Our Capitol Hill Office

Green as the Emerald City
(well, almost!)

We at Keith B. Wong, DDS, MS have great respect for the living and built environment. We believe in the conservation of natural resources and the thoughtful use of those resources in the activities and creativity of human life. This belief inspires us to preserve and protect that which has been created, by nature and by humanity. This includes, but is not limited to, the health of our patients, the quality of the air and seas, and the beauty of the natural world, inclusive of all life. Accordingly, we seek ways to reduce our footprint on this earth and to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our patients and of ourselves. Below, you will find a description of our modest attempts to this end. But most importantly, we invite our patients to contribute to our efforts by offering suggestions: we maintain an attitude and of growth and improvement and rely on the input of others to make it a reality!

Conservation of Health

Our panoramic and cephalometric x-ray machine by Sirona provides state of the art, low-dose 2D digital radiography. Dr. Wong utilizes 3D cone beam radiography, with a higher radiation dose, only in cases that require such imaging, rather than as the routine imaging method. Digital radiography eliminates chemical processing, employee chemical exposure, associated shipping of supplies, and facilitates a paperless office.

Our intraoral photographic scanner eliminates dental impressions, the materials and water required, and laboratory processing; not to mention the discomfort experienced by many patients undergoing the traditional impression process.

All surfaces and finishes utilized in the design of our office, including furniture, upholstery, flooring, paint, and cabinetry are zero or low-emission products with high recycled content and LEED status. Just one example is ISO-Step, a flooring underlayment produced from recycled tires that reduces noise pollution for our neighbors downstairs.

Conservation of Water

Gallons are saved through the incorporation of waterless suction, metered faucets (at tooth-brushing and hand-washing stations and restrooms), and the use of Energy Star Asko appliances with extremely low water consumption.

Conservation of Electricity

Luminart, a national lighting design firm, was consulted to ensure that the entire office exceeds the Washington State code for power conservation, incorporating LED and compact fluorescent lamps as well as day-lighting technology, while simultaneously providing the necessary illumination to perform all tasks.

Our Everlight LED operatory lights, seen at each patient chair, are a significant advancement in both energy conservation and color rendering over the standard halogen fixture.

The heating and cooling requirements of our office are provided by two high-efficiency HVAC rooftop units, further reducing our power consumption.

Conservation of Trees and Air Quality

While many products in a health care environment must, by law, remain disposable, we have incorporated as many recycled and compostable products as are available. Examples include 100% recycled and compostable paper towels and toothbrushes. In other cases, where appropriate, we have chosen to substitute non-disposables for the common throw-away item, such as china cups in our waiting area and staff room and, for rinsing, fountain bubblers at the tooth-brushing stations rather than the typical “Dixie” cup. In addition, we sort all refuse containers; dividing recyclable, compostable, and trash items before disposal.

Our Ortho2 operating system, combined with digital radiography and intraoral photographic scans, allows us to run a nearly paperless office. Where hundreds of sheets had been used each week in the creation of correspondence and patient charts there are now emails and computer files. Dr. Wong performs his after-hours diagnostics on the computer, viewing two and three dimensional images of the patient’s face and teeth, rather than x-ray films, photographic prints, and plaster study models. Such technological advances serve to conserve resources, including the resource of clean air. Advancements in orthodontic operating systems have greatly reduced the transportation associated with earlier processes. This, in addition to preservation of trees and electrical conservation, allows us to contribute to a clearer sky and a higher level of oxygen.

Do you have a suggestion for us?

Visit our contact page and let us know what you’re thinking!