The World Health Organization (WHO) published the new editions of the Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) which include important new medicines for the treatment of diseases. The Model Lists of Medicines aim to facilitate greater access to innovative medicines that show clear clinical benefits.
These treatments could have a very large public health impact globally without jeopardizing the health budgets of low- and middle-income countries.
Resin-based composites were now included to the list of the EML and EMLc for use as dental sealants (low-viscosity forms) and as filling materials (high-viscosity forms) in the prevention and treatment of dental caries. It was noted that these products are effective and safe and have functional and aesthetic advantages compared to glass ionomer cement, however they require more specialized expertise and facilities for application.
It was further noted that the availability of effective alternatives to dental amalgam is important to enable parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury to achieve the mandated phase-down of dental amalgam use, decreasing environmental mercury pollution.
Also Fluoride gel, mouth rinse and varnish were added to the list of the EML and EMLc and considered effective and safe for the prevention of dental caries. Here is the updated List of Essential Dental Medicines and Preparations:
Glass Ionomer Cements were just added to the 22nd WHO Model List of Essential Medicines in 2021:
https://environmentalmedicine.eu/who-alternative-to-dental-amalgam-becomes-essential-medicine/
Further Information:
WHO Press Release: WHO endorses landmark public health decisions on Essential Medicines for Multiple Sclerosis
