The World Health Organization has released a new global guideline, Environmentally friendly and less invasive oral health care for preventing and managing dental caries. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to support countries in preventing and managing dental caries through environmentally sustainable and less invasive approaches that promote patient safety, quality of care and environmental protection.
The guideline presents a comprehensive package of safe, effective and mercury-free clinical interventions, reflecting the latest scientific evidence on prevention, non-invasive care and minimally invasive management of dental caries.
The new guideline responds to growing global commitments to phase out mercury use under the Minamata Convention on Mercury and to strengthen oral health within broader health agendas, including the Bangkok Declaration – No Health Without Oral Health. It supports countries in expanding access to essential, cost-effective, and safe oral health services.
“This guideline represents a landmark in global oral health,” WHO Dental Officer Dr Benoit Varenne said.
“For the first time, countries have strong evidence showing that safe and less invasive interventions with mercury-free products can effectively prevent, stop and manage dental caries, while providing a more environmentally sustainable alternative to dental amalgam.”
The guideline advances the implementation of the WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023–2030, which calls for all countries to ensure access to essential, promotive, preventive and curative oral health services as part of universal health coverage.
By prioritising prevention, scaling up non-invasive and minimally invasive interventions, and supporting the replacement of mercury-containing dental amalgam with safe, affordable alternatives, the guideline provides a strong technical foundation for integrating essential oral health services into primary health care. It also supports countries in meeting their obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
The recommendations further align oral health care with broader global commitments on climate action and sustainable development goals, promoting environmentally sustainable approaches within health systems.
“Oral health care must evolve to support planetary health,” said Dévora Kestel, Director a.i., WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.
“By promoting mercury-free products and less invasive clinical procedures, this guideline strengthens both environmental protection and universal access to safe, essential oral health care.”
