A transparent, protocol-based rating system that helps patients evaluate and compare mercury-safe dental providers — and helps providers communicate their commitment to patient safety.
📋 How to read this page
If you are a patient, use the score tiers below to understand what level of protection each score represents when choosing a provider. If you are a dental provider, scroll to the badge section to get your embeddable badge for your website.
How the score is calculated
The Mercury Safety Score™ is based on a practice's disclosed amalgam removal protocol. Each protective element is worth points. Scores are self-reported by the practice and reflect the protocol they have committed to following for every removal — not just when patients ask. The maximum score is 10.
1
Rubber dam isolation
A physical barrier placed around the tooth before any drilling begins, preventing amalgam particles and mercury vapor from entering the patient's airway or digestive tract. The single most important protective element for the patient.
+2.5 points — required for scores above 7.5
2
High-volume evacuation (HVE) at the tooth
A wide-bore suction system capable of moving 100+ liters of air per minute, held directly at the tooth by a dedicated assistant throughout the procedure. Captures mercury vapor and particles at the source before they can disperse.
+2.0 points
3
HEPA + activated carbon air filtration
A dedicated air filtration unit running in the operatory during removal. HEPA captures fine particles; activated carbon adsorbs mercury vapor (a gas that passes straight through HEPA alone). Both elements are required.
+1.5 points — HEPA only scores +0.5
4
Sectioning technique — not grinding
Cutting the filling into large sections and lifting them out, rather than grinding with a high-speed drill. Dramatically reduces mercury vapor generation by minimizing exposed amalgam surface area during removal.
+1.5 points
5
IAOMT SMART certification
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology's Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique certification. Verifiable at iaomt.org. Indicates formal training and commitment to the full protocol.
+1.5 points
6
Supplemental patient oxygen
A nasal cannula delivering clean oxygen to the patient throughout the procedure, so the patient breathes clean air rather than room air during the highest-exposure moments of removal.
+1.0 point
What each score tier means
Use these tiers to understand what level of protection a provider's score represents when comparing options.
9.0–10.0 · Full SMART Protocol
Highest Protection
The practice discloses all five core protective elements and IAOMT SMART certification. This represents the most complete protection available for amalgam removal. Appropriate for patients with health sensitivities, those removing many fillings, and anyone who wants maximum protection.
The practice uses the core protective elements but may be missing one component — typically supplemental oxygen or IAOMT certification. This represents solid protection above conventional removal. Appropriate for most patients seeking mercury-safe removal.
Rubber DamHVEAir FiltrationSectioning
5.0–6.9 · Partial Protocol
Basic Protection
The practice discloses some protective measures but is missing multiple elements of full protocol. Provides more protection than standard removal but below the SMART standard. Patients should ask specifically which elements are included and which are not.
Some measuresVerify before booking
⚠ Important — Scores are self-reported
The Mercury Safety Score™ is based on information self-reported by the practice. MercuryFreeDental.com does not independently verify protocol compliance. Always confirm the specific protective measures used directly with the practice before booking. Use our appointment checklist to ask the right questions.
For dental providers — get your badge
If your practice is listed in the MercuryFreeDental.com directory, you can display your Mercury Safety Score™ badge on your website. The badge links back to this page so patients can understand what the score means. Add it to your footer, your about page, or your services page.