Phase-Down of Amalgam Use in Dentistry: A Perspective For its Effective Control and Management

Abstract

Introduction I will stand upon my watch and station myself on the towers; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then, the Lord replied: write down the vision and make it plain on tablets so that he that reads it may run with it. For the vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie. Though it may tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come to pass; and it will not tarry [1].This scriptural quotation is given in order to capture and lay the foundation for the introductory aspect of this discourse. The first statement of this quotation can be regarded as the collective voice of the dental profession, while pondering, on how to respond to the complaint of the international community against mercury and its compounds such as dental amalgam. The complaint which the international community has against dental amalgam, which contains about 50% of mercury by weight, is that mercury, as one of the major constituents of dental amalgam, has been recognized as a notorious and dangerous chemical with negative effects on the environment and on the health of the people all over the world. This recognition of the negative impacts of mercury on people's health and the environment led to the adoption and signing [2] by over 87 nations of the world on the 10th October, 2013 at Minamata, Japan. This treaty is the vision of the international community; and it is to control and reduce mercury pollution and its attendant negative impacts on the environment and on the health of the people around the world. This vision is for an appointed time (within a time frame). Though it may be delayed because of the recognition, by the international community, that dental amalgam cannot be banned outright by all nations of the world owing to individual nation's peculiarities. However, the vision will speak at the end. Nonetheless, a moratorium of about ten years has been given to all nations to phase-down amalgam use; and this moratorium may delay the final exit of dental amalgam as a restorative material but its final exist will surely come to pass. The purpose of this article is to discuss the challenges and possible national strategies concerning phase-down of amalgam use in dentistry. This discourse will be treated under three broad headings namely: Background Information