Managing the phase‐down of amalgam amongst Nigerian dental professionals and students: A national survey

Background Amalgam is one of the most reliable dental restorative materials. Health and environmental concerns associated with the mercury content of amalgam have necessitated an amalgam phase‐down in clinical practice. Objectives This study investigated the level of awareness and preparedness for the planned amalgam phase‐down recommended by the Minamata Convention amongst Nigerian dental students and dentists. Methods This cross‐sectional national survey was performed across all geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data regarding awareness, practice and level of preparedness for amalgam phase‐down were obtained using a questionnaire that was distributed amongst clinical dental students and dentists of different cadres, who routinely place dental restorations, in public and private practice. The questionnaires were administered online or were hand delivered. Data were analysed using the chi‐square test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Notably, 845 dental students and dentists participated in the survey. Mean age (±standard deviation) of participants was 30.15 ± 7.67 years, 33.8% were students, and 66.2% were dentists (most dentists [77.1%] were employed at public hospitals). A significant percentage of respondents had poor knowledge of the Minamata Convention (87.7%) and lacked training in the use of alternatives to amalgam (72.0%). Amalgam continues to be commonly used by 39.1% and 31.3% of dental students and dentists, respectively. Only 4.7% of the respondents admitted to following good amalgam phase‐down practices. Awareness (P = 0.013) and amalgam phase‐down practices (P = 0.011) were significantly higher amongst dentists than amongst dental students. Conclusion We observed low levels of awareness regarding the Minamata Convention, amalgam phase‐down, mercury hygiene practices and training in alternatives to amalgam use amongst Nigerian dental professionals and students.