Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Can extracted teeth with amalgam in them be thrown away in regular waste?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if properly packaged

4. It depends on the location

The correct answer is: No

The disposal of extracted teeth containing amalgam must adhere to specific regulations due to the mercury content in dental amalgam. In Minnesota, as well as in many other jurisdictions, it is classified as hazardous waste. This is because the improper disposal of materials containing mercury can pose serious environmental and health risks. By law, extracted teeth with amalgam are not allowed to be disposed of in regular waste. Instead, they should be handled as biomedical or hazardous waste. This means that dental practices must have protocols in place for the safe collection, storage, and disposal of such materials, typically involving a licensed waste disposal service that specializes in hazardous materials. Handling extracted teeth with amalgam correctly is essential for compliance with environmental regulations and ensuring public safety. Therefore, the assertion that such teeth can be thrown away in regular waste is incorrect.