As dental professionals, we understand that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and materials are essential to keeping our practices running smoothly and safely. However, rising costs and global supply chain challenges make it more important than ever to use these resources wisely. Still, addressing this with your team can be tricky—you don’t want to come across as penny-pinching, but you also need to ensure your practice stays sustainable.

The key is finding the balance between encouraging mindfulness and avoiding a “cheap” label. Here’s how you can communicate this effectively with your team.

1. Set the Stage: It’s About Efficiency, Not Cutting Corners

Start the conversation around efficiency and sustainability, not cost-cutting. Your team knows the value of safety and high-quality care, so make it clear that conserving materials isn’t about being frugal but about working smart.

Consider saying something like, “We all know how crucial PPE and materials are to our daily work. Lately, costs have been rising across the board. To ensure we continue to have what we need, let’s talk about how we can be a little more mindful about their use.”

This way, your team will feel they are part of the solution, not just being asked to cut back.

2. Educate on the Bigger Picture

Make sure your team understands the broader impact of material waste. Explain how overusing supplies affects not just the practice but also the environment and patient care costs.

For example, “Did you know that when we’re mindful about PPE and materials, we’re actually contributing to a greener practice? It’s good for the environment and helps us manage patient costs more effectively.”

Highlighting the ripple effect makes the conversation about something bigger than just money—it’s about responsibility.

3. Involve the Team in Finding Solutions

Your team is more likely to get on board if they feel like part of the decision-making process. Host an open discussion or brainstorming session to gather ideas. Ask questions like:

• Are there places where we might be using more PPE than necessary?
• Are there certain materials we tend to waste that we could monitor more closely?

By including your team in the solution, you’re giving them ownership and responsibility, which can shift their mindset from “saving money” to “being more efficient.”

4. Set Guidelines, Not Restrictions

Nobody wants to feel micromanaged, so avoid imposing strict rules that could frustrate your team. Instead, provide guidelines that empower them to make smarter choices.

For instance, you could say, “Let’s aim to use single-use items only when necessary, and we’ll create a system to track inventory so we’re not over-ordering. Feel free to bring up any suggestions if you notice areas where we could improve.”

By giving guidelines rather than mandates, you encourage your team to be mindful without adding extra stress.

5. Lead by Example

Your team will follow your lead. If they see you being conscientious about conserving materials and PPE, they’ll likely do the same. Make it a point to show that you’re aware of your own habits, like using gloves or masks wisely, and reducing waste where possible.

A simple comment like, “I’ve started to double-check how much I’m pulling out of storage, just to make sure we’re not overstocking,” can go a long way in setting the tone for the team.

6. Celebrate the Wins

When you notice improvements, even small ones, acknowledge them! Celebrate the team’s efforts to reduce waste and improve efficiency. It could be as simple as a quick shout-out in a morning huddle or a note on the whiteboard:

“Great job team! We’ve saved X amount of gloves this month by being more mindful of usage. Keep up the good work!”

Positive reinforcement helps your team stay motivated and engaged.

7. Reinvest the Savings into the Team or Practice

To further motivate your team, show them how the savings from conserving materials will be reinvested. Whether it’s upgrading equipment, adding new technology, or even doing something nice for the team, showing that there’s a reward makes the effort more tangible.

You could say, “The money we’re saving on PPE and materials means we’ll have a bit more budget for things that directly benefit the practice and the team, like new equipment or a team appreciation day.”

It shows them that this isn’t about cutting costs at their expense—it’s about making the practice stronger for everyone.

8. Make Conservation Part of the Culture

Finally, integrate conservation into the overall culture of your practice. This doesn’t need to be a one-time discussion; make it an ongoing conversation. Whether it’s a quick reminder at team meetings or periodic updates on how the practice is doing with material use, keeping conservation on the radar ensures it remains a priority.

Getting your dental team to conserve PPE and materials without sounding cheap boils down to clear communication, leading by example, and creating a shared sense of responsibility. Remember, it’s not about sacrificing quality—it's about ensuring sustainability so that your practice can continue to thrive. By educating, involving, and empowering your team, you can create a mindful culture of conservation that benefits everyone involved.

In the long run, these small changes add up, making a big difference for your practice, your patients, and your team!