Mercury Safe Dentistry


Over the years, many dentists have used silver amalgam fillings for patients who had cavities. However, mercury removal can expose both the patient and dentist to the negative effects of mercury, so special protocols must be followed to ensure the protection and safety of everyone during the mercury removal process. Mercury toxicity can occur when the metal is heated, and is present in the vapors that are released during the process. For this reason, a standard protocol MUST be followed by dentists for the ultimate in safety and protection.
The Truth About Amalgam Fillings - Yadkinville - Dr. William Virtue
Virtue Dental Care follows the safety protocol set forth by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology), which was developed to be the best way to protect both dentist and patient from mercury toxicity during the removal of silver amalgam fillings. No system is considered one hundred percent effective, but by following IAOMT standards, most risks are eliminated or reduced.
IAOMT standards require that certain steps be taken for safety, including:
- The use of a high volume vacuum that is used to pull away mercury vapors
- Oxygen use as an air source
- The use of a vinyl dam in the patient's mouth
- The use of ionizers in the room that can be used to remove mercury vapors not caught by the vacuum
- The use of HEPA and carbon filters
- Staff use of mercury respirators
- The use of a mercury separator for wastewater, which can reduce mercury content by 99 percent
- The use of a vitamin C and n-acetylcysteine rinse by the patient before and after their silver amalgam fillings are removed to reduce mercury absorption
Dr. William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM, who has experience teaching dentists and their staff, is a fellow of the IAOMT and serves as its acting president.
Contact Us
Virtue Dental Care Patients:
(336) 679-2034
New Patients:
(336) 606-0040
Virtue Dental Care - General & Mercury-Free Dentistry

William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM
Connect with Dr. William Virtue on Linkedin.
William Virtue, DDS, AGD, FIAOMT, DNM studied dentistry at Indiana University and opened Virtue Dental Care in 1979. He became interested in biological dentistry many years ago as he realized that dentistry should benefit one’s overall health and not just oral health. That is why he practices mercury-safe, biocompatible dentistry in accordance with the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology’s (IAOMT) health and safety standards. He is SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certified by the IAOMT too.
Dr. Virtue was President of the Forum for Contemporary Dental Esthetics and the IAOMT, of which he is also a Fellow. He enjoys teaching biological dentistry to dentists and staff. He continues to educate himself on developments in dentistry to provide the best services for patients.

Mary Katherine Taylor, DDS, ADA, NCDS, AIAOMT
Mary Katherine Taylor, DDS, ADA, NCDS, AIAOMT became interested in dentistry at an early age and volunteered at dental clinics. A student of Starmount High School and Wake Forest University, she earned her dental degree from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She is passionate about education and prevention: She updates her knowledge with a variety of continuous education courses while teaching patients about caring for and maintaining their teeth for a long, healthy life.