Dental amalgam is considered a safe, affordable and durable material that has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million people in the US according to the Food and Drug Administration. It contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper and tin, in addition to mercury, which binds these components into a hard, stable and safe substance. Dental amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively and has an established record of safety and effectiveness. Depending on treatment needs, it is one material available to dentists and patients when considering restorative options.
ASDA’s Policy
ASDA's policy I-7 on Amalgam Restorations states: "It is the position of the American Student Dental Association that, based on available scientific data, the continued use of amalgam as a restorative material does not pose a health hazard to the non-allergic patient. The removal of clinically serviceable dental amalgam restorations solely to substitute a material that does not contain mercury is unwarranted, improper, unethical and intentional misrepresentation to the patient."
The issue
In September 2020, the FDA issued updated recommendations regarding dental amalgam and potential risks to certain high-risk individuals. The ADA responded by reaffirming that dental amalgam is a ‘durable, safe, effective’ restorative material.
What ASDA Members are Saying
Resources