The choice of appropriate material used to restore a tooth is down to the clinician.
Article 10(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/852 contains the following provisions relating to dental amalgam - shall not be used for dental treatment of:
a) deciduous teeth
b) children under 15 years
c) pregnant or breastfeeding women
except when deemed strictly necessary by the dental practitioner based on the specific medical needs of the patient.
Read more information about providing amalgam fillings.
The provision of new amalgam fillings has been banned across the EU from 1 January 2025.
The UK government have agreed to ‘phase down’ provision of new amalgam fillings, but these can still be provided if clinically justified.
Guidance for contracts in England is available on the Department of Health and Social Care website.
Guidance for contracts in Wales is available on the gov.wales website.