The Debate over Mercury in Dental Fillings

Hosted by
Since the mid-1800's, dentists have been filling teeth with a silver-colored material that's mostly mercury plus some other metals. But lately, the dental establishment has been in an uproar over charges that the mercury component may cause health problems. There's no proof that it does, but there's no proof that it doesn't either. Now, the American Dental Association's accused in court of forbidding dentists from even discussing the possible risk with their patients. And, while the ADA dismisses what it calls a false alarm, some dentists are filling teeth with alternative materials. Newsmaker: Bush Appoints Robert Mueller to head the FBI - At a time when the agency's under fire for embarrassing scandals, President Bush wants Robert Mueller to head the FBI. Mueller is a veteran of the Justice Department under the first President Bush and Bill Clinton and has supervised several high profile cases. At the White House today, the President said Mueller was "chosen with great care." What are his prospects for Senate Confirmation?
Since the mid-1800's, dentists have been filling teeth with a silver-colored material that's mostly mercury plus some other metals. But lately, the dental establishment has been in an uproar over charges that the mercury component may cause health problems. There's no proof that it does, but there's no proof that it doesn't either. Now, the American Dental Association's accused in court of forbidding dentists from even discussing the possible risk with their patients. And, while the ADA dismisses what it calls a false alarm, some dentists are filling teeth with alternative materials.
  • Newsmaker: Bush Appoints Robert Mueller to head the FBI - At a time when the agency's under fire for embarrassing scandals, President Bush wants Robert Mueller to head the FBI. Mueller is a veteran of the Justice Department under the first President Bush and Bill Clinton and has supervised several high profile cases. At the White House today, the President said Mueller was "chosen with great care." What are his prospects for Senate Confirmation?
    • <
  • Reporter's Notebook: Cheney's High-Tech Heart Treatment - Vice President Cheney has been implanted with a 30,000-dollar device that will help prevent heart problems in the future. According to one authority, that puts him "light years beyond what's being done in the general medical community." Will Vice President Cheney's immediate access to high-tech treatment raise the standard of care for other heart patients?

ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct

California Public Interest Research Group (www.calpirg.org)

Various Links on Mercury Fillings

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney