Phasing out the use of dental amalgam. Work towards reducing and eliminating the use of amalgam as tooth restoring material started in the early 1990’s. The Norwegian Health Authorities made an inventory on practices in dental clinics in 1998. Based on that, guidelines were introduced in 1991 (updated in 2003) for dentists for the use of dental filling materials. Guidance (1991-2007); – amalgam should not be the first choice for dental fillings – use of amalgam should be limited as much as possible in consideration to the environment and possible adverse health effects.