In advance of his presentation at Dentistry Show London, Karl Walker-Finch explores how small, practical steps can transform the sustainability of a dental practice without compromising care or profitability.

Karl Walker-Finch BDS, MSc Dental Implantology (Distinction), is a general dentist with a special interest in implantology and digital dentistry. He co-owns Smiles in Tandem in Huddersfield, a climate-conscious practice recognised for reducing its carbon footprint and achieving Climate Leader status. A mentor, lecturer and published author, Karl is passionate about inspiring colleagues to combine excellent dentistry with sustainable practice.

When it comes to sustainability, Karl Walker-Finch is keen to move away from negative framing and towards a more positive, practical approach. His session at Dentistry Show London, The lean green tooth-fixing machine: a roadmap to sustainable dentistry, is designed to engage colleagues in meaningful change without making the challenge feel overwhelming.

“I wanted a title that would break the ice,” he explains. “Sustainability can be a serious and sometimes intimidating subject. My goal is to keep things welcoming and encouraging, showing that anyone can get started with small steps.”

For Karl, sustainability is not simply about reducing carbon emissions. It must also encompass financial viability, efficiency and team engagement. “A practice that is losing money in the pursuit of being green is not sustainable,” he stresses. “We have to balance environmental goals with running a successful business and keeping our teams motivated.”

Practical changes that work

Karl speaks from experience. Within a year, his practice reduced its carbon footprint by 35% while also saving money. “The biggest change we made was making sure waste went into the right bins,” he says. “So much ends up in clinical waste unnecessarily, which is not only expensive but also has the highest environmental impact.”

He cites examples such as using appropriately managed reusable containers in place of disposable pouches for sterilised instruments where suitable, as well as taking a careful approach to treatment scheduling.

Karl points out, “Travel accounts for 61% of a practice’s carbon footprint. By consolidating patient appointments, for example seeing the dentist and hygienist one after the other, and encouraging staff to walk or cycle where possible, we have reduced travel emissions and improved efficiency at the same time.”

Engaging the whole dental team has been essential. “This is not just the boss dictating change,” Karl explains. “It’s about empowering team members to suggest and lead initiatives.” Early on, the practice appointed one of their dental nurses, Emma, as their sustainability lead - or “eco-ninja” - a move Karl describes as pivotal to their progress.

“Emma has been instrumental in helping us measure our carbon footprint and encouraging the team to embrace our sustainability journey. In fact, without telling me, she entered us for the Kirklees Recycling Awards and we won! Celebrating those kinds of achievements together has been incredibly motivating. It’s given the whole practice a real sense of pride and momentum.”

Aligning sustainability with dentistry

One common concern among clinicians is that greener dentistry might compromise standards of care. Karl is quick to challenge this assumption. “Preventive dentistry is both the best clinical standard and the most sustainable form of care. If you are already practising high-quality, minimally invasive dentistry that lasts longer, you are automatically delivering more sustainable outcomes.”

He points out that the benefits extend beyond the practice itself. “Patients increasingly value practices that demonstrate an ethical commitment. We regularly hear from new patients that our ethos is the reason they chose us.” Operating in a competitive area, this focus on sustainability helps the practice stand out and gives patients a clear reason to choose them over others.

Looking to the future, Karl believes that sustainability is set to become a regulatory requirement as well as a patient expectation. “The CQC already considers sustainability in its inspection models, and the NHS has clear carbon reduction commitments. Dentistry will not be exempt. Practices can wait until they are forced to change or take the initiative now and reap the benefits.”

Taking the first steps

So where should teams start? Karl’s advice is simple: start small. “If you try to tackle everything at once, it becomes overwhelming. Begin with one tiny change each week, whether that is adding recycling bins, consolidating appointments, or using reusable containers. Over a year, that is 52 changes that add up to a huge impact.”

Measuring a baseline carbon footprint can help, but Karl insists it is not essential before making progress. “Tools like Denplan’s Green Dentistry Programme,* which includes a simple carbon footprint calculator, are excellent, but do not let measurement become a barrier. Just start making changes and build from there.”

Ultimately, Karl wants colleagues attending Dentistry Show London to leave his session with confidence. “I want people to know this does not cost more money, it saves money. It is simple, it brings the team together, and it makes practices more resilient. Becoming a carbon-neutral practice might sound like a big, audacious goal, but when you break it down, it is really just a series of small, achievable steps.”

Looking ahead to London

For Karl, the Dentistry Show is more than a speaking slot, it is an opportunity to connect. “There are so many great speakers and sessions this year,” he says. “What I am really looking forward to is the atmosphere, catching up with colleagues, meeting new people, and taking away fresh ideas to bring back to practice.”

If you are planning your visit, Karl’s session is one not to miss. Dentistry Show London promises to be a lively and inspiring two days, and Karl’s session will be a highlight.