The Flint Water Crisis and Community Water Fluoridation: A Lesson in Communication. Communicating with the Public and Connecting with Community Leaders

Authors

Traci J. Dantzler DDS, Genesee District Dental Society, Flint, MichiganFollow
Raymond Gist DDS, Past President of the American Dental Association and Retired General Dentist in Flint MichiganFollow

Abstract

This article presents how not only was Flint’s water compromised lead contamination of residential waterlines during the Flint Water Crisis, but area dentists had to work hard to refute unsubstantiated claims that adding fluoride to the community water supply increased the level of lead in the water. Oral health advocacy to reassure citizens and build confidence in the community water supply following remediation efforts required sharing the best evidence while most importantly actively listening to assure that community members were heard; that they felt that they have a voice, and to know that we are here to listen to their concerns and provide all the assistance we can.

Recommended Citation

Dantzler, Traci J. DDS and Gist, Raymond DDS (2020) "The Flint Water Crisis and Community Water Fluoridation: A Lesson in Communication. Communicating with the Public and Connecting with Community Leaders," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 102: No. 3, Article 5.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol102/iss3/5