More than two years ago, the FDA convened its second scientific advisory panel on dental amalgam. For the second time, the scientists told the FDA that amalgam use in children, pregnant women, and hypersensitive adults needs to stop. Not a single panelist agreed with a 2009 FDA rule that permitted unrestricted amalgam use in children and pregnant women.
In response, the FDA did nothing. In September 2011, when dentists, consumers, and scientists confronted FDA Center Director Jeff Shuren, he publicly stated that the FDA would make “an announcement [about almalgam] by the end of the year.” The year ended with no announcement forthcoming.
According to the Campaign for Mercury Free Dentistry:
“It’s time for Congress to step in and tell FDA to listen to its scientists. Which means ... it’s time for you to telephone your Congressman or Congresswoman and ask that he/she write FDA to find out what is going on ... It sometimes takes a second call or a follow-up email, but talking to Congress works.”