Abstract
PURPOSE: Mercury toxicity from amalgam restorations is discussed as both a physician-patient issue and an environmental concern. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to evaluate the awareness of dentists in Turkey regarding safe amalgam removal protocols. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A 42-question online survey addressing sociodemographic characteristics, educational background, and knowledge of amalgam, removal procedures and their alternatives was conducted between May and September 2024, reaching a sample size of 269 participants. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0 for Windows, and a P-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Participants reported a 97.2% rate of undergraduate amalgam training, including both theoretical and clinical components; however, only 23.6% were currently using amalgam in practice. Additionally, 39.7% stated their knowledge about safe removal was insufficient or uncertain, and just 45.6% expressed concern about mercury's environmental impact. CONCLUSION: Governments and professional organisations should actively promote environmentally responsible practices through strategies focused on education, awareness, and sustainability to protect public health and natural resources.