IHS to Phase Out Mercury Dental Fillings

Native health agency aims to eliminate use of harmful neurotoxin by 2027.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Indian Health Service, which provides healthcare to Native Americans and Alaska Natives, has announced it will phase out the use of dental fillings containing mercury by 2027. This move comes after years of advocacy from Native American rights groups and industry leaders who argue the practice exposes vulnerable patients to a harmful neurotoxin.

Why it matters

The use of mercury in dental fillings has long been a controversial issue, with concerns raised about the potential health risks, especially for Native American and Alaska Native populations who rely on the IHS for their dental care. This decision by the IHS represents an important step in addressing these concerns and protecting the health of the communities they serve.

The details

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, dental amalgam fillings can release small amounts of mercury vapor during placement, removal, teeth grinding, and gum chewing. The IHS says it will fully implement the move to mercury-free alternatives by 2027, replacing the potentially harmful fillings with safer options.

  • The IHS announced the phase-out of mercury dental fillings in February 2026.
  • The IHS aims to fully implement the move to mercury-free alternatives by 2027.

The players

Indian Health Service

The federal agency that provides health services to Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Native American rights advocates

Groups that have long called for an end to the use of mercury in dental fillings, arguing it exposes vulnerable patients to a harmful neurotoxin.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The federal agency that has raised concerns about the potential health risks of mercury in dental amalgam fillings.

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What’s next

The IHS says it will fully implement the move to mercury-free alternatives by 2027, replacing the potentially harmful fillings with safer options.

The takeaway

This decision by the IHS represents an important step in addressing long-standing concerns about the use of mercury in dental fillings and protecting the health of the Native American and Alaska Native communities they serve.