If amalgam separation technology becomes a legislative requirement for dentists, because of the various technologies that exist on the market today, dentists can comply and still come out on top. Dentists concerned for the well being of their patients and their practice are now being asked to add another concern, and this is for the environment. In states where the mandate has taken effect, some dentists are discovering for the first time how consequential their disposal of amalgam is–some are at first indignant at being ‘forced’ to comply, then after further investigation, they are willing to do their part. Background: In their investigations, they have discovered that water treatment authorities have been monitoring a consistent rise in the levels of mercury in their waste water streams, and investigating the source of this mercury, they have discovered that it has not only come from industry, but from dentists’ offices as well. Dentists have also discovered that it is not enough to dispose of amalgam in the ‘red bag,’ which is eventually incinerated: mercury changes form, but never goes away. It is widely known that methyl mercury and mercury gas is toxic, and can kill.
Then the data is starting to emerge from studies being done around the country. Seattle’s King County Waste Management District took a proactive stance mandating amalgam separation for all dentists’ offices by July 2002 for new offices, and 2003 for old offices. Tests on Amalgam separators were also conducted by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Western Superior Great Lakes Sanitary District, Industrial Waste & Pollution Prevention of MN, Wichita Water Treatment Plant #2 of KS, the American Dental Association, and the CRA (Clinical Research Associates) among other private institutions.
Dental societies and legislative groups have agreed that it is simply not enough to mandate changes take place, many have issued ‘Best Management Practices’ to their member dentists, designed to help them understand their disposal practices better. The Minnesota Dental Association for example, has produced a video “Proper Amalgam Waste Handling” that is being sought after by other associations as part of the teaching process.
One of the most important requirements of amalgam disposal, being the responsibility of the dentist: cradle to grave, is to ensure that this waste is passed on to an authorized recycler.
Solution: Dentists now have to identify a solution, and this involves amalgam separation for their offices. But what do dentists look for in their choice of an amalgam separator? Low cost, low maintenance, one that is compliant to standards requirements, perhaps an install-it-and-forget-it system, and perhaps one from a company that can also recycle responsibly. This narrows the field considerably, as there are only a few which can do and be all of the above.
METASYS has developed one such system and distributes it through a company that is able to offer dentists a complete package–Pure Water Development. Other companies that do a complete service are: DRNA, Rebec Environmental Systems, AB Dental Trends Inc., and SolmeteX.
How the ECO II Works: Through sophisticated product design and advanced engineering METASYS manufactures and distributes some of the finest amalgam separations systems available worldwide. The ECO II is no exception. Designed specifically for the US market and with the culture of dentists in mind, the ECO II is the best install-it-and-forget-it system out there. It requires the least effort from the dental office. The unit is installed and then ignored for one year, at which time Pure Water Development automatically sends out an empty collection unit with instructions on how to exchange it, and return the full unit prepaid. The ‘Green and Clean M2’ suction cleanser is used in tandem with the ECO II because of material compatibility. It is one of the most sold vacuum system cleansers in Europe and is extremely time efficient when used through its dispenser.
The Contract: Pure Water Development offers an all-inclusive package that is very manageable for dentists, which includes (compared to other companies) the lowest monthly installments of $24.00 on a 3 year contract and $29.00 on a 2 year contract. There are three costs involved in signing a PWD contract: $260.00 (contract cost), 2 months installment (48.00 or 58.00) and 6 months supply of the Green & Clean M2, a suction cleanser that also assists in the maintenance of the ECO II.
The amount of M2 included in the start-up cost depends on how many operatories, and this is what determines how expensive the contract will be. The amount needed is 3 pouches per chair/ year, the per application cost is calculated at .29 cents. This makes it even more cost effective than the cleansers now in use.
Searching for a solution to complying with the state necessitates that whatever is brought to the office door must be something dentists in the business of dentistry must not be impeded by. Nevertheless, they are now forced to take into account the consequences of their profession on the environment, and thanks to the technology that exists today, they can say “Its not me!”
CONTACT: ROOPA PERSAUD, 305-663-2989