Dentistry/research

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Question
Hi .. i am a student and want to do research on any controversial issues in biology. I choose the field of dentistry but couldn't find any such issues. As a dentist could you tell me about any such issues that you have heard about or faced yourself....
Thanks

Answer
Hi Ayesha

Yes - how about the use of dental amalgam?  Amalgam contains a mixture of metals that set hard when reacted with mercury - it has been used for over a hundred and fifty years as the main filling material.  However, mercury is a poison - it is highly toxic - yet when used in amalgam it appears safe - there have been no cases of mercury toxicity from use of dental amalgam.

Sweden banned amalgam a few years ago for environmental reasons (worried about release of mercury from waste amalgam/cremation of bodies etc.), and until recently its use was fully endorsed by the British Dental Association and the American Dental Association - although the ADA have recently had a change of heart!

Could be interesting for you?

Regards

Tony Appleton

Dentistry

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Tony Appleton BDS DPDS

Expertise

I am an experienced general dental practitioner in private dental practice. I have worked for the past 25 or so years in the UK, and own a busy practice in Stratford upon Avon, Stratford Dental. From early 2012 my wife and I moved to Canberra, Australia, where I have taken up the position of Lead Dentist in a large city-centre practice. I will happily answer questions related to general practice, and have interests in endodontics (root canal), dental implants, CEREC/E4D cad-cam dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

Experience

I have been a general dental practitioner for over 25 years, working initially under the NHS, but since 2001 have been solely in private practice. I run a busy practice with my wife, Lisa, who is also a dentist. I have also been closely involved in the training of young dentists, and have lectured to dentists on a variety of subjects, both clinical and managerial, related to general dental practice.

Organizations

Church Street Dental Practice

Stratford Dental

Modern Dentistry

British Dental Association



Publications

British Dental Journal

Cancer Treatment Reviews



Education/Credentials
BDS Sheffield 1986 DPDS Bristol 2001

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