The Michigan Dental Association supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel's call for continued research into amalgam fillings, while reassuring dental patients that the FDA's official position remains that amalgam is safe and effective. 

"As a science-based organization representing a science-based profession, we support the panel's recommendation for continued scientific review of amalgam fillings," said Raymond Gist, D.D.S., of Flint, president of the 155,000-member American Dental Association.

"Our position on amalgam and all clinical issues is based on the best available science and we continue updating our positions accordingly," Gist said.

The dental products panel concluded two days of public hearings on Dec. 15 regarding the FDA's rule last year classifying amalgam as an approved medical device. The panel has no regulatory authority but will discuss scientific issues to be considered by the FDA in regulating dental amalgam.

"Dentists have used amalgam for a long time and we have learned a great deal about its durability, reliability and safety," said Gary Jeffers, D.M.D., M.S., president of the Michigan Dental Association and associate professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. "It's important for the dentist and the patient to talk about which dental filling is most appropriate for each specific situation, but amalgam has withstood the test of time, with study after study showing it to be safe and effective."