Abstract
The guest editorial by the Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Drs. Jessica Bentoski and Sam Blanchard, addresses growing public debate surrounding community water fluoridation and emphasizes the vital role of dental professionals in providing evidence-based guidance to parents. As pediatric dentists, the authors highlight that fluoride remains a cornerstone in preventing childhood caries—still the most common chronic disease in children. They stress the need to understand and address parental beliefs, misinformation, and concerns through respectful, informed dialogue. Removing fluoridation could exacerbate oral health disparities and misperceptions about fluoride safety. The authors call on colleagues to initiate important conversations, advocate for fluoride use, and prioritize prevention to avoid invasive treatments requiring sedation or general anesthesia.
Recommended Citation
Bentoski, Jessica R. D.D.S., M.S., F.A.A.P.D. and Blanchard, Sam DDS, MS
(2025)
"It's Time for Some Important Conversations about Fluoride,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 107:
No.
5, Article 3.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol107/iss5/3
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