Amalgam

What is the This third edition of the Position Statement on the Use of Dental Amalgam adopted by the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) on 13 January 2020

• use of alternative restorative materials to dental amalgam and recommends best practice in the management of restorative materials
• continue to use amalgam restoration as it is cost effective
• slow down the use of amalgam
• the stand is the same as in the 1st edition of the Position statement of the use of Dental amalgam in 2002

What is the composition of amalgam

• Bis-GMA and other diamethacrylate monomers
• 50% silica, alumina and mercury
• Silicone dioxide, calcium carbonate
• Liquid mercury and powdered alloy

The best way to place the amalgamator is:

• In the closed cupboard
• Should be lined with dry cloth
• place on very large stainless steel tray for good ventilation
• Place on stainless steel tray with appropriate size

All below are labels need to be displayed at the amalgam waste container except:

• Biohazard sign
• Amalgam waste
• Name of YM of the clinic
• Date of used

The following statement are the correct ways of handling amalgam, except:

• High volume suction must be used during removing amalgam restoration
• Double glove should be practiced during handling amalgam
• Amalgam waste on the instrument should not be removed before disinfected to prevent evaporation of mercury
• Wearing a mask is not compulsory during handling amalgam

How to dispose extracted tooth with intact amalgam restoration

• Amalagam should be removed from the tooth before disposed
• Disposed it as clinical waste
• Disposed it as amalgam waste
• Disinfected the tooth and dispose as amalgam waste

Where should the amalgam capsule dispose

• Clinical waste
• Domestic waste
• Amalgam waste
• Neither above

Here is the PPE needed during handling amalgam except

• Double the surgical glove
• Mask
• Gown
• Face shield

Patient request to change an old amalgam restoration on posterior tooth done 10years ago due to his concern regarding mercury toxicity. On examination, the restoration was intact with no sign and symptom. What should the operator do?

• Change the restoration to composite resin
• Explain to patient regarding risk of toxicity and old amalgam is not necessary to be changed if still in good condition
• Refer to restorative specialist as the case should be handled by specialist
• Remove amalgam and initiate endodontic treatment and crown

All are related to amalgam best practice Except:

• Training
• Amalgam management procedure
• Amalgam waste procedure
• Legal action under Dental Act for practitioner who are still using amalgam in dental treatment