Abstract
Objective: To determine the awareness and
implementation by dental clinics of contemporary
guidelines for disposal of amalgam waste complying
with American Dental Association (ADA)
specifications for control of mercury and amalgam.
Methodology: This cross-sectional survey of 70
clinical practices was conducted in Lahore. We used a
questionnaire about the frequency of amalgam
restorations performed and removed per month and
also regarding the dispensing methods and measures to
control amalgam waste.
Results: Out of 70 practices, only 60% were using
dental amalgam and none of the dental clinics
complied with the ADA standards to dispose and
recycle the amalgam waste. Most of the dentists
claimed that they had an adequate knowledge of
standard methods to control the amalgam waste at the
chairside by using special containers for waste
disposal. The majority of the participants were not
following the current protocol of mercury waste
disposal. None of the dentists had installed amalgam
separators in their clinics. 66% were disposing of
amalgam wastes in common waste bins, 4% in sinks,
and 22% were placing it in a photographic fixer
solution. 56% of three practices were using the
encapsulated form whereas, 43% were triturating it
with mortar and pestle.
Conclusion: Guidelines for disposal of amalgam
waste were not being followed in many dental clinics.
Dental practices need to be aware of contemporary
practices and disposal techniques to minimize the
hazards to people and the environment. Government
regulationsand necessary legislation may help in
proper disposal of mercury and other hazardous
wastes.
Keywords: Dental amalgam, mercury waste,
amalgam separators.
