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 regulations and necessary legislation may help in proper disposal of mercury and other hazardous wastes.

Key words: Dental amalgam, mercury waste, amalgam separators.