Amalgam derogation offers glimmer of hope for struggling service

The British Dental Association Northern Ireland has expressed its relief that the European Commission has approved a derogation from the EU's new mercury regulations.The move has averted an expected ban on the use of mercury fillings in dentistry from 1 January 2025, a move the BDA stressed in March would have broken NHS dentistry in Northern Ireland.Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland remains subject to some EU rules.Under new arrangements dental amalgam can be used in NI until 31 December 2034, or until the date agreed under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, whichever is sooner.The BDA has recognised the considerable efforts to secure this major result -not only from the dental profession itself -but on the part of Department of Health officials working extensively with the UK Cabinet Office, and in their engagement with the European Union, underpinned by political advocacy.However, it has stressed that concerted action is needed from both the Stormont and UK Governments to ensure a seamless transition to an amalgam-free service.Provision for a 10-year derogation is subject to specific conditions being met, including the UK taking the necessary measures to make regular and consistent progress towards phasing down amalgam.