President-Elect Donald Trump Nominates RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has officially nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary. Kennedy, an environmental advocate with well-known suspicions regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, has called for increased transparency and restructuring of federal health agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). If confirmed, Kennedy plans to pursue policies aimed at improving public health nutrition and addressing the prevalence of chronic disease, including restricting ultra-processed foods in schools, banning certain food additives, and limiting the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for certain foods.
Kennedy has stated that on day one, the Trump administration would “advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water.” Kennedy has claimed that fluoride is “industrial waste” causing serious medical conditions, including bone fractures and thyroid disease. The CDC has declared that providing optimally fluoridated water to U.S. communities for one year saves $6.5 billion in dental treatment costs and offers an average return on investment of $20 for every $1 spent. The CDC has also highlighted that on average, communities with water fluoridation experience 25 percent fewer cavities, saving $32 per person annually by avoiding dental treatment costs and leading to fewer missed work and school days. Since Kennedy’s nomination was announced, the Florida Surgeon General has already advised local governments across the state to stop adding fluoride to their community water supplies, calling it "public health malpractice."
Impact on General Dentistry: The AGD understands the importance of fluoride for preventing cavities and tooth decay. We agree with the CDC that fluoride is one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century and that it is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient tool for improving overall oral health. We will be tracking this issue and are prepared to advocate on the importance of fluoride for children and adults.
Kennedy has stated that on day one, the Trump administration would “advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water.” Kennedy has claimed that fluoride is “industrial waste” causing serious medical conditions, including bone fractures and thyroid disease. The CDC has declared that providing optimally fluoridated water to U.S. communities for one year saves $6.5 billion in dental treatment costs and offers an average return on investment of $20 for every $1 spent. The CDC has also highlighted that on average, communities with water fluoridation experience 25 percent fewer cavities, saving $32 per person annually by avoiding dental treatment costs and leading to fewer missed work and school days. Since Kennedy’s nomination was announced, the Florida Surgeon General has already advised local governments across the state to stop adding fluoride to their community water supplies, calling it "public health malpractice."
Impact on General Dentistry: The AGD understands the importance of fluoride for preventing cavities and tooth decay. We agree with the CDC that fluoride is one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century and that it is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient tool for improving overall oral health. We will be tracking this issue and are prepared to advocate on the importance of fluoride for children and adults.