Investigative report of possible lead in a dental restoration An Ohio television station aired an investigative report February 27 on outsourcing dental lab work offshore.  The report's hook was that one of the crowns received from a Chinese lab contained lead. Under no circumstances should lead be in a dental prosthetic device.  It is not yet known if this is an isolated incident or indicates a larger problem.  The American Dental Association (ADA) and National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) have prepared background information and talking points.  The ADA will be conducting random, objective testing of prosthetic devices and will keep the dental community informed. It is important to note that according to industry experts, there are no US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-approved materials used in dental prosthetic devices that contain lead.  Dental clinicians are advised to check with their laboratories for assurance that they use only FDA-approved materials. Consistent with its role in helping increase the safety of oral healthcare, OSAP has created this website as an evolving resource for the dental profession.  ADA, NADL and OSAP and the dental profession encourage the dental community to be armed with the facts.  Below is information that will be updated frequently.  Please check back for the latest information on this emerging issue. Resources Toronto Academy of Dentistry Winter Clinic Panel Discussion on Grey Market and Counterfeit Dental Materials, Conference Report and narrated powerpoint presentations (included with the permission of the Canadian Dental Association)  American Dental Association Analysis and Recommendations (includes tip sheet and talking points) National Association of Dental Laboratories Statement US Food & Drug Administration Statement as reported on WBNS-TV Channel 10, Columbus, OH Dental Lab Industry Launches Web Site To Inform Consumers On Lead Scare Television News Reports Original Newscast on WBNS-TV Channel 10, Columbus, OH.  Fox News Interview with ADA Spokesperson Jablow Blog on Report     OSAP is the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures.  Founded in 1984 the non-profit association is dentistry's premier resource for infection control and safety information and education.  Through its publications, courses, website and worldwide collaborations, OSAP and the tax-exempt OSAP Foundation support education, research, service and policy development to promote safety and the control of infectious diseases in dental healthcare settings worldwide.           (Page Last Reviewed 8/2008)