#Minamata Convention #mercury #chemicals & waste #SDGs #sustainable development #health
In a recent publication on Bulletin of the World Health Organization, Fisher et.al. emphasized the importance to shift away from the restorative model and the widespread use of dental amalgam towards preventive and minimal intervention dentistry that predominantly uses adhesive dental materials. The feasibility of such a long-due important shift is finally made possible by the establishment and implementation of Minamata Convention, which also provides an opportunity to strengthen oral health promotion and oral disease prevention within an integrated, people-centred model of health services.
There are challenges, and also opportunities. The shift can 'catalyse a profound change in dentistry through the convention and its provisions that focus attention on health needs and prioritize efficient provision of high-quality, affordable, integrated, community-based, people-centred primary and ambulatory care, paying special attention to underserved areas.', as the authors said.
In the transition period, the authors provided suggestions on policies and strategies, particularly on waste management, knowledge management, and health system strengthening as an integral part of an equitable and sustainable reduction of the use of dental amalgam.
There are much more aspects, opportunities and strategies to be explored between the environment and health sector - on dental amalgam and broader mercury issues - which Association 3 Herissons would encourage and welcome.
For more details, please refer to the original publication here.
(Fisher et.al. (2018) The Minamata Convention and the phase down of dental amalgam. Bull World Health Organ. 96(6): 436-438.)