[News Brief] Singapore to Minimise Mercury Use in Dental Fillings

Singapore to Minimise Mercury Use in Dental Fillings

Dentists in Singapore will continue to use mercury-based dental amalgam in selected clinical situations but aim to minimise its use in line with global public health recommendations.

  • Clinical choice: Composite resin and other alternatives are preferred in most cases, but amalgam may still be used for deep cavities where moisture control is difficult.
  • Health context: The World Health Organization has called for a phase-out of mercury in dental fillings by 2034, but Singapore practitioners emphasise tailored material selection based on clinical needs.
  • Exposure data: Local dental experts note low levels of mercury vapour release from amalgam fillings and no significant health differences compared with composite restorations in available studies.

This summary is based on a news article published by The Straits Times.

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