EPA Issues Final Rule Requiring Dental Practices To Use Amalgam Separators.

The ADA News (12/15, Garvin) reports the EPA released a final rule requiring that all dental practices nationwide install amalgam separators, stating in the final rule executive summary, “EPA has concluded that requiring dental offices to remove mercury through relatively low-cost and readily available amalgam separators and BMPs makes sense.” The ADA commended the EPA, who listened to the association’s input and incorporated the ADA House of Delegates’ nine principles regarding a potential amalgam rule into the final product. In a statement, ADA President Dr. Gary L. Roberts said, “The ADA believes the Environmental Protection Agency’s new federal regulation represents a fair and reasonable approach to the management of dental amalgam waste.”

        The ADA released a statement reaffirming its positionthat “dental amalgam is a durable, safe and effective cavity-filling option” and providing information for patients about restorative materials at MouthHealthy.org. The ADA provides more information on amalgams at ADA.org/RecycleAmalgam.