Dentists have been given some clarification from the Scottish Government on reducing the use of dental amalgam.

Following changes to EU regulations on dental amalgam that were effective from 1 July 2018, the Scottish Government has now issued a memorandum1 on the phasing down of dental amalgam, including a list of the revised fees for non-amalgam restorations.

From 1 July 2018, an EU Regulation placed a legally-binding obligation to terminate the use of dental amalgam in deciduous teeth, and to restrict its use, except when necessary, for children under 15 years old, and for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Following queries from members, BDA Scotland has received clarification from Scottish Government and Practitioner Services Division that 'resin' restorations are defined as: 'Any non-amalgam restoration which includes composites and resin-modified glass ionomer restorative materials.'

The code for pregnant and breastfeeding women has not altered and can be found in the Practitioner Services Discretionary fee guide 20172.