Newsletters > Winter 1997 > Consumter Petition for Access to Mercury-Free Dentists, by Leo Cashman

In a move that is being paralleled across the country, a coalition of consumers is asking the Minnesota Board of Dentistry to adopt policies which guarantee consumers the opportunity to learn more about the potential consequences of mercury use so that they may make informed decisions on behalf of themselves and their families. The consumers group, Consumers for Dental Choice, also calls for "adoption of policies that assure a level playing field, so that mercury free dentists are free to practice in the best interests of their patients without fear of harassment by their state dental boards."

In Minnesota, as in a number of other states, the most outspoken mercury free dentists have received a large amount of investigative attention and prosecution from the dental boards which rule the profession. In 1995, Minnesota's most outspoken mercury critic, Dr. Gary Jacobson was forced into early retirement, his finances drained, after protracted legal sparring with the Minnesota Dental Board and Attorney General Skip Humphrey's prosecuting attorneys. Jacobson's patients and other dental consumers have formed a consumer movement to protect all the holistic dentists in Minnesota and to alert other consumers as to the heal risks of dental amalgam fillings. The nonmetallic fillings, known as "composites" now provide a superior tooth restoration, but require greater skill on the part of the dentist to be placed. A risk assessment done for the Canadian government estimates that the health "Hazard Ratio" for composites is only about one ten-thousandth of that of amalgam fillings, which contain 50% mercury, the most toxic of the common poisonous metals. As a result, the governmental agency, Health Canada, has urged some curbs on the use of amalgam fillings (for example; they are not to be used on women or pregnant women) and that Canadians be alerted to the options so they can make the most informed choice.

The Consumers for Dental Choice Coalition includes several national nonprofit groups: Citizens for Health and DAMS, Inc. (Dental Amalgam Mercury Syndrome). DAMS, Inc. now has a Minnesota chapter which urges you to call the Minnesota Dental Board (612) 617?2250 to voice your support for consumer access to mercury free, health conscious dentistry.

Dental mercury has been linked to periodontal disease, fatigue, mental and nervous disorders, auto immune disorders and is increasingly linked to such major illnesses as Alzheimer's Disease and multiple sclerosis. For references to the literature and for help in locating a mercury free dentist, you may write to me at: 

DAMS, Inc.
1079 Summit Ave
St. Paul, MN  55105

From the Twin Cities: 651-222-6760
Toll Free:  1-800-311-6265

www.amalgam.org