I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah. I previously received my physical therapy doctor degree from the U., and I have 20 years of experience working in rural and urban settings, both in the U.S. and abroad. The corporatization of health care and rapidly increasing disparities in our country have catalyzed my return to graduate school in pursuit of a career in public health. At its core, public health promotes health equity and environmental justice, built upon the foundations of research and science.
The University of Utah is a top-tier research university known for its diverse disciplines and contributions to the global community. The fluoride debate is a hot political topic right now. Decades of research and public health research consistently show that water fluoridation is an effective way to protect the oral health of Americans by reducing cavities, tooth decay and dental health disparities. The rolling back of fluoridation is going to have the most impact on our most vulnerable populations.
Calgary discontinued their fluoridation program in 2011 and, over a relatively short period of time, saw dramatic increases in kids requiring IV antibiotics or needing operative dental care under general anesthesia. Due to a recent majority vote in favor of the initiative, Calgary is reinstating fluoridation.
Last week, RFK, Jr. and members of the Utah Legislature held a press conference regarding Utah’s recent ban on fluoridation.
Without prior notice to students or faculty at the University of Utah, this press conference took place at the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, in our main lobby, surrounded by secret service and police force. Not only was the event not communicated transparently to our public health community at the U., but the event was held suddenly in our common student area, which was restricted during the time of his visit.
Given the fact that the University of Utah is a top-tier research institution, I would expect a higher level of academic discourse surrounding the research on the fluoridation subject while an event at the caliber of national Cabinet members is taking place. Furthermore, the nature of a press conference with the United States appointed government leader being held at a renowned academic institution without public health academic involvement is concerning.
Susan Nowell, Salt Lake City
