WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Bhumija Maharishi Trivedi

ABSTRACT

More than a decade ago, the ADA established recommendations for appropriate mercury hygiene within dentaloffices. Recommendations are subject to periodic updates and change as new information and technology emerge.[1] The ADA has established guidelines for the protection of dental healthcare workers and the environment. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidance concerning the reduction/elimination of mercury waste from healthcare facilities.[2] Furthermore, dental service branches within the US military have taken a leadership role regarding mercury work place safety.[3-5] This article reviews and elaborates on the ADA’s 11-point mercury safety guidelines. Common workplace violations are highlighted, and steps for correction are cited. Practitioners can utilize this information to assist in development of an officeprotocol. Restorative dentists who no longer offer amalgam services should not ignore mercury hygiene. Amalgam restorations are replaced or removed for a variety of reasons, including defective margins, recurrent caries, fractured tooth structure, and endodontic access. Even this more limited exposure to amalgam may pose a workplace or environmental risk. Dental personnel should not forget they are at greater risk of mercury exposure than the general population.1[6-12]

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