Your safety is our concern

Show FDA Advises »

The FDA has advised ‘vulnerable’ groups - pregnant and lactating women; women trying to conceive; fetuses, infants and younger kids; those with neurological or kidney issues; and those allergic to mercury – to avoid dental amalgam. We take this advice very seriously. That’s why we consider mercury-free smiles as a priority!

FDA advises “vulnerable groups” to avoid dental amalgam

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised certain “vulnerable and high-risk groups” to avoid getting dental amalgam fillings if possible due to the potentially harmful effects the mercury in these fillings may pose to their health.

In a recent statement, the FDA has updated its recommendations on dental amalgam and potential risks to certain individuals that may be posed by these mercury-containing fillings that are used to restore the missing structure and surfaces of decayed teeth.

The groups that the FDA has listed as facing greater risks for potential harmful health effects include:

Pregnant women and their developing fetuses
Women who are planning to become pregnant
Nursing women and their newborns and infants
Children, especially those younger than six years of age
People with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease
Those with impaired kidney functions
Those who are extremely sensitive or allergic to mercury or other components in dental amalgam.

Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and a powdered alloy comprising silver, tin and copper. The FDA has been reviewing and monitoring scientific publications and reports and conducting public discussions on the effects of dental amalgam and mercury vapor on patient health for over 20 years.

They now also recommend non-mercury alternatives like composite resins and glass ionomer cement fillings, especially for vulnerable populations. The FDA has made these recommendations after obtaining the views of healthcare professionals and public comments about dental amalgam and other metal implants and evaluating published literature.

If you are searching for natural, mercury-free dentistry in Yadkinville, North Carolina, make Virtue Dental Care your provider of choice!

Meet the Team

At Virtue Dental Care, we are committed to ensuring that patients have a positive experience every time they visit. We hand pick our staff members to ensure that patients enjoy the best, most advanced dental care available, and enjoy their visit to our practice. Our staff members are friendly, family-oriented, and help our patients feel comfortable and relaxed when they enjoy treatments and services in our practice.

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care Staff Group

Dental Hygienists

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care Staff Beth Taylor

My name is Beth Taylor. I have been a full time registered dental hygienist for 14 years and have been a part of the Virtue Dental Care team since 2017. I love getting to know my patients and helping them maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care Staff Shannon Benge

My name is Shannon Benge, RDH. I have been a part of Virtue Dental Care since 2011 as a full time registered dental hygienist. I grew up here in Yadkinville and have gotten to know many new faces, as well as familiar ones, throughout the years here. I have a wonderful husband and two children. Helping people love their smiles is what I enjoy!

Dental Assistants

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care Staff Julia Caudle

My name is Julia Caudle. I'm a certified Type II chairside assistant. I have been with Dr. Virtue since 1985 and recently celebrated my 35th anniversary with the office. Working here, I get to meet so many wonderful people, and I truly consider each of our patients a friend.

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care Staff Terry Matthews

My name is Terry Matthews. I am a dental assistant and have been a part of Dr. Virtue's team since 1986. Procedures and equipment have gotten more advanced over the years, making visits more convenient and easier for our patients. I enjoy working with our many patients and get a lot of satisfaction from helping them achieve beautiful smiles. Being a grandma makes me smile!

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care Staff Janie Parker

My name is Janie Parker and I am a certified dental assistant. I have been a part of Dr. Virtue's team since 2007. I enjoy working with our patients and meeting new people. It is very rewarding to help them reach their goals of a beautiful and healthy smile. My husband and I have 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. They are a joy in my life. I also enjoy being involved in our church work.

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care Staff Danna

My name is Danna Ely and I joined Virtue Dental Care in early 2018 with Dr. Taylor as her lead dental assistant. My favorite aspect of dentistry is getting to know our wonderful patients and providing them with top-notch care! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my niece and nephew, as well as spending my summers on the lake!

Schedule Coordinators

Dr. William E. Virtue DDS, NMD, at Virtue Dental Care Staff Melinda Renegar

I'm Melinda Renegar, and I have been Dr. Virtue's schedule coordinator since 1988. As a member of the team, I love interacting with our patients. Seeing them leave with great smiles is very rewarding.

Contact Us
Virtue Dental Care Patients: (336) 679-2034
New Patients: (336) 606-0040

Natalie G.

I started coming here about 3 years ago. Dr. Taylor is the best. She explains everything and listens to what you have to say. Shannon one of the hygienist is the very best that I have ever had to clean my teeth. She is very thorough at what she does. Staff is always friendly

Originally Posted On