry, we can help reduce this by coordinating dispatch schedules so cases and materials are sent or collected in batches rather than individually. This approach is more environmentally responsible, while also improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Neighbouring practices or nearby clinics can often coordinate deliveries and lab couriers to cut down on unnecessary trips. It’s a simple way to make transport more efficient, especially in cities or dental schools that run several sites.

Including sustainability expectations in supplier and laboratory contracts makes it more than a good intention. It helps enforce accountability across the supply chain and ensures it's a shared responsibility. Setting clear standards around freight efficiency and emission reduction ensures everyone is working toward the same goals. Contracts can outline things like consolidated deliveries, low-emission transport, or transparency in how goods are moved.

Talk to the dental supply experts

Moving the dental industry forward with greener transport practices is something we can all take part in. It’s a simple, effective way to reduce emissions and operate more responsibly. With continued collaboration, these improvements can become standard across the profession.

At One Dental, we’re dedicated to helping clinics and educators adopt more sustainable ways of working. From improving transport efficiency to reducing waste, we focus on practical steps that have a lasting impact. If you have ideas or specific sustainability goals, our team is here to help put them into action. Contact us today.

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