World Health Organization releases environmental guideline for oral health

As the world turns increasingly towards more environmentally sustainable practices across a diverse array of industries and professions, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a guideline which "provides evidence‑based recommendations for the safe and effective use of mercury‑free dental materials and minimal interventions to prevent and manage dental caries."

The guideline, Environmentally friendly and less invasive oral health care for preventing and managing dental caries, is a response to the growing global commitments to phase out mercury use under the Minamata Convention on Mercury and to strengthen oral health within broader health agendas, including the Bangkok Declaration – No Health Without Oral Health.

The guideline emphasises less invasive approaches which promote patient safety, quality of care and environmental protection, presenting a comprehensive package of safe, effective and mercury-free clinical interventions.

The guideline advances the implementation of the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023–2030, which calls for all countries to ensure access to essential, promotive, preventive and curative oral health services as part of universal health coverage. 

Additionally, the recommendations further align oral health care with broader global commitments on climate action and sustainable development goals, promoting environmentally sustainable approaches within health systems.

With dental carries the most common noncommunicable disease globally, including in Australia as the Australia’s Oral Health Tracker demonstrates, the guideline seeks to transition away from the use of dental amalgam, expanding access to essential, cost-effective, and safe oral health services.

"This guideline represents a landmark in global oral health," said Dr Benoit Varenne, WHO Dental Officer. "For the first time, countries have strong evidence showing that safe and less invasive interventions with mercury-free products can effectively prevent, stop and manage dental caries, while providing a more environmentally sustainable alternative to dental amalgam."

The WHO guideline, Environmentally friendly and less invasive oral health care for preventing and managing dental caries, was part of the discussions at the 158th session of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization.