The Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) has put its weight behind the proposals the Federal Government has set out for its ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, at least as they relate to dentistry.
The ADAVB believes its members are already well placed to support the implementation of Convention [1].
Its Dentists for Cleaner Water Program ran from 2008 to 2011 and saw the installation of more than 700 amalgam separators across Victoria. It’s estimated these separators alone prevent 95 kg of mercury from entering the environment each year.
The Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) also supports the government’s approach to ratifying the Minamata Convention.
While the convention contains a commitment to the phase-down of dental amalgam, its use will continue to be permitted.
The ADIA, in particular, welcomes the Australian Government’s plans for a national campaign to promote the voluntary installation of dental amalgam separators.
This campaign should, says the ADIA, “include advice to dentists and allied healthcare professionals to ensure that the dental amalgam waste is collected for recycling”.
Supporting dentists with simple solutions
While the Government is likely to opt for the installation of amalgam separators to be voluntary, the mere existence of the Minamata Convention presents a clear ethical case as to why dentists should commit to dental amalgam recycling. And doing so couldn’t be easier.
Ecocycle is Australia’s oldest and most experienced mercury recycler, and the only company fully licensed by the EPA to handle the entire process of mercury recycling.
We service all brands of amalgam separators, and work around your practice needs to avoid disruption to you and your patients.
Be part of the change
Join the growing band of Australian dentists who recognise the risks posed by mercury, and who are stepping up to prevent its entry into the environment.
Call 1300 32 62 92 or fill in the form below and find out just how simple it is to comply with the aims of the Minamata Convention.
[1] Your #ADAVBAdvocacy at work: National phase-down of mercury. Victorian Dentist (April 2017)
