New Hampshire Dental Project

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) formed a working partnership with the New Hampshire Dental Society (NHDS) and the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center. This partnership promoted the proper management and recycling of mercury-containing wastes and x-ray wastes in dental offices (including compliance with environmental laws and regulations), and encourages the use of non-mercury amalgams.

The partnership first conducted a survey to evaluate the level of awareness and degree of mercury amalgam use, recycling, and disposal among New Hampshire dentists. The survey data has been complied and analyzed to determine the best method of outreach for the partnership to use. The 2001 survey results are online for viewing.

Best Management Practices Manual

The DES Pollution Prevention Program received a Pollution Prevention Incentives for States (PPIS) grant to work with New Hampshire dentists to promote best waste management practices and to reduce hazardous wastes. Through this grant, the Best Management Practices for Dental Offices in New Hampshire was developed and distributed to New Hampshire dentists by the NHDS. Topics covered include management and recommended handling procedures of hazardous waste in dental offices, as well as infectious, office, and computer wastes.

Two inserts have also been added to the Best Management Practices for Dental Offices in New Hampshire. Dental Offices Waste Handling Procedures For Dentists and Mercury/Amalgam Waste Handling Procedures For Dentists both list summaries of the types of dental waste, source of the waste in the dental office, management options and restrictions.