The phasing out of dental amalgam across the European Union (EU) by January 1, next year, raises concerns about the future availability of silver dental fillings in Northern Ireland. The EU’s plan to phase out amalgam, a part of the Minamata Convention on Mercury treaty, will also affect dental care in other parts of the UK due to Brexit trading arrangements. The ban includes a prohibition on exporting amalgam from the EU, and with a significant supply coming from Germany, there are fears that NHS supplies will be impacted. The British Dental Association (BDA) emphasizes that Northern Ireland will be disproportionately affected due to Brexit and the region’s weaker health service, characterized by longer waiting lists and higher use of amalgam. The BDA stresses the affordability and efficiency of amalgam for dental restoration and calls for urgent action to address the challenges posed by the EU phase-out.
Key Points:
1. EU Amalgam Phase-out:
- The EU plans to phase out dental amalgam by January 1, 2025, as part of efforts to reduce global environmental pollution caused by mercury.
2. Impact on Northern Ireland:
- Due to Brexit trading arrangements, the EU ban will apply in Northern Ireland, affecting the availability of amalgam in the region.
- The British Dental Association (BDA) expresses concerns that Northern Ireland will be disproportionately affected, citing both Brexit implications and the weaker state of the health service in the region.
3. Supply Chain Collapse Concerns:
- The BDA highlights concerns about the impact of the EU phase-out on services across the UK, both directly under post-Brexit arrangements and indirectly due to potential supply chain collapse in Europe.
- The NHS relies on supplies from Germany, and disruptions in the supply chain could affect dental care services.
4. Data on Amalgam Use in Northern Ireland:
- Data from Northern Ireland indicates that amalgam is used in 46% of fillings, reflecting the region’s higher reliance on the material compared to other parts of the UK.
- England, for example, uses amalgam in about 33% of fillings.
5. Minamata Convention on Mercury:
- Regulations in the UK and the EU restricted the use of dental amalgam in 2018 as part of the Minamata Convention on Mercury treaty.
The BDA emphasizes the need for urgent action to address the challenges posed by the EU amalgam phase-out, especially considering the state of readiness in oral health prevention and mitigation strategies in Northern Ireland. The impact of the supply chain collapse on dental care services across the UK is also a significant concern that requires attention.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.