The US Dental Amalgam Debate, 2010 Meeting of the FDA Dental Products Panel.

Author: Cartland Jr RF.

Source: Robert F. Cartland.

Year: 2011

Comment:

The author concludes, "The debate on whether to ban, phase-out, or continue the use of dental amalgam continues in the US and abroad. However, there is emerging consensus regarding the need to improve consumer education regarding dental amalgam and to better protect susceptible subpopulations. There is also growing consensus to improve the care and consideration of patients who associate health symptoms with dental amalgam and the need to better educate the dentists and doctors who care for these patients."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a meeting on December 14 and 15, 2010 to consider FDA policy regarding the safety of dental amalgam.(1-12) Dental amalgam, commonly called “silver filling” material, is composed of about 50% mercury mixed with other metals including silver, tin and copper. At the meeting, the FDA Dental Products Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee considered whether a 2009 FDA rule(13) adequately addressed the health risks posed by the mercury contained in the fillings. The meeting included scientific and public testimony, as well as panel deliberation, providing a forum to present information pertinent to the dental amalgam debate.”

Citation:

Cartland Jr, RF. The US Dental Amalgam Debate, 2010 Meeting of the FDA Dental Products Panel. 2011.