Dental amalgam

The problem

The European Union has adopted a revised regulation which will introduce a complete phase-out on the use of dental amalgam in its Member States.

While dental amalgam remains one of the range of restorative materials available to dentists in the UK, we are concerned about the indirect impact the EU ban could have on NHS dentistry and the oral health of the population.

Alongside a ban on the use of amalgam, the revised EU regulation will also end the export, import and manufacturing of amalgam in the EU. The UK could be indirectly affected as a result of supply chain collapse in Europe, leading to reduced availability and increased cost of dental amalgam.

The solution 

We have stressed there are currently no alternative restorative materials that compete with amalgam on speed and ease of placement or longevity.

We are asking all four Chief Dental Officers to work together, and with the profession and industry to: 

• Adopt a renewed focus on prevention, with a comprehensive strategy, to reduce the need for dental restorations
• Set out a strategy for the phase down of dental amalgam in the UK
• Work with industry to secure an ongoing supply of amalgam
• Work with us to ensure that there is no financial impact on dentists from the need to use alternative materials
• Promote the research and development of alternative restorative materials which do not pose an equal or greater environmental threat.

Our impact

We have long campaigned for a pragmatic phase down, rather than an abrupt phase out, of dental amalgam.

Ahead of the EU decision to adopt the revised regulation, we raised our concerns that this would directly impact Northern Ireland, under post-Brexit arrangements, and indirectly impact Great Britain through supply chain challenges.

Through the Council of European Dentists (CED), we contributed to discussions with the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). 

In January 2024, in an open letter to all four UK Chief Dental Officers (CDOs) we made our position clear.

In March, we followed up in our oral evidence to Stormont’s newly formed Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee, advising of the significant and irreparable damage an amalgam ban would have on the provision of dental services in Northern Ireland. Our evidence was informed by crucial feedback received from the profession which captured the significant issues already evident within Health Service dentistry.

Our issues prompted an Inquiry by the Stormont Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee and were raised on a number of occasions at Stormont’s Health Committee.

In July, we welcomed news of a 10-year derogation for Northern Ireland and recognised the considerable effort by Department of Health officials, including by the Chief Dental Officer in providing the evidence base ahead of this derogation being granted.