Environmental Management for Dental Offices

Legal Requirements: Dental Best Management Practices and Amalgam Separators

In 2005, legislation was passed in Vermont requiring dental offices to comply with environmental best management practices (BMPs) for amalgam wastes developed by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The law also required the installation of amalgam separators in the wastewater discharge by January 1, 2007.

How Does a Dental Office Comply?

IMPORTANT: Orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons are NOT required to file a self-certification form or install an amalgam separator.

All other dental practices:

1. Read and comply with the Dental BMPs.
2. Install an amalgam separator on your wastewater discharge (more information).
3. Self-certify your compliance status with the Dental BMPs by filing a self-certification form by January 31st every other year starting in 2011.
   • Online self-certification form
   • Instructions for completing the online self-certification form

Questions? Contact Karen Knaebel at (802) 522-5736 or by email at karen.knaebel@state.vt.us.

Additional Resources:

"The Environmentally Responsible Dental Office: A Guide to Proper Waste Management in Dental Offices". Produced by the Northeast Resource Center of the National Wildlife Federation and the Vermont State Dental Society, June 1999.