Historic Mandate: 2034 Amalgam Phase-Out Confirmed
The global regulation of dentistry has entered a new phase following a landmark decision at the Sixth Conference of the Parties (COP6) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The parties adopted an agreement that sets December 31, 2034, as the worldwide phase-out date for the manufacture, import, and export of dental amalgam.
This historic mandate, achieved through sustained advocacy by global organizations like the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI), secures a date for the elimination of mercury-based restorative materials, while crucially protecting patient access to necessary care.
Negotiating the Timeline and Equity
The final 2034 phase-out date represents a significant win for organized dentistry, which successfully argued for an extension beyond the originally proposed 2030 deadline. This four-year extension provides essential time for healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, to adapt:
Capacity Building: It allows countries to adequately train dental professionals on mercury-free alternatives and update clinical protocols.
Infrastructure Investment: It provides time to invest in new restorative materials and establish necessary supply chains.
Equity Focus: This extended timeline is designed to prevent a deepening of global oral health inequalities, as many developing nations still rely on amalgam due to its low cost and durability.
The decision is a major step toward fulfilling the Convention’s objective: protecting human health and the environment from mercury pollution.
The Crucial Clinical Exemption
Central to the agreement is a key exemption advocated for by the FDI and others, ensuring that the phase-out does not compromise patient care.
Patient-Centered Care: The exemption permits the continued use of amalgam "when its use is considered necessary by the dental practitioner based on the needs of the patient."
Safeguarding Access: This provision is vital for regions where mercury-free alternatives may be unavailable, unaffordable, or clinically unsuitable for specific cases. The goal is to avoid an increase in untreated dental disease as the global transition occurs.
The COP6 decision provides clarity and a firm timeline, positioning the global dental community to manage a phased transition towards fully mercury-free restorative care while upholding the primary commitment to patient well-being.
Original Article Details
Original Title (Shortened): Historic Mandate: 2034 Amalgam Phase-Out Confirmed
Source: Dental Tribune (Content citing FDI World Dental Federation)
Publication Date: November 21, 2025