Which agency is responsible for regulating the safety of dental materials?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency responsible for regulating the safety of dental materials. The FDA ensures that dental materials sold in the United States, such as dental adhesives, fillings, and crowns, meet specific safety and efficacy standards before they reach the market. This regulation encompasses evaluation processes that assess the biological effects of the materials on patients as well as their overall performance in oral care.

The FDA's role is crucial in protecting public health and safety, as regulation helps prevent harmful or ineffective products from being used in dental practice. They conduct thorough reviews of data related to new dental products, including clinical studies and manufacturing processes, to ensure they comply with established safety guidelines.

In contrast, the other agencies mentioned have distinct functions. The Environmental Protection Agency focuses on environmental health and regulations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deals primarily with public health and disease prevention rather than product safety, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates workplace safety standards, including those that might pertain to dental practices but not specifically to the materials used in dental procedures.