Dental materials and radiology basics: amalgam waste handling: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Dental materials and radiology basics: amalgam waste handling

Sample item

Which method of disposing of scrap amalgam from a dental clinic is correct?

ABurn it in a clinic incineratorBWash it down the sinkCAutoclave it with the instrumentsDCollect it in a sealed container under water or fixer for recycling

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Collect it in a sealed container under water or fixer for recycling

Scrap amalgam contains mercury, which vaporises with heat and pollutes water. It is stored under liquid in a sealed container and sent for recycling.

Option by option

A. Burn it in a clinic incinerator
Burning releases mercury vapour into the air.
B. Wash it down the sink
Washing into the sink pollutes the water supply with mercury.
C. Autoclave it with the instruments
Heating in the autoclave releases mercury vapour.
D. Collect it in a sealed container under water or fixer for recycling (correct)
Correct. Sealed storage under liquid prevents vapour and spillage.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Collect it in a sealed container under water or fixer for recycling. Scrap amalgam contains mercury, which vaporises with heat and pollutes water.

Why is "Burn it in a clinic incinerator" not the answer?

Burning releases mercury vapour into the air.

Why is "Wash it down the sink" not the answer?

Washing into the sink pollutes the water supply with mercury.

Why is "Autoclave it with the instruments" not the answer?

Heating in the autoclave releases mercury vapour.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dental materials and radiology basics: amalgam waste handling in Dentistry. It is stored under liquid in a sealed container and sent for recycling.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Dental materials and radiology basics: amalgam waste handling?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.