CONNECTICUT STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION  

Amalgam Key Messages

1.    Dental amalgam and mercury are not the same.

·        When mercury is combined with other metals -- generally silver, copper, tin and zinc – it forms amalgam, which is a safe, stable alloy with entirely different properties than mercury.

·        It is wrong to mistake the properties of mercury, in any form, with the properties of dental amalgam.  Their characteristics and properties are not interchangeable

·        Much like table salt:  it has poisonous elements of chlorine and sodium, that when combined, produce one of our most basic seasonings

2.    Dentists have used amalgam safely and effectively to treat millions of Americans for 150 years. 

·        Major U.S. and international agencies entrusted with protecting public health, including the NIH, CDC, FDA and WHO, have independently concluded that amalgam is a safe and effective restorative material

·        Organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Alzheimer’s Association have publicly stated that there is no scientific evidence linking dental amalgam with any disease or syndrome

·         Personal perspective (I use on my families’ teeth, etc.)

·        We believe that patients should have the full range of treatment options, and that decisions about filling materials are best determined by informed patients and their dentists

·        Amalgam remains a valuable choice for patients with particular needs such as cavities below the gum line or deep decay in the back teeth. It can also be especially useful for young children, older adults and special needs patients

3.    It’s important to understand the minimal impact that amalgam has on the environment.

·        Less than 1% of the mercury released to the environment comes from dentistry

·        Our dentists are already capturing 99% of waste amalgam in their offices, preventing release to the environment

·        We’ve partnered with regulators and legislators and have been environmentally proactive (Cite specific examples: training programs, awards)

·        Connecticut dentists care very much about their patients and the environment. We’re proud of our long-standing environmental stewardship.  And, as science has emerged, we’ve continuously improved our practices

4.    Taking away amalgam would have a dramatic effect on patient care.

·        Amalgam is the most economical, permanent filling material in dentistry

·        Amalgam is essential in treating the underserved

·        Taking away amalgam will mean more lengthy and complicated treatment; will increase the cost of dental care for all patients; will fall hardest on those who can least afford it

·        There’s no other state, no other country in the world, that has banned dental amalgam

·        Good science and good sense favor the continued use of amalgam

        Issues Grid – Amalgam