A ban on mercury, including dental amalgam, that took effect in Norway on Jan. 1 has stirred similar activity in other Scandinavian countries, notably Sweden and Denmark where after April 1, dentists can no longer use mercury in fillings. The action spurred a denouncement from Derek Jones, Professor Emeritus of Biomaterials, Dalhouse University Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Chair of the International Standards Organization's TEchnical and Committee on Dentistry.
The Norwegian ban was in reaction to the detrimental effects mercury has on the environment and the availability of alternatives; Sweden banned mercury for environmental and health issues, stating that today's dental composites are a viable alternative because they are more versatile.
Jones denounced the ban, saying the media has bombarded the public with sensational, confusing, and misleading reports on health issues related to amalgam use.
A December 2007 Dental Products Report survey showed 57.0% of U.S. dentists place amalgam restorations. Of those who don't, 43.0% stopped more than five years ago. Of those who still place amalgam, most say they use it less today than 3 years ago.
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