Many organizations tirelessly attempt to educate the public regarding the additives placed in patients’ mouths. One such is “Consumers for Dental choice” led by attorney Charlie Brown regarding mercury fillings, commonly known as silver fillings or amalgams.
As of today, 97 nations around the world and counting, have signed the MINAMATA CONVENTION ON MERCURY. This treaty plans a phase out of mercury fillings due to mercury’s toxicity. Yet here we are in the USA still using mercury in federal dental offices in 2025! As Dental professionals across Florida and beyond, we are calling on RFK Jr. to end toxic “silver fillings” in federal health programs. Here’s why we say the science is clear and the time is now.
We know mercury is toxic. We don’t allow it in thermometers anymore. We warn pregnant women to avoid it in seafood. And yet, it’s still being placed into the mouths of low-income children, military personnel, and Native American families through federally funded dental programs.
As a practicing dentist in Florida, I’ve spent decades advocating for safer, smarter care for my patients. Today, over 100 fellow dental professionals, 81 dentists and 68 hygienists, assistants, and staff, have signed a unified letter urging Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Department of Health and Human Services to ban mercury amalgam fillings in government dental programs.
“Dental amalgam (often deceptively marketed as ‘silver fillings’) contains mercury that threatens patients’ health, contaminates the dental workplace, and pollutes our environment – from tribal
lands to military bases.”
We’re not asking for much. Just that the government stops exposing its most vulnerable patients to a material the FDA itself has warned about. Here are some key issues that we still have to deal with:
The FDA Has Spoken. Why Hasn’t HHS Listened?
In 2020, the FDA issued a clear safety advisory: avoid amalgam use in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with neurological conditions or kidney issues. Since then, many dental manufacturers have stopped producing amalgam entirely. However, the bureaucracies at HHS have refused to change, often still using imported foreign amalgam even in children.
This continued use isn’t just outdated, it’s dangerous. And it contradicts the very science our regulatory bodies are supposed to uphold.
‘Mercury-Free’ Fillings and Alternative Materials Work Better. Period.
The arguments for mercury-based fillings fall apart when you examine the facts. Those of us in the field already know that mercury-free alternatives outperform amalgam in nearly every way.
“Mercury-free fillings are superior to amalgam: they are long-lasting, easier to repair than amalgam, and better preserve tooth structure.”
Mercury fillings need more retention mechanically therefore more tooth structure usually has to be removed to accomplish that. Whereas, the more modern materials such as composites, for example, that are gaining in superiority daily, mostly need chemical retention. Yes, they may be a tad more technique-sensitive, but the pros far out way the cons.
And When it Comes to Cost?
“The cost to purchase and place mercury-free materials is probably less than the overall true costs of amalgam, due to the new laws involved.
It is important for the lay person to know that dental practices are obligated to have amalgam separators in their offices to remove the mercury particulates from being distributed into our water systems via waste once the amalgams are removed from patients’ mouths.
Dentists who follow safe mercury removal protocols face significantly higher costs because protecting patients and staff from toxic mercury vapors during its removal requires specialized equipment, training and procedures. It’s far more extensive than simply just taking out an ‘old silver filling’. (Learn more at IAOMT.org)
No more excuses. These safer materials are available, affordable, and effective.
EVERY PATIENT Deserves Safe, Modern Dental Care
This is not just about policy. It’s about people. It’s about the children with disabilities, the single parents on Medicaid, the veterans who served our country. They deserve better.
“Mercury-free fillings are appropriate for all patients – even for challenging cases in people with extensive dental caries, low-income individuals, and children with disabilities.”
We should be leading the world in health standards, not trailing behind. Especially when the solution is already in our hands.
“The Stroke of a Pen” Could Change Everything
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long been known for taking bold, unapologetic stands when it comes to protecting public health and the environment. Now, he faces a pivotal opportunity, one that could positively affect millions of Americans with a single, decisive action.
Advocates are urging Kennedy to take that step:
“You now have the opportunity to end amalgam in federal dental programs with the stroke of a pen. We urge you to order all HHS agencies to stop buying and using this mercury product.”
The call for action isn’t just coming from advocacy groups. Dentists, healthcare professionals, and environmental leaders alike are joining forces, pushing for the elimination of mercury in dental care. Their message is clear: it’s time to stop pretending mercury fillings are acceptable and safe! With overwhelming scientific evidence and growing public concern, it’s obvious that the continued use of dental mercury is a danger both to patients and to the planet.
And so, we all wait, watching and hopeful. The science is there. The risks are undeniable. Now, the question remains: Will Secretary Kennedy, at the stroke of a pen, sign the order and finally end mercury fillings in federal programs and across the board?
The moment is here. The decision is his.
