EPA Compliance, Simplified
Addressing all 4 requirements of the EPA Dental Rule, the Solmetex Compliance Program makes it easy for practices to put their amalgam waste recycling on autopilot
No one went to dental school because they were passionate about compliance. But unfortunately, staying up to date with state and federal regulations is a necessity when maintaining a dental practice. Balancing HIPAA and OSHA demands with safe prescribing practices, state radiation requirements, and changing infection control guidelines can be a stressful endeavor—making any opportunity to automate your compliance efforts well worth it.
Enter the Solmetex Compliance Program—a simple way to put your amalgam waste recycling on autopilot. The turnkey solution provides auto-delivery of all products needed to comply with federal regulations on amalgam waste, 2 of which are DPS Best Products. Practices can easily set up a custom delivery schedule that works best for their office needs. Best of all, there are no contracts or fees.
What Is the EPA Dental Rule?
In effect since July 2020, the EPA Dental Rule establishes specific protocols and procedures for the handling of dental amalgam waste. There are 4 main components to the rule that dental offices need to comply with:
1. Use of an ISO 11143 certified amalgam separator
2. Use of a vacuum line cleaner with a neutral pH between 6 and 8
3. Clearly marked amalgam bucket for recycling of anything that touches amalgam
4. Certificates of amalgam recycling
After receiving feedback from practices attempting to comply with the EPA Dental Rule, Solmetex launched the Solmetex Compliance Program to make it easy for practices to stay compliant and produce the necessary installation, warranty, and recycling certificates.
NXT Hg5 Series Amalgam Separators When a group of dentists evaluated the NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator for DPS in 2018, the result was a near-perfect score of 4.9 out of 5. Once connected with a practice’s evacuation system, the NXT Hg5 quietly and efficiently separates amalgam particles that contain harmful mercury—allowing water to flow through lines while capturing the waste in a clear collection container.
“I can see precisely when I need to replace the canister and it seems to be removing more particles from the water and fewer contaminants are going in my septic system,” noted Dr. Joel Doyon, who maintains a practice in Buxton, ME.
“I especially like how easy it is to replace the canister with a new one and then package it up and send it away to be processed."
—Joel Doyon, DDS, MAGD
When the amalgam solids reach the full line or at 12 months, whichever comes first, the container is shipped to an EPAcertified mercury facility via Solmetex’s convenient mail-back recycling program. “I especially like how easy it is to replace the canister with a new one and then package it up and send it away to be processed. It takes less than 5 minutes to remove the old canister and replace the new one, all while the evacuation system is running,” added Dr. Doyon.
PowerScrub Vacuum Line Cleaner
Another DPS Best Product, PowerScrub Vacuum Line Cleaner is uniquely formulated to release microbial cleansing enzymes that dissolve vacuum line debris on contact at any water temperature. The only vacuum line cleaner recommended for use with the NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator, it contains no harsh chemicals, is 100% biodegradable, and has a neutral pH that satisfies the EPA Dental Rule.
“PowerScrub is so easy and simple to use. It takes just minutes to accomplish an important aspect of dental maintenance,” said Dr. Shalom Mehler during his DPS review period. “We no longer have the unpleasant odor emitting from the lines, which creates a more pleasant working atmosphere.”
Several dental professionals who took part in the PowerScrub product review said they noticed their vacuum lines performing optimally after using the cleaner for just a few weeks. One evaluator, Dr. Richard Cray, said the “sludge just slides off and drops to the bottom when I unscrew the plastic collector in my high-speed suction’s solids filter. The PowerScrub breaks it up, so it’s no longer caked on like tartar on teeth."
Noting the PowerScrub’s pleasant smell, Wendy Nato, CDA, said, “I have clog-free vacuum lines, and the product cleans the lines well even without using hot water like other products require.” Nato was also impressed with the PowerScrub Sidekick dispenser and convenient Tip & Measure feature on the bottle that make it easy to dispense into the lines. “It’s easy to operate and doesn’t tip over and slip when you attach your lines,” she added.
PWS Amalgam Bucket
Designed to address the dry waste requirements of the EPA Dental Rule, the Practice Waste Solutions (PWS) Amalgam Bucket is available in 1.25-, 2.5-, 3.5-, and 5-gallon sizes and its cost includes shipping and recycling. The bucket, which is clearly labeled for amalgam waste, stores dry amalgam debris like spent amalgam capsules, chairside traps, central vacuum filters, and extracted teeth containing amalgam.
Solmetex Compliance Center
Last but certainly not least, the Solmetex Compliance Center is a 24/7 online hub that allows for real-time access to all the practice’s documentation and recycling activity—for example, proof of installation and warranty, as well as certificates of recycling that may be requested by local inspectors at any time. Within this online portal, practices can join the Solmetex Compliance Program and set up a custom schedule for auto-delivery of a new NXT Hg5 Collection Container, PowerScrub Vacuum Line Cleaner, and PWS Amalgam Bucket.
