Recent Legislation

New regulations in New York State, effective, May 12, 2006, will require most New York state dentists to install amalgam separators in their dental offices. The regulations also require and detail the proper recycling of amalgam. Existing dental offices have up to two (2) years after May 12, 2006 to comply. Any new offices built after May 12, 2006 are required to have a separator at the outset.

Orthodontists, Periodontists, Prosthodontists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are exempt from separators. While the regulation applies to “All dental facility waters likely to come into contact with dental amalgam waste,” offices that limit their practice to these specialties are exempt from the use of separators.

All dental offices, regardless of specialty, must recycle amalgam.

For information, www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/redrecy/374regs.html or call DEC at 518-402-8705.