ADA outlines successful environmental efforts at Congressional hearing

CHICAGO--Through the implementation of its best management practices (BMPs), the American Dental Association is taking the lead on protecting the environment, the ADA told Congress recently.

"The ADA actively promotes its BMPs, which have had a very positive impact," said Dr. J. Rodway Mackert, DMD, PhD, an ADA spokesperson testifying before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's domestic policy panel. "As one example, we have virtually eliminated the use of bulk mercury in dentistry. Dentists now use encapsulated amalgam, capsules containing a small amount of elemental mercury and the powdered metals with which it is mixed."

The Association's BMPs have contributed to a significant reduction in the amount of dental amalgam that enters the waste stream. The ADA has recently taken the further step of adding the installation of amalgam separators to its list of BMPs.

"I am proud that the ADA and the nation's dentists are taking these steps voluntarily," Dr. Mackert said. "We are working to protect the environment by educating our members, encouraging recycling and promoting highly effective best management practices."

For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at ADA.