Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings
The Indian Health Service announced it will eliminate the use of mercury-containing dental amalgam in its clinics by 2027, marking a shift toward mercury-free restorative materials across IHS and tribal dental programs.
Dental amalgam has been widely used for decades because of its durability and low cost, particularly for complex restorations in back teeth. However, rising concerns about mercury exposure and its environmental impact have led federal health agencies to reassess its continued use.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the decision reflects a preventative approach to patient safety, emphasizing the availability of safer alternatives and the responsibility to protect tribal communities and future generations.
IHS officials said the transition will involve updated clinical policies, expanded training for dental providers, and investments in equipment needed for composite and other mercury-free materials. The agency also plans to strengthen preventive dental care to reduce the need for restorations overall.
According to IHS, efforts to limit amalgam use have been underway since 2007, particularly among pregnant women and young children. The new policy extends those protections across all patient populations.
The move aligns with guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which advises avoiding mercury-based dental materials for certain high-risk groups due to potential accumulation in the body.
The Indian Health Service, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides healthcare services to approximately 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives nationwide.
Source: (Press Release, Feb. 9, 2026): HHS.gov
