Solmetex: All About Chemistry
Keeping patients healthy extends beyond the dental chair. Solmetex is proud to help practices protect their communities and the environment from toxic emissions.
Dental practices are now required to install amalgam separators to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2017 final rule on reducing mercury discharge from dental practices into wastewater. For practices who want to simplify the compliance process, Solmetex is dedicated to helping them manage their mercury waste while protecting the environment.
With all the restorative material options today, amalgam may seem like a relic of another era. However, even practices that no longer place new amalgam fillings may need to remove old amalgam restorations and then dispose of the material safely. Enter the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule requiring all dental practices that handle amalgam to have an amalgam separator, and hence, enter Solmetex.
Eco-Friendly Compliance
For more than 25 years, Solmetex has been leading the industry in helping dental practices stay in compliance with ever-changing environmental regulations related to waste management. The company’s constant commitment to investing in new, high-performance separation chemistries has led to a line of easy-to-use “green” solutions that includes on-site equipment and seamless customer service. Solmetex’s current generation of amalgam separators, NXT Hg5, meets or exceeds all current EPA requirements, and the company’s biodegradable PowerScrub vacuum line cleaner is an eco-friendly solution for cleaning the lines of dental vacuum systems and amalgam separators.
Solmetex customers have instant access to practice-specific documentation through the company’s online Compliance Center. The company website provides an overview of relevant EPA rules, as well as quick links to relevant resources.
Providing Solutions & Protecting the Environment
The leadership team at Solmetex is committed to helping dentists protect the environment. “Knowing we are helping the environment and providing total solutions to our customers makes me proud to be an integral part of this team,” said Lauren Nagel, Solmetex Chief Operations Officer.
On a mission to deliver best-in-class, environmentally responsible, cost-effective dental solutions, Solmetex is constantly reinvesting in research, design, implementation, and new chemistries. With extensive expertise in the water treatment industry, the company’s leaders are dedicated to product excellence and customer satisfaction, and its products have been endorsed by more than 20 state dental associations.
“The company is focused on implementing Green products into the dental industry,” said Solmetex CEO Nick Mozzicato. “We are assisting dentists with best management practices as well as complying with the ever-changing regulatory directives.”
NXT Hg5: A Clear Solution to Peace of Mind
The Solmetex NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator Series has been named a DPS Best Product for its efficient performance, ease of use, and customer service.
Available in 3 sizes from mini to high volume to accommodate practices ranging from 1 to 20 operatories, the NXT Hg5 makes it simple for any practice to meet the EPA’s requirements for mercury waste management, which have been in effect since October 2020. Under these regulations, all new dental practices that handle amalgam must install an amalgam separator within 90 days. Practices with an existing separator must have one that meets the current standards by June 14, 2027.
Hassle-Free Recycling
The NXT Hg5’s simplicity lies not just in its transparent, easy-to-replace collection containers, but also in Solmetex’s straightforward, hasslefree recycling program. From regular reminders to check the waste level in the container to shipping labels, boxes, and instructions, Solmetex provides everything dental practices need to ensure that their wastewater does not contain mercury. A free optional auto-delivery program helps to make the process even smoother.
“My mind is at ease knowing that my amalgam waste is being recycled properly,” said Scott Helle, DMD, who participated in the DPS product review of the NXT Hg5. He also appreciates that Solmetex sells an amalgam bucket for the disposal of dry amalgam, which is part of the new requirements.
PowerScrub: Elbow Grease Not Required
Whether your amalgam separator is from Solmetex or not, PowerScrub Vacuum Line Cleaner can help ensure it performs at peak efficiency. With a neutral pH, 100% biodegradable formulation, and SmartScrub continuous-cleaning action, PowerScrub meets all EPA Dental Rule requirements. In fact, it is the only vacuum line cleaner on the market that contains Mereduce, an enzyme that is scientifically proven to inhibit the release of harmful mercury into the environment.
When PowerScrub is left in vacuum lines overnight at any water temperature, its enzymatic action dissolves debris on contact to optimize the capacity of a practice’s waterline system collection container. In addition, PowerScrub rinses clean to keep equipment safe for clinicians and patients.
