Question

Which of the following procedures must be done to

ensure acceptable mercury hygiene in a dental
office?
A. Use of high volume evacuation when working
with amalgam.
B. Use of air spray when condensing, polishing or
removing amalgam.
C. Storage of amalgam scrap in a dry container
with a lid.
D. A quarterly mercury assessment for office
personnel.

Answer 1

To ensure mercury hygiene in a dental office, use of high volume evacuation during amalgam procedures and proper storage of amalgam waste are essential practices. Limiting air spray use and ongoing mercury exposure monitoring in the dental practice are also important.

Step-by-step explanation:

To ensure acceptable mercury hygiene in a dental office, certain procedures must be followed. These include:

• Use of high volume evacuation when working with amalgam to reduce mercury vapor.
• Storage of amalgam scrap in a dry container with a lid to avoid mercury release.

The use of air spray when condensing, polishing, or removing amalgam is not recommended, as it can disseminate mercury vapor. A quarterly mercury assessment for office personnel is not specifically required, but practices should be in place to monitor and mitigate mercury exposure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health agencies have deemed dental amalgams safe; however, due to the toxicity of mercury, it is crucial to follow protocols for mercury management in dental practices.