Business Details
30 Years
experience
Mercury-Free Dentistry Advocates
Consumers for Dental Choice was founded in 1996 with a clear mission to eliminate the use of dental amalgam, a product containing 50% mercury. Our organization has dedicated decades to educating consumers about the risks of mercury in dentistry, advocating for policy changes, and promoting safer alternatives. Through grassroots efforts and international collaboration, we have successfully influenced regulatory agencies like the FDA and EPA to implement stricter guidelines on amalgam use. Our work has led to significant reductions in amalgam sales in the U.S. and increased global awareness of mercury-free dentistry. We empower dental professionals to advocate for safer practices and ensure vulnerable populations are protected from mercury exposure.Our coalition includes dentists, scientists, and environmental advocates who collaborate on legal, educational, and policy initiatives. We have secured mandates for patient disclosures about amalgam risks and workplace protections for dental staff. Our efforts have expanded Medicaid coverage for mercury-free alternatives in multiple states, making safer options more accessible. We continue to lead international campaigns, including participation in the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, to achieve a global phaseout of dental mercury. Our commitment to transparency and consumer advocacy remains central to our mission of creating a healthier, mercury-free future.
Services
Mercury-Free Dentistry Advocacy
Consumer Education Campaigns
Policy Reform Initiatives
Environmental Protection Programs
Dental Worker Safety Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of advocacy experience in mercury-free dentistry
- Led international coalition to include amalgam in global mercury treaty
- Secured FDA warnings on amalgam's neurological risks
- Expanded Medicaid coverage for mercury-free alternatives in multiple states
- Pioneered consumer education campaigns reducing U.S. amalgam sales by 50%
Services
Mercury-Free Dentistry Advocacy
We lead global campaigns to eliminate dental mercury through policy changes and international treaties. Our advocacy has influenced regulatory agencies to implement amalgam restrictions. We collaborate with governments and organizations to create mercury-free dental standards worldwide.
Consumer Education Campaigns
Our educational initiatives inform patients about mercury risks in dental fillings. We provide resources to help consumers choose safer alternatives. These campaigns have contributed to a 50% reduction in U.S. amalgam sales since 2001 through informed decision-making.
Policy Reform Initiatives
We work with federal and state agencies to implement mercury restrictions. Our legal victories include FDA amalgam regulations and EPA mandates for dental mercury separators. We advocate for legislative changes to protect both patients and dental professionals from mercury exposure.
Environmental Protection Programs
Our programs address dental mercury pollution in water systems. We collaborate with environmental agencies to implement mercury capture technologies. These initiatives protect ecosystems from contamination caused by dental amalgam waste.
Dental Worker Safety Advocacy
We advocate for workplace protections for dental professionals handling mercury. Our efforts include pushing for OSHA compliance and safety protocols. We provide resources to help dental staff minimize mercury exposure during daily operations.
People
Charlie Brown
National Counsel
Charlie Brown leads international advocacy efforts as National Counsel. He represents Consumers for Dental Choice in global mercury treaty negotiations and manages coalition-building initiatives across six continents to advance mercury-free dentistry.
Sylvia
Contact Coordinator
Sylvia manages communication and donor relations for mercury-free initiatives. She serves as the primary contact for organizational inquiries and coordinates community engagement efforts to expand the reach of our mercury reduction programs.
Questions
What is dental amalgam and why is it dangerous?
Dental amalgam contains 50% mercury, a toxic heavy metal linked to neurological damage. It poses risks to patients, dental workers, and the environment through mercury pollution.
How can I find mercury-free dental care?
Visit our website to access a directory of mercury-free dentists. We partner with providers committed to safe alternatives and can help you locate qualified professionals in your area.
What policy changes have you achieved?
We secured FDA amalgam regulations, EPA mercury separator mandates, and state-level patient disclosure requirements. Our advocacy contributed to the global mercury treaty's dental provisions.
How does mercury affect vulnerable populations?
Mercury exposure particularly harms children, pregnant women, and developing fetuses. Our research demonstrates increased neurological risks for these groups, prompting protective policy reforms.
Can I get involved with your organization?
Yes! You can sign up for action alerts, join our donor network, or participate in local advocacy. We provide resources for individuals and professionals to advance mercury-free dentistry.
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