American Dental Association
Flummoxed in Philly...

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Public Relations-wise, the ADA was crushed.  For the media focused only on the dangers of mercury amalgams - as they should have.  It looks as though the ADA exits ONLY to promote deadly, out-of-date, but expensive dental practices profitable for their members. 

But more happened.  Attorney Charlie Brown, in a communication to the national anti-conventional dentistry group, writes:

* We take it to the ADA in Philly

            The ADA convention had an unwelcome set of visitors – we folks calling for a ban on mercury fillings.  Led by Freya Koss, we had a counter-conference, did pickets at the conference, and made mercury fillings the main topic in the TV and newspaper news.  The ADA cant hide from us any more. 

* Watson-Burton bill introduced with highest number of sponsors ever.

Twelve Members of Congress, so far, are sponsoring H.R. 4011, the new Watson-Burton bill to ban mercury amalgam.  This year’s bill adds a new reason:  the environment.  With Richard Butcher working to add Democrats, and John Rowe working to add Republicans, we expect more to sign on this fall.  Both have asked me to pass on their request to urge your Member of Congress to enlist. 

* Zero Mercury summit of major environmental groups

            Here in Washington, we helped host a two-day gathering of over 50 environmental leaders to talk about one subject:  mercury.  Our issue, mercury amalgam, was one of the three issues addressed.  Under the leadership of Michael Bender of the Mercury Policy Project, we have made enormous strides in merging our ban movement with the environmental goal of banning mercury products. 

* We head to the courts to abolish mercury fillings in CT

            Consumers for Dental Choice, joined by 4 CT residents, filed our appeal in the fight to ban mercury fillings.  With a great legal team -- Doug Cohen, Nancy Reiner, and Mike Kozlik of the premier Brown Rudnick firm -- we get a neutral umpire to look at this issue.  A ruling could come by the spring of 2006. 

* WA state dental board under fire

            A series in the Seattle Post Intelligencer portrays a board in the pocket of the Washington state dental association.  Our activists – Mary Ann Newell, Ann Clifton, and our board president Sandy Duffy – are quick to respond.  On November 10, they will present a petition to that board, calling for disclosures of the risks of mercury fillings, a definitive statement against the gag rule, and an end to the deceptive term silver.”