Amalgam Separator Installation and Maintenance Requirements

Installation Requirements

Vermont dental offices are required to install amalgam separators no later than January 1, 2007. This requirement applies to any practice that places or removes dental amalgam. The following categories of dental practices are exempt from the requirement: orthodontists, periodontists, endodonists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

A list of approved amalgam separators that meets the installation requirement has been provided (ISO 11143 Standard for amalgam separators) and will be updated periodically. Further information on amalgam separators and practical considerations in choosing an amalgam separator are contained in the Vermont Dental Amalgam Pilot Project Report. You may benefit by speaking to other dentists that have installed separators, dental suppliers, and the vendors/manufacturers of amalgam separators. Installation may require the services of a plumber.

We recommend that you begin the process now in order to comply with the deadline.

Inspection & Maintenance Requirements

It is important to perform routine maintenance on amalgam separators to ensure that they are serving their intended purpose of amalgam removal. Failure to perform maintenance and change cartridges or collector boxes when full can lead to bypass of the system and discharges of mercury in the wastewater.

The Dental Best Management Practices require that an inspection log be maintained for your amalgam separator. Click on the links below to view a sample inspection log and a log that you can download for your use.

Sample Amalgam Separator Inspection Log

Amalgam Separator Inspection Log (print for your use)

For further information or if you have questions, please contact the Environmental Assistance Office at 800-974-9559.