Abstract
This historical feature details a visit by ADA and MDA leadership to the Monroe Avenue Water Filtration Plant in Grand Rapids. The plant achieved international significance on January 25, 1945, when Grand Rapids became the first city in the world to implement community water fluoridation. A subsequent 10-year study showed a 65% reduction in childhood tooth decay, establishing fluoridation as a primary public health measure of the 20th century. The article highlights the facility's legacy as the birthplace of a global health initiative.
Recommended Citation
Smiley, Chris DDS
(2026)
"The Back Page: A Dental Road Trip to the Birthplace of Fluoridation,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 108:
No.
6, Article 11.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol108/iss6/11
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