SAFE MERCURY REMOVAL technique and practice certification

The IAOMT, with SAABP being their South African representative body, put together protocol recommendations for amalgam removal which are known as the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART).

All dental amalgam restorations, also commonly referred to as silver fillings, contain approximately 50% mercury, and reports and research are consistent that these fillings emit mercury vapors. Scientific research demonstrates that dental mercury amalgam exposes dental professionals, dental staff, dental patients, and fetuses to releases of mercury vapor, mercury-containing particulate, and/or other forms of mercury contamination.
Furthermore, mercury vapor is known to be released from dental mercury amalgam fillings at higher rates during brushing, cleaning, clenching of teeth, chewing, etc., and mercury is also known to be released during the placement, replacement, and removal of dental mercury amalgam fillings.

Essentially, an unsafe amalgam removal process releases mercury vapor and particles that can be harmful to the patient, the dentist, the dental staff, and the environment.

Utilising the most up-to-date research, the IAOMT/SAABP have developed an extensive training programme in the safe removal of existing dental mercury amalgam fillings, including detailed protective measures that are to be utilized for the procedure and easily available to dentists.

The SAABP/IAOMT’s innovative recommendations build upon traditional safe amalgam removal techniques such as the use of masks, water irrigation, and high volume suction by supplementing these conventional strategies with a number of additional protective measures, the need for which have only recently been identified in scientific research. A MUST-DO-COURSE FOR ANY DENTIST WANTING TO SAFELY REMOVE AMALGAMS. Without it one cannot advertise as a biological dentist.

Done correctly, SMART becomes Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic & Timely.