Northern Ireland

Dentists in Northern Ireland to be exempt from new EU mercury filling ban

British Dental Association NI said it is relieved the European Commission has approved the ‘derogation’

Many Brits are struggling to get a dental appointment
The ban would have applied to dentists in Northern Ireland (Alamy Stock Photo)
By Suzanne McGonagle

Dentists in Northern Ireland will be exempt from a new mercury filling ban set to be introduced next year.

The Department of Health said it had secured a “derogation” from the EU’s new mercury regulations.

The use of mercury metal-based fillings (dental amalgam) in dentistry is due to be stopped from January 1 2025.

It was set to applied in Northern Ireland because it still follows some EU rules as a result of its post-Brexit deal, the Windsor Framework.

But the British Dental Association Northern Ireland (BDANI) said earlier this year the move would have “broken NHS dentistry” in the north.

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper and mercury.

It is the most common type of filling used to repair tooth cavities, but “low levels of mercury vapour” can be released, which the European Commission describes as a “very toxic substance”.

In a statement on Friday, health minister Mike Nesbitt said: “Securing a derogation from the EU’s new mercury regulations has been a priority for this department and I conveyed this message urgently to the new UK government when they took office, given the impact on patients and practices throughout Northern Ireland.

“I am very pleased that this has been secured and that the phasing down of mercury can be taken forward in a much more planned way over the coming years.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt speaks to the Media at Castle Buildings. PIC COLM LENAGHAN
Health minister Mike Nesbitt. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN

Ciara Gallagher from the BDANI said they are relieved the European Commission had approved the derogation from the new EU regulations.

“A ban on dental amalgam in 2025 could have spelled the end for NHS dentistry in Northern Ireland,” she said.

“We sounded the alarm and fought tooth and nail for a workable solution. This delay is a glimmer of hope for a service that’s on its knees and could not have shouldered any further financial pressure.

nearly half of all adults (47%) have been affected by their teeth in the last year, with 28% saying they had felt self-conscious
British Dental Association NI expressed its relief that the European Commission has approved a derogation from the EU’s new mercury regulations

“We have some breathing space, but Stormont and Westminster cannot take their feet off the pedal to affect a seamless transition to amalgam-free dentistry.

“Any progress will require reform, investment, and concerted action on deep oral health inequalities.

“When the plug is finally pulled on amalgam, Northern Ireland will need to have a healthier population and a more sustainable service.

“Otherwise. this 10 year derogation is a mere stay of execution for NHS dentistry.”