Albuquerque, N.M. – In a significant move impacting the health of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced it will eliminate the use of dental fillings containing mercury by 2027. This decision addresses long-standing concerns about potential health risks associated with dental amalgams, commonly known as “silver fillings,” and aligns with a growing global trend toward mercury-free dentistry.
For decades, the IHS has relied on dental amalgams to treat tooth decay within the Native American and Alaska Native communities it serves. However, these fillings contain elemental mercury, a neurotoxin, prompting advocates and dental health professionals to call for a transition to safer alternatives. The IHS provides healthcare to approximately 2.8 million people, and the shift aims to protect this vulnerable population from potential mercury exposure.
The decision, announced on February 9, 2026, comes after a steady decline in the use of mercury-containing amalgams within the IHS system. Data from the agency reveals a dramatic decrease, falling from 12% in 2005 to just 2% in 2023, the latest year for which figures are available according to News-USA Today. This trend reflects a broader shift within the dental industry towards plastic resin alternatives, favored for their durability and aesthetic qualities.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified dental amalgams from low to moderate risk in 2009, contributing to the declining use. The IHS’s commitment to phasing out these fillings by 2027 builds on this momentum and responds to growing environmental and health concerns about mercury exposure. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Stated that the change is “a commonsense step that protects patients and prevents harm before it starts” as reported by WDBO.
The move likewise upholds the U.S. Government’s legal responsibilities to the 575 federally recognized tribes. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the IHS, the decision is driven by both health concerns and global efforts to reduce the use of hazardous heavy metals WDBO reports.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a plan to encourage countries worldwide to phase out dental amalgams, and the United States signed the Minamata Convention in 2013, an international agreement aimed at addressing the adverse health and environmental effects of mercury News-USA Today details. The IHS decision aligns with this global movement.
Although the IHS is committed to a full transition by 2027, the agency has already seen a significant reduction in amalgam use. The percentage of the IHS patient population receiving these fillings has decreased substantially over the past two decades. The agency’s Albuquerque Indian Dental Clinic in New Mexico is pictured as part of the announcement
The transition to mercury-free alternatives is expected to be a gradual process, with the IHS working to ensure that all tribal dental programs have access to the necessary materials, and training. The agency will likely focus on providing alternative restorative materials, such as composite resins and glass ionomers, which are considered safer and equally effective for treating tooth decay.
Looking ahead, the IHS will continue to monitor the implementation of this policy and assess its impact on the health of Native American and Alaska Native communities. The agency will also collaborate with tribal leaders and dental health professionals to ensure a smooth and successful transition to mercury-free dentistry. Further updates on the implementation timeline and available resources will be released in the coming months.
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Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about health topics and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
