The ADA is one of seven dental organizations voicing concerns about the direction current international mercury treaty negotiations are taking, according to a story in the ADA News.
"Dental amalgam is an essential tool to help us provide oral healthcare to those in need," the ADA and six other groups stated in a letter sent February 22 to the U.S. State Department. "While there are other restorative materials, there is no full substitute at this time for dental amalgam."
In addition to the ADA, the letter was signed by the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Association of Orthodontists, and the Hispanic Dental Association.
They told the state department they are concerned about "potential adverse actions" that might be taken by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the United Nations Environmental Program with respect to the continued availability of dental amalgam.
