Mercury Safety in Dentistry

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to mercury safety and handling procedures in dentistry, based on lecture notes.

If an accidental mercury spill occurs on a carpeted treatment, room floor, using a vacuum cleaner is the fastest, safest way to collect the potential harmful droplets? True or false

False

Who is ultimately responsible for proper mercury handling and disposal training in a dental office?

The burden falls on the dentist or a designated office safety supervisor.

__ Has been found to be the primary source of mercury exposure in the dental personnel.

a squeeze cloth

Although significant consideration of mercury may be generated during restorative procedures, approximately 90% can be eliminated by using what throughout the procedure?

high– volume evacuation

Members of the dental team can minimize unnecessary occupational exposure to the mercury by following the recommended mercury, hygiene procedures set forth by the American dental Association. True or false.

True

Potential occupational risk for mercury contamination in the dental office include all of the following except

Composite catalyst and base left uncovered during spatulation.

with the exception of seasonal, environmental and pet allergies, mercury allergic reactions are among the highest reported allergies in the US. True or false.

False they are very rare

all of the following are recommendations by safety Mercury handling and hygiene set forth by the ADA except

Working under a heat source to warm up amalgam

What should dental team members NOT do when using a mercury spill kit?

Remove gloves to ensure that all droplets have been picked up.

According to ADA guidelines, can dental personnel use strips of adhesive tape to pick up small mercury spills?

True.