The federal agency that provides health care to Native Americans will no longer treat tooth decay with dental fillings containing mercury. The Indian Health Service announced this month it will phase out the use of such fillings, known as dental amalgams, by 2027. The American Dental Association notes existing evidence does not link mercury exposure via dental fillings to long-term negative health impacts. But advocates say Indian Health Service patients should not receive treatment that is considered antiquated in the private sector. Documents from the Indian Health Service show the percentage of patients receiving mercury fillings has declined from 12% in 2005 to 2% in 2023.
