As shared with CDA members in the Winter 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final regulation Dec. 15, 2016, regarding the handling of dental amalgam waste. New regulations require most U.S. dental offices to use a qualifying amalgam separator and comply with industry best management practices to reduce amalgam waste.
With the change in presidency, on Jan. 20, 2017, the new administration directed that all new regulations, including the regulation on amalgam waste, be suspended. After further review, on June 14, the amalgam waste rule was reinstated as previously published with an effective date of July 14, 2017 (which is identical to the original effective date).
Over the past several years, the CDA has worked to prepare members for this policy change. Since 2009, the CDA has worked with Solmetex to provide amalgam separators at special CDA member pricing to interested dental offices. Solmetex provides amalgam separators, installation support and waste disposal/recycling services.
CDA members who purchase a Solmetex Hg5 amalgam separator system will receive a free Hg5 collection container as a CDA benefit (a $189 value). In addition, the CDA has worked with Solmetex to offer a free Hg5 recycling kit (a $126 value) as part of this special offer. For the second quarter, Solmetex Plus, Solmetex has spring promotions that could save you an additional $100. Visit the CDA Enterprises web page for more information.
Full details will be available in the July 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association.