Comment Info: =================

General Comment:STATEMENT BY THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION'S COUNCIL ON 
SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS ON DENTAL PRODUCTS AND BISPHENOL A (BPA) 
EXPOSURE

WASHINGTON, September 11, 2008?Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used 
chemical essential for the manufacture of certain plastic materials. BPA can be 
found in some children?s toys, plastic tableware, infant bottles and other products. 
There is evidence from laboratory testing that BPA may affect reproduction and 
development in animals by mimicking the effects of estrogen. To date, 
researchers have not observed ill effects from Bisphenol A in humans, and there is 
debate over the level of exposure that might pose a risk. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) is interested in and supports BPA 
research because some dental sealants, and to a lesser extent dental composite 
resin filling materials, may contribute to low-level BPA exposure. These types of 
materials are professional dental products that are subject to clearance by the 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA has concluded, ?Based on our ongoing review, we believe there is a large 
body of evidence that indicates that FDA-regulated products containing BPA 
currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food 
contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may 
cause health effects.?

In September 2008, a report on BPA from the interagency National Toxicology 
Program, stated:

?The primary source of exposure to BPA for most people is through the diet. While 
air, dust, and water are other possible sources of exposure, BPA in food and 
beverages accounts for the majority of daily human exposure.?
BPA may become part of dental sealants or composite resin filling materials in 
three ways: as a direct ingredient, as a by-product of some ingredients in dental 
composites or sealants that may have degraded, or as a trace material left-over 
from the manufacture of some ingredients used in making dental composites or 
sealants. 

Dental sealants and composite resin filling materials provide significant benefits in 
the prevention and treatment of dental caries, the infectious disease that causes 
cavities. Sealants help to prevent cavities and they can also stop the progress of 
very early caries. Composite resin materials are tooth-colored fillings that provide 
cosmetic benefits but they also allow dentists to treat teeth more conservatively 
(removing less natural tooth material) than may be needed for other types of filling 
materials. 

The ADA is a professional association of dentists who remain committed to the 
public?s oral health. As such, we strongly support additional research into human 
exposure to BPA and any health effects it may cause. However, the Association 
and government agencies believe that current research shows the low-level of BPA 
exposure through dental sealants and composites is so insignificant that it poses 
no health threat. 

About the American Dental Association


Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest 
dental association, representing more than 156,000 dentist members. The premier 
source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health 
and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-
art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have 
advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. 
The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to 
consumer dental care products. The monthly Journal of the American Dental 
Association (JADA) is the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more 
information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at www.ada.org.