Dental amalgam separators work with both wet and dry vacuum systems and are designed to prevent the build up of sludge and amalgam waste in the vacuum. These safety systems prevent harmful materials from infiltrating the practice's vacuum system and keep those materials in a collection tank so they do not get let loose on the environment. These devices are required in some areas and are a smart addition to any practice even where they are not required. Be sure to have your amalgam separator properly installed and to maintain and properly recycle or dispose of the collected material.