Worldwide publicity of the amalgam controversy has intensified the growing concerns on its utilization and safety. This controversy has grown beyond the confines of the dental profession itself and has become an emotional public health issue. The aim of this study was to solicit infor­mation regarding dentists' perception on amalgam safety - their general attitudes on its removal and acceptability of the available alternative materials. A questionnaire was distributed to a ran­dom sample of 1 70 public and private dentists in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study showed that a majority of the respondents do not believe that amalgam poses risks to the patient's health. However, it was felt that occupational hazards from amalgam may exist when it is not properly handled. While composite and glass ionomer restoratives were selected more frequently as an alternative to amalgam, the ideal material was not clearly defined by the respondents. The attitude of most dentists towards amalgam removal upon patient's request, was admirable and consistent with professional and ethical principles. This study serves the dental professionals in assuming a positive and more protective role in the amalgam con­troversy and in reducing patients' concern.

Saudi Dental Journal 1996;8(1):27-33