DNRE Helps Jackson Dental Office Eliminate Waste, Improve Environment and Service to Patients 

A pollution prevention project proposed by Donald J. Powers, D.D.S., P.C. has received a $131,869.30 low interest loan through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program, the DNRE announced today. 

Donald J. Powers, D.D.S., P.C. will use the funds to install a digital work station and milling unit at their Jackson dental office, Summit Woods Family Dental Care.  This project will replace their existing conventional dental impression process with the digital work station and milling unit thereby eliminating polyvinyl impression and stone model wastes exceeding 300 pounds per year. 

"Businesses big and small can contribute to reducing waste in Michigan by seeking innovative solutions such as this one," said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. "This project will also help Dr. Powers' business better serve their patients, as well as the environment." 

The DNRE and Citizens Bank, the company's local lending institution, each contributed half of the loan proceeds. 

"With assistance from this low interest loan program my office will now be able to provide crowns in one appointment," said Donald J. Powers, D.D.S., of Summit Woods Family Dental Care.  "After installing the digital impression work station and milling unit there will be no more runny impressions and stone models for our patients.  This project will help us save money by eliminating the purchase of expensive materials and reduce our overall waste stream."  

Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for loans of up to $400,000 with a guaranteed interest rate of not more than five percent.  The short application helps businesses describe how their projects will eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction, environmentally sound reuse, and/or recycling; including water and energy conservation projects. 

Loans are available to all private business sectors including farming, manufacturing, retail and service.  For more information, contact the DNRE's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or by e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov .

The DNRE is committed to conserve, manage, protect, and promote accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environmental, natural resource, and related economic interests for current and future generations. 

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Editor's note: DNRE news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/dnre.