Protect Protocol Provider Certification for New Members

The IABDM course, “PROTECT Protocol Provider for Dental Professionals” offers a comprehensive online e-learning experience. This course encompasses all facets of dental mercury, from its controversial history and FDA classification as a medical device to the ADA’s steadfast promotion of the product.

This course will also include detailed instruction on safe mercury amalgam filling removal. Participants will gain insights into government regulations and requirements for the use of amalgam, as well as the exposure risks and potential harm to patients, dental staff, and the environment.

Each lesson includes resources such as videos, presentations, and reading materials to educate you on the practice of safe mercury amalgam removal. Upon completing the course, you will be required to create a presentation and schedule an oral presentation demonstrating documented proof of implementing the safety procedures learned, along with all of the necessary equipment to perform the PROTECT protocol for safe mercury amalgam removal.

After successfully completing the course and meeting all requirements, you will receive a PROTECT Protocol Certificate of Completion from the IABDM and be listed on our website as a PROTECT Protocol Provider. We will assign a Protect Protocol Provider button by your name on our website to allow patients to find dentists that are willing to follow strict protocols to protect their patients, employees, and the planet!

The IABDM also encourages staff members to pursue our Biological RDA/Staff Certification, fostering a cohesive level of knowledge within the dental office by ensuring that integral staff members have completed much of the same coursework.

As a requirement of the Protect Protocol

1. You will be responsible for presenting an oral presentation of a safe mercury amalgam removal that follows all of the procedures outlined in the Protect Protocol certification course.
2. You will also be required to show that you have purchased the equipment outlined in the Protect certification, which is necessary to protect your patients and employees during the removal of mercury fillings.
3. Additionally, we require dental practice owners to comply with OSHA regulations to safeguard their employees from dental mercury exposure. This ensures that our Protect-certified dentists are following occupational safety laws, not only to protect dental staff but also to help practice owners avoid potential liabilities for failing to meet OSHA standards. Serious OSHA violations carry penalties starting at $16,550 per violation and can escalate up to $165,514 per violation.
4. We ask you to sign a “Protect Promise”. The Protect Promise is a commitment by certified practitioners to rigorously follow the Protect Protocol for safe mercury removal, prioritizing the health of patients, staff, and themselves. It affirms their dedication to staying informed of protocol updates and maintaining the highest standards of safety and care.

We strongly recommend that you purchase the OSHA compliance requirements and safety equipment at the start of your course so you will be able to implement its use before your safe amalgam removal presentation.
Here is the complete list of the equipment and OSHA requirements you will be required to show during your presentation.

OSHA REQUIREMENTS for Dental Practice Owners

• Hazard Evaluation
• Respirator Medical Evaluation’s for employees wearing respirators
• Respirator Fit Testing for employees wearing respirators
• Respirator Training for employees wearing respirators
• Written Respiratory Program
• Respiratory Program Administrator

IABDM has partnered with Dental Safety Solutions to provide Protect Protocol equipment packages as well as Respirator Program Administrator training and certification for your staff at a 10% discount to IABDM members.* You will get a coupon code in your email receipt upon signing up for the Protect Protocol for 10% off Respirator Program Administrator certification. This certification will train your staff to provide all of the above requirements.

Please watch this short video on why dental practice owners should get their staff certified as the Respirator Program Administrator.

Dental Associates
For those dentists who are associates (not dental practice owners), IABDM will not require the OSHA requirement for a written respiratory program or respiratory program administrator, as that is the practice owner responsibility.
IABDM will require you show proof of the following OSHA respiratory requirements (in addition to the other PPE requirements outlined in the Protect Protocol). Associates should know that OSHA states the employer is responsible for paying for the following.

• NIOSH approved Respirator with Mercury Vapor & Particulate Cartridges
• Respirator medical evaluation (can be taken online)
• Respirator fit testing** (or can hire a safety company to perform)
• Respirator training (can be taken online)

These requirements are meant to ensure your protection from the toxic mercury generated during the removal of amalgam by verifying that you are properly wearing and maintaining your respirator.
Dental Safety Solutions has created a package of respirator equipment, medical evaluations and respirator training course material for dental associates.*

*Members are not required to purchase any products or services specifically from Dental Safety Solutions. You will still have to show proof of Protect equipment & PPE requirements & OSHA requirements outlined above before being certified.

**Respirator Fit Testing requires two people to perform. You may opt to have someone from your office help you or you may hire an outside service come and fit test you. The cost for this can vary greatly as some safety companies charge a base fee for on-site services, then add separate per-person fees for each individual fit test—resulting in additional costs beyond the initial location fee. We recommend you research the costs and availability of this requirement before finishing your Protect Protocol course work, so that you can have proof in time for your oral presentation.