New measure of dental success

Award recognises business steps

A Moreton Bay dental practice has taken a major step on its quest to “revolutionise the standards of dental care in Australia”.

Platypus Dental, in Strathpine, has become Australia’s first B Corp Certified Dental Practice after a nine-month assessment by independent not-for-profit organisation B Lab.

Certification recognises businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact, transparency, accountability and ethical business practices. 

“We have always believed a modern dental practice should be measured by more than clinical outcomes alone,” founder Dr Terry Pu said.

While exceptional patient care remains our foundation, we also believe healthcare organisations have a responsibility to contribute positively to their communities, support their employees, operate sustainably and create long-term value for society.

“Becoming Australia’s first B Corp Certified dental practice demonstrates that exceptional patient care and positive social and environmental impact are not competing priorities.”

Rigorous test of business

“While the process was rigorous, it provided an invaluable opportunity to evaluate every aspect of our business and identify ways to strengthen our impact on patients, employees, communities and the environment.

“We believe dentistry can be a force for good, and this certification reflects our commitment to creating healthier smiles, stronger communities and a more sustainable future.

“It validates many of the initiatives we have been implementing over recent years, including equitable access to preventive dental care, responsible procurement practices, sustainability programs, staff development initiatives and community partnerships.

“More importantly, it provides an internationally recognised framework that holds us accountable for continuous improvement.” Platypus Dental, in Dixon St, completed a B Impact Assessment, evaluating performance across governance, workers, community, environment and customers. 

Then an extensive verification process and a presentation to independent analysts from B Lab in a formal 15-minute review session. 

It also demonstrated how internal policies, operational systems and business practices met B Corp standards and completed legal and governance requirements.

Reducing impact of operations

“It reflects a commitment that has always been at the heart of our practice,” Dr Terry Pu, who established Platypus Dental Group in 2022, said.

“Our vision is to revolutionise the standards of dental care in Australia and our purpose is to guide patients through a dental journey with exceptional oral care.

“We are also continuing to invest in sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction programs, responsible procurement, digital workflows and circular economy partnerships that reduce environmental impact across our operations.

“More importantly, it provides an internationally recognised framework that holds us accountable for continuous improvement.

“Ultimately, our goal is to demonstrate healthcare businesses can create positive outcomes not only for patients, but also for employees, communities, suppliers and the environment.”

The takeaway

Dental health care does not stop at the end of an appointment. Best practices are being recognised on a world level. Australia’s first award winner says dental business should look to expand their impact on the community, through sustainability, waste reduction, staff support and procurement.