Pollution Prevention in NH Dental Offices

The results of a dental survey (used to evaluate the level of awareness and degree of mercury amalgam use, recycling, and disposal among NH dentists) have been collected and analyzed. Over 400 dentists, or 42 percent, responded to the survey.

Results of the survey include:

-243 dentists use both amalgam and composites;

-39 dentists only use composites;

-50 dentists only use amalgam;

-173 dentists currently recycle waste amalgam;

-271 dentists dispose of x-ray fixer solution as hazardous waste; and

-225 dentists dispose of fluorescent bulbs in solid waste.

Based on survey results, NHDS focused newsletter articles on proper disposal of mercury-containing lamps and devices, recycling of x-ray fixer solution, and a hazardous waste rule change for mercury amalgam. In the Summer of 2002, NHPPP and the N.H. Dental Society created and distributed the Best Management Practices for N.H. Dental Offices. This guidance document provides both compliance and P2 suggestions to every licensed dentist in N.H. The BMP manual is available online at http://www.des.state.nh.us/nhppp/dental.