The European Commission has approved an exemption for Northern Ireland from the EU’s new amalgam regulation, sparking reaction from the dental profession.
The Department of Health (DoH) confirmed it has secured a derogation from the EU’s new mercury regulations. The ban on the use of mercury fillings in dentistry kicks in from 1 January 2025.
The British Dental Association (BDA) Northern Ireland has expressed its relief, arguing that it would have broken NHS dentistry in the country.
In survey evidence presented to Stormont’s Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee earlier this year, the professional body warned that 92% of dentists in Northern Ireland were on track to reduce the amount of NHS activity at their practice in the event of a ban.
In addition, 92% said it would increase costs for NHS activity at their practice, with 91% reporting this would impact on higher needs patients seen at their practice. A further 88% said it would lead their practice to reduce or end its NHS commitment.
Amalgam exemption a ‘glimmer of hope’
Ciara Gallagher, chair of the BDA’s Northern Ireland dental practice committee, said: ‘A ban on dental amalgam in 2025 could have spelled the end for NHS dentistry in Northern Ireland.
‘We sounded the alarm and fought tooth and nail for a workable solution. This delay is a glimmer of hope for a service that’s on its knees and could not have shouldered any further financial pressure.
‘We have some breathing space, but Stormont and Westminster cannot take their feet off the pedal to affect a seamless transition to amalgam-free dentistry.
‘Any progress will require reform, investment, and concerted action on deep oral health inequalities.
‘When the plug is finally pulled on amalgam, Northern Ireland will need to have a healthier population and a more sustainable service. Otherwise, this 10 year derogation is a mere stay of execution for NHS dentistry.’
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
