Indian Health Service to phase out use of mercury dental fillings by 2027

Published: Monday, February 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Indian Health Service to Eliminate Mercury Dental Fillings by 2027

The Indian Health Service (IHS), the federal agency providing healthcare to Native Americans and Alaska Natives, is set to phase out the use of dental fillings containing mercury by 2027. This decision follows growing health and environmental concerns surrounding mercury exposure.

For decades, the IHS has utilized dental amalgams, often referred to as "silver fillings," to treat decayed or damaged teeth. These fillings contain elemental mercury, a neurotoxin. The move to eliminate these fillings comes after calls from Native American rights advocates and industry experts who have raised concerns about potential harm to patients, particularly those with limited access to private dental care.

The use of mercury-containing fillings has already declined significantly since 2009, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified them. The IHS has seen a decrease in their use, with the percentage of patients receiving them dropping from 12% in 2005 to 2% in 2023. The agency's shift aligns with global efforts to reduce the use of mercury-containing materials, including the Minamata Convention, a global agreement targeting the adverse health and environmental effects of mercury. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also encouraged countries to phase out dental amalgams.

The FDA acknowledges that dental amalgams can release small amounts of mercury vapor, but maintains that available evidence does not link them to long-term negative health outcomes. However, the agency recommends that certain individuals, such as pregnant women, children under six, and those with neurological conditions, avoid these fillings.

While the U.S. government's decision to eliminate mercury fillings by 2027 is ahead of the global schedule, many developed nations have already banned the practice. Critics argue that patients relying on government healthcare services may not have the same choices as those in the private sector.

BNN's Perspective:

The IHS's decision to phase out mercury fillings is a positive step towards prioritizing patient health and aligning with global environmental standards. While the FDA and the American Dental Association maintain the safety of these fillings, the precautionary principle suggests that eliminating a known neurotoxin from healthcare practices is a responsible approach. This move reflects a commitment to providing the best possible care for a vulnerable population.

Keywords: Indian Health Service, IHS, mercury fillings, dental amalgams, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, health, environment, neurotoxin, FDA, Minamata Convention, dental care, mercury exposure, health concerns, dental fillings, mercury, silver fillings

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