On January 29 and 30th, 2025, the Senate Finance and Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) Committees respectively held confirmation hearings for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. In both hearings, Senators focused their line of questioning on his past statements about vaccines, public health, and chronic disease. Democrats sharply criticized many of Mr. Kennedy’s public statements regarding vaccines, arguing that his rhetoric has undermined public health efforts. Some Republicans also expressed concerns, but were generally more open to his nomination, focusing instead on his broader health care agenda. Beyond vaccines, Mr. Kennedy spoke extensively about his commitment to tackling chronic disease, improving food safety, and eradicating conflicts of interest within health agencies. 

Throughout the hearings, Mr. Kennedy faced a mix of skepticism and cautious support along party lines. Democrats remain largely opposed to his nomination. Meanwhile, Republicans were more receptive, with some seeing his focus on reducing costs and increasing transparency as aligning with conservative health policy goals. 

Impact on General Dentistry: While not a focus of either hearing, the AGD has been closely following Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s nomination given his commentary on fluoride. He has previously stated that fluoride is “industrial waste” causing serious medical conditions. The AGD understands the importance of fluoride for preventing cavities and tooth decay and is prepared to advocate on this topic.