Phase-Out of Dental Amalgam: Implications for Dental Practice and Education

Dental amalgam has long been a widely used restorative material in dentistry due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. However, concerns about its mercury content and environmental impact have led to the implementation of international regulations calling for its phase-out. In Colombia, these regulatory measures pose significant challenges for both the education and training of future dentists and for the provision of oral healthcare services. Stakeholders must therefore develop the knowledge, experience, and strategies required to support safer and more sustainable dental practices without compromising quality of care. This entails consideration of scientific and technical perspectives (related to materials science), academic dimensions (education, curricula, and training programs), policy frameworks (regulatory and institutional approaches), and the ethical-social dimension (impact on public health and the general population in terms of appropriateness, accessibility, and timeliness of care). The adoption of these elements provides a foundation for effective and safe decision-making across the different domains of dental practice.