Abstract

RUIZ C, Jairo et al. Management of dental amalgams in small and medium size dental offices in Medellín,Itagüí,Envigado, Sabaneta and Bello. Rev. Fac. Nac. Salud Pública [online]. 2005, vol.23, n.1, pp.59-69. ISSN 0120-386X.

This article is derived from the research Environmental interventions of mercury usage in dental offices, sponsored by the Research Development Committee of the University of Antioquia (CODI) and carried out by the Biomedical Science and Technology Group (CTB) and the Pyrometallurgical and Materials Investigation Group (GIPIMME) of the same university, that was developed in 2002-2003. Objective: to characterize the occupational variables of small dental offices in Medellín, Itagüí, Envigado, Sabaneta and Bello, as well as the management of mercury and the disposal of wastes accomplished there, on the basis of the results obtained in a random sample of 139 dental offices. Methods: an inquiry and observation form were designed and applied on a person-to-person basis by the research team previously trained, as well as an instrument aimed to observe locative aspects and mercury and amalgams management peculiarities. Knowledge was thus obtained of the mercury handling and storage procedures. Results: they should motivate a reflection accomplished by the personnel involved in dentistry, referred to their professional practice, in order to get a more qualified service with minimum environmental impact.

Keywords : Management of dental amalgams in small and medium size dental offices in Medellín; Itagüí; Sabaneta; Bello.

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