PowerScrub is compatible with all amalgam separators, as well as both wet and dry vacuum systems. However, it is the only vacuum line cleaner recommended for the NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator Series, and the use of PowerScrub extends the warranty on the NXT Hg5 by 3 years.
Reporting “an improvement in vacuum performance” since his practice switched to PowerScrub, Mitchell Pasenkoff, DMD, told DPS, “It is one of the best products our office uses. Our machine performs like brand new.” Declaring that “PowerScrub is so easy and simple to use,” Dr. Shalom Mehler explained, “It takes just minutes to accomplish an important aspect of dental maintenance. The ease of use and minimal time commitment make using PowerScrub a ‘no-brainer’.”
Keep a Lid on Waste
To aid in meeting all compliance regulations, Solmetex provides dental practices with a variety of important accessory products that help ensure patients and team members are as safe as possible.
Amalgam buckets: In addition to wastewater management, the EPA Dental Rule requires that all items contaminated with amalgam residue be recycled. This includes chairside traps, amalgam capsules, and vacuum filters, as well as excess amalgam and removed restorations. For all of these items, Solmetex provides safe, approved amalgam storage and shipping buckets with prepaid return shipping and a certificate of recycling. The buckets are available in 4 sizes.
Lead buckets: Lead from film, sterilization indicators, and lead aprons must be carefully disposed of according to the EPA’s regulations. Solmetex offers recycling services and approved shipping buckets in 2 sizes to recycle lead foil, bitewings, autoclave indicators, sterilization tape, and lead aprons.
Biohazard/sharps buckets: Similar to its amalgam and lead disposal containers, Solmetex provides containers for proper collection and disposal of biohazardous waste, including contaminated sharps, sponges, gloves, towels, gauze, and bibs. Systems for 5-and 20-gallon quantities are available.
Chemical filters: If a practice is still using radiographic film, Solmetex has a photo-chemical disposal solution, including easy-to-install manual and automatic filters. California-specific filters also are available.
Fill, Ship, Repeat: Solmetex Maintenance Program
Reading a federal regulation like the EPA Dental Rule on amalgam can make anyone’s eyes glaze over. Fortunately, Solmetex has spent more than 25 years staying on top of these types of regulations to help make compliance as easy as possible. Now, with the Solmetex Maintenance Program, the company aims to make compliance automatic.
The 4 main components of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Dental Rule address:
1. ISO certified amalgam separator to capture mercury from wastewater
2. Use of a nonoxidizing, nonacidic, neutral-pH cleaner in vacuum lines
3. Collection and recycling of contact and noncontact amalgam in a clearly labeled container
4. Maintenance and provision of compliance documents.
“NXT Hg5 should be the amalgam separator of choice for any dental office”
- Joshua Haremza, DDS
To address each of these requirements, the Solmetex Maintenance Program includes automatic delivery of NXT Hg5 collection containers, PowerScrub Vacuum Line Cleaner, and Practice Waste Solutions Amalgam Buckets. Enroll through the Solmetex Compliance Center, where 24/7 online access to certificates of recycling and other essential documents are readily available.
Delivery schedules and product choices are easily customized at any time through a simple user portal. Participating in the Solmetex Maintenance Program requires no contract or fees, and the dentist can cancel the program at any time.
All Solmetex collection containers and amalgam buckets come with shipping labels and instructions to streamline the containers’ quick, safe return for EPAapproved recycling. With the Solmetex Maintenance Program, replacing a container is just as simple as filling and shipping one. When practices enroll in the Solmetex Maintenance Program, they remove the guesswork so dental practitioners can concentrate on what they do best— taking care of their patients.
Solmetex Receives Stamp of Approval
In addition to receiving high praise from DPS evaluators, Solmetex and its products have received many awards over the years as well as endorsements from several state and local dental associations from across the United States. These associations, including the Texas Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, and many others, recognize Solmetex for its dedication to providing safe products to the dental profession.
Visit your local or state association website to find out if your group is eligible for special programs and services from Solmetex.
