Vietnam Reviews Licenses for Arsenic-Based Dental Treatments

Move Signals Shift Towards Safer, Biocompatible Dental Materials Globally

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:31am by Ben Kaplan

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Vietnam's Ministry of Health has launched a review of licensing for root canal treatments containing arsenic, following the recent bust of an illegal operation manufacturing and selling arsenic trioxide to dental clinics. This move highlights a growing global concern about the use of potentially harmful substances in dental procedures and signals a potential shift towards more biocompatible alternatives.

Why it matters

The use of arsenic-based compounds in dentistry raises significant health concerns, as even small amounts of arsenic exposure can be toxic, potentially leading to long-term health problems. This review in Vietnam underscores the risk of unregulated production and distribution, increasing the likelihood of improper dosage and patient exposure.

The details

For decades, arsenic-based compounds have been used in dentistry as a pulp-devitalizing agent, essentially 'killing' the nerve inside a tooth before a root canal. While effective, the use of arsenic raises concerns about toxicity and improper application leading to arsenic leaching into surrounding tissues, causing inflammation, nerve damage, and even systemic toxicity.

  • Vietnam began phasing out mercury-based dental fillings in 2021, mirroring a trend seen in many European countries and some US states.
  • The Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty, aims to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury, including its use in dental amalgam.

The players

Vietnam Ministry of Health

The government agency that has launched a review of licensing for root canal treatments containing arsenic.

Dr. Anya Sharma

A dental toxicologist at the University of California, San Francisco who explains the risks of unregulated arsenic use in dentistry.

Dr. Le Van Minh

A leading endodontist in Hanoi who discusses the move towards more conservative and biologically friendly approaches in dentistry.

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What they’re saying

“The concern isn't necessarily the established, regulated use of arsenic compounds – though that's under scrutiny too – but the black market and the potential for untrained individuals to administer these substances. Improper application can lead to arsenic leaching into surrounding tissues, causing inflammation, nerve damage, and even systemic toxicity.”

— Dr. Anya Sharma, Dental Toxicologist, University of California, San Francisco

“We're seeing a move towards more conservative and biologically friendly approaches. The focus is on preserving tooth structure and minimizing the use of potentially harmful substances. Continuing education for dentists is crucial to ensure they are proficient in these modern techniques.”

— Dr. Le Van Minh, Endodontist, Hanoi

What’s next

The Vietnamese government will decide on the future of licensing for arsenic-based dental treatments following the review by the Ministry of Health.

The takeaway

The investigation in Vietnam is a microcosm of a global shift towards a more sustainable and biocompatible future for dentistry, as the industry moves away from reliance on potentially toxic substances and embraces materials and techniques that prioritize patient safety and long-term health.