Generally, we will accept any hand-powered dental instrument. We are happy to accept surgical instruments, endo, diagnostic, hygiene, etc. and there are no restrictions on manufacturer. The major limitation to what counts towards exchange is if any additional equipment is necessary to make the item function – so prophy/cavitron tips, or any other item that needs to be electrically powered will not count.
Can I send mirror heads or replacement tips?
Yes! Though every 12 tips received without a handle will count as a single used instrument towards exchange. So, if you have 11 hygiene instruments that you are sending in and want to send mirror heads as the last item, we will need 12 to get you to that free item.
What about mirror handles?
Those will also count, yes. Although it will take two to count as a single used instrument, towards the exchange. So, you would need 24 mirror handles to get a free instrument. With a mirror head, each handle counts as a complete instrument.
My favorite instrument is not listed on the Earthcare™ form, can I still get it with this program?
The form is provided as a helpful list of our most popular items for offices that may be trying PDT instruments for the first time and should not be used as a definitive list of the items available through Earthcare™. ANY of our stainless steel-tipped hygiene or diagnostic instruments are available as your freebie.
I live in Canada and would like to recycle instruments with you; is that possible?
Yes! On the bottom of the Earthcare™ form you will see the address for our Canadian location.
I live outside of the US or Canada; can I still take advantage of this program?
Many of our international dealers support this program. Please contact your domestic authorized PDT dealer to see if they support this program. Click here to find a rep nearest you!
Other manufacturers that offer programs like this only accept their own instruments or stainless-steel-handled instruments, do I have to turn in PDT instruments with Earthcare™?
No. We are happy to take instruments from other manufacturers. Our only limitation is that we require the used instruments to be hand-powered.
Do you provide pre-paid shipping labels?
No. Other recycling programs will pre-print the labels, but you are still required to pay for shipping. This means that a limit must be imposed on how many instruments can be shipped. There is no limit on how many you send together, for a single Earthcare™ order. Our record, so far, was just a little short of 2500 instruments.
Why don’t you accept prophy or cavitron tips?
We refurbish instruments as much as possible and then donate them to missions and charities. Since most of these charities do not have the additional equipment required to use these – and often even operate in areas without access to electricity – we only accept hand-powered items.
Do I have to sterilize instruments before sending them in?
Yes. Instruments must be fully clean of debris and sterilized. Items should be left in their sterilization pouches, before sending them in.
You would be amazed how many times instruments poke through packaging while in transit, becoming a hazard for both the couriers and our receiving employees. Let’s not expose them to biological hazards as well.
How long will it take for me to get my free goods?
Usually the in-house turn-around time for Earthcare™ is 4-6 business weeks, from the date that we receive your package. Please allow an extra week of shipping, each way – so 6-8 weeks, or so. We will attempt to turn these as quick as possible, so you will often receive your orders in less time, but the 4-6 weeks is our guaranteed time-frame.
While it was in our drawer, the tip broke on the instrument I was going to send in. Will you still take it?
We will. It will still only count as a single instrument, not as two. Clever of you to try, though.
What is the answer to the question I have that you didn't address here?
I don’t know, but we would love to help you figure it out. Go ahead and give our Customer Care team a call and they will help you out, right away: 800-240-9895.
