Management of Dental Amalgam Waste Produced in Private and Public Dental Practices in Two Cities of Morocco: Rabat and Kenitra

Background: Dental amalgam has been the subject of several studies mainly on the emission of mercury vapor during its handling. The World Health Organization considers that the inhalation of mercury vapor can have adverse effects on the digestive, nervous, immune, pulmonary and renal levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate current practices in the management of dental amalgam waste produced at the level of dental practices in the cities of Rabat and Kenitra in Morocco. Methods: A questionnaire has been established to assess the situation of mercury waste management in dental practices and to make these physicians aware of the importance of this management. This study was conducted for a period of three months from April 15 through July 15, 2017. Results: Of the 172 questionnaires submitted to the dentists, 50 completed and usable questionnaires were retrieved. The response rate was 29%. The survey revealed that 68% (17) stated that their dental chair was not equipped with an amalgam separator, the spittoon being connected directly to the sewers. The average amount of dental amalgam used per dental office and per month was 5.6±17.33g. Among the dentists interviewed, 96% had no idea of the Minamata convention. 54% (27) still use dental amalgam. Of these, 42% (21) still throw this waste into public garbage cans. Conclusion: Dentists share the overall responsibility for the reduction and elimination of toxic waste that can harm human health and the environment.