Use and waste management of restorative materials in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

##Aim This study aimed to investigate the use and waste management of dental amalgam and mercury-free alternatives by general dental practitioners in Ireland. ##Methods A cross-sectional survey-based study was adopted. A 53-question survey was piloted and distributed to dentists working in general dentistry in Ireland. Participants were recruited from the Dental Council of Ireland Dental Register. ##Results A total of 285 dentists (12%) responded to the survey. The study found that resin composite was the most commonly placed restorative material by respondents (69%), followed by dental amalgam (20%). Compliance with waste management of dental amalgam was high, with 93% of respondents reporting having a waste management policy concerning the disposal of waste amalgam and 87% compliance with the fitting of amalgam separators. ##Conclusions The study found that dentists in Ireland are compliant with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and identified training and remuneration as two of the main barriers to implementing a total phase-out of dental amalgam.