Implementation of revolutionary legislation for informed consent for dental patients receiving amalgam restorations.
Mercury is one of the most dangerous environmental toxins. Realizing the environmental dangers of mercury, the Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim, has therefore prohibited the use of mercury in products in Norway. This ban will include dental filling materials (amalgam) and measuring instruments, as well as other products. This ban is valid from January 1, 2008. Sweden announced a similar ban, and dentists in Denmark will no longer be able to use mercury in fillings after April 1, 2008. It is indeed unfortunate that the United States has not taken a leadership role in enacting Informed Consent Legislations for patients receiving dental amalgam restorations. Informed Consent Legislations have been enacted by Maine, California, Connecticut, and Vermont.
Edlich
Richard F
RF
Biomedical Engineering, and Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Trauma, Education and Research, Legacy Emanuel Shock Trauma Center, Portland, OR, USA.
Cross
Catherine L
CL
Dahlstrom
Jill J
JJ
Long
William B
WB
Newkirk
Anthony T
AT
D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000592:standards / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007879:Legislation, Dental; D009664:Norway; D014481:United States
D003723:Dental Amalgam