Question: What are the largest waste management issues to contend with in the dental field?
Marc Sussman: The number one issue today in my mind is the new regulations concerning the proper disposal and recycling of amalgam waste. This is a regulatory concern given the content of mercury in the amalgam. This first became an issue about 30 years ago in Europe and has been regulated there for more than 25 years. In many ways the issue is similar to the time when no gloves were required in the United States and then of course various events made gloves a standard practice in the profession. The issue of simply throwing amalgam waste away versus the now strict guidelines for proper collection and disposal is on a similar track to the no gloves/gloves analogy.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed rule which follows a 10-year period where states and certain localities put regulations in effect. The EPA proposed rule is much more extensive than previous state regulations and is going to require dental offices to fully understand how this is a serious compliance issue.
On the international front the new United Nations treaty on mercury has requirements similar to the proposed EPA rule. However, it is not as close as to the actual implementation since countries first have to ratify the treaty and then implement specific regulations. However, our feeling is that, just like Europe, the United States and other major global markets will follow suit and amalgam collection and recycling will become standard practices within the profession.
Q: How can DRNA and DRI help dental practices manage these issues?
MS: DRNA and DRI have three central components: providing technology, recycling and education for all of its customers on what is required and to offer them the best solution to keep them compliant. Our goal is to become the leader in the United States and outside the U.S. in key global markets in providing the profession a complete turnkey solution to be in compliance with this new regulatory landscape.
Q: How has the dental regulatory landscape changed over the past few years?
MS: In the past, some have viewed this issue as a simply placing a piece of equipment (i.e. an amalgam separator) in the office and that is all that is required. Both the recent EPA proposed rule and the terms of the U.N. treaty clearly make this is a much more complicated compliance issue. A complete compliance solution is what in our mind the professional is seeking in both the United States and on a global level.
The landscape of environmental issues over the last few years has changed primarily due to the issue of amalgam/mercury disposal. Prior to this issue, the major regulatory environmental matter in the dental office was medical waste, with which everyone is familiar. Now that amalgam is on the forefront some professionals are asking about the potential effects of other restorative materials and how best to make their office contribute to a safe and secure environment in the local community that dentist service. Thus I think the profession is on the tipping point of environmental awareness and compliance being a critical part of practice management.
Q: Do you expect any large regulatory changes within the next few years?
MS: The biggest change we see happening to dental offices is the enforcement and reporting aspect as it relates to environmental issues. Most offices are very familiar with OSHA issues and medical waste management. Now, one can add a new layer of amalgam recycling and a continued greater scrutiny of how waste management programs are implemented in the office.
To summarize just as the no gloves/gloves issue changed the dental profession, amalgam waste recycling and its compliance aspect will alter how environmental issues are addressed within the office.
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