EXAM: The History of Dental Mercury

1. In the early 1800s, organized dentistry was in its infancy. Which of the following statements is true about this period?

2. Who introduced dental mercury to the United States?

3. The mixture of melted silver coin shavings and elemental mercury introduced by the Crawcour brothers was called

4. The American Society of Dental Surgeons required its members to pledge never to use mercury fillings.

5. What happened to members of the American Society of Dental Surgeons who used amalgam?

6. By what year did the American Society of Dental Surgeons disband due to loss of membership?

7. The American Dental Association, established in 1859, continues to promote the use and safety of mercury fillings.

8. In what year did Congress pass a law mandating that the FDA classify all products which had been grandfathered into use?

9. Who sued the FDA to classify amalgam fillings after 33 years of ignoring the congressional mandate?

10. Who was nominated by President Obama to be commissioner of the FDA while the FDA was working on the classification?

11. Dr. Hamburg disclosed her Henry Shein stock options during her confirmation hearing.

12. In what year did the FDA finally classify amalgam fillings after being sued?

13. Who was the judge that ordered the FDA to classify amalgam?

14. At the time of amalgam classification who was the largest distributor of amalgam in the U.S.?

15. During her confirmation hearing, Dr. Hamburg failed to disclose her involvement with which company?

16. According to the text, what did the whistleblower document reveal about the FDA’s stance in 2012?

17. The FDA whistleblower document was issued in 2012 but did not get released until 2020.

18. According to the video, which group did Dr. Haley believe had significant influence over FDA decisions regarding mercury in amalgam fillings?

19. What did Dr. Haley provide to the FDA official to support his claims about mercury toxicity?

20. What did the FDA official suggest as a way to compel the FDA to take action on mercury in amalgam fillings